[johninca]

I notice a lot of folks on this forum do ceramic and ppf on their new cars. Are most people doing this becasue they plan to keep the car for a long time or are they doing this on leases too ?

This feels like a large expense for a 3 year lease.

[Graaf_Autowerks]

Originally Posted by johninca

I notice a lot of folks on this forum do ceramic and ppf on their new cars. Are most people doing this becasue they plan to keep the car for a long time or are they doing this on leases too ?

This feels like a large expense for a 3 year lease.

I did it on my lease because I got a $70k car and I want it to look $70k the entire time I lease it. It doesn't make financial sense, but neither does enjoying a premium car like this anyway. I did NOT get PPF because I'm not keeping the car, and to me it can still look very clean and new with minor chips etc., I can live with saving that $3k expense.

Obviously it's a subjective decision and you need to weigh your own value of the expense. Nothing against others whose opinion differs from mine.

[NorCalAthlete]

Originally Posted by Graaf_Autowerks

It doesn't make financial sense, but neither does enjoying a premium car like this anyway.

[franky818]

I just spent 3k on a 3 year lease car . Who cares enjoy it you only live once .


The 3k got me this


Tints
Chrome delete around window trim
Gloss black ind 330i emblem
Gloss black powder coat 19" wheels
Painted break calipers red
IKON gloss black spoiler
IND color match license plate x2
IND bmw emblem with gloss black on the outer
IND Black chrome exhaust tips
Automodz custom gloss black Front lip
2 12" Jl' subswoofers

U want ur car to look like every other bmw? Then u shouldn't be on these forums!!!

[CCM11285]

Good ceramic coatings enhance the look, help the car stay cleaner, and make the wash process much easier. I wouldn't do PPF on a lease personally. But if you feel confident in your skills, you can apply a coating yourself to cut down on cost. I did the paint enhancement and coating on our F32, mostly because I just like doing it, not to cut cost. We're in the BMW forum remember 😂

Just on a side note, there are plenty good products that are fast and easy to apply without getting into a full blown coating. Sealants that contain SiO2 give good performance for far less cost but just need to be reapplied often.

[VetteGuy]

I debated traditional wax vs ceramic coating for my garage kept car but opted for ppf on the front facia and a five year ceramic coating on the entire car. Ended up dropping about $1,700. It has a great gloss and water literally rolls off. Washing it has been basically been, foaming it, rinsing it, blowing it dry and then wiping off any drips with a micro fiber towel primed with ceramic detailer. Takes all of 15 minutes to completely wash and dry it. So far it’s worth it. I bought the car outright and I’m planning on keeping the it 4 years give or take.

[paulockenden]

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

opted for ppf on the front facia and a five year ceramic coating on the entire car.

Is the difference between the ppf and non-ppf panels visible to the naked eye?

[VetteGuy]

Not unless you seriously get down and look for an edge. They did a nice job of meeting body panels and the cuts are extremely crisp. The ceramic coating looks the same on both the ppf and the paint.

[Graaf_Autowerks]

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

Not I less you seriously get down and look for an edge. They did a nice job of meeting body panels and the cuts are extremely crisp.

I think they meant in terms of glossiness from a PPF+ceramic panel versus a ceramic only panel, at least that's my question. I know you usually can get close and see the PPF lines, but wondering if the bonding is different on the film versus clear coat.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by paulockenden

Is the difference between the ppf and non-ppf panels visible to the naked eye?

No, the ppf on its own doesn't look any different vs an adjacent panel, and adding ceramic doesn't act any different on the ppf.