Bimmerpost
3
/
4 Series
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BIMMERPOST Universal Forums Cosmetic Care & Detailing (PPF/Wash/Wax/Detailing/Restoration/Repairs) Thoughts on Paint Protection Film?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-12-2019, 12:38 PM   #1
Serottab1kr
Enlisted Member
Serottab1kr's Avatar
12
Rep
32
Posts

Drives: 2020 BMW M340i X
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (0)

Thoughts on Paint Protection Film?

I have a new M340iX arriving next week and am considering having installed either Xpel or Suntek on the front bumper, mirrors, partial hood and door cups.

I live in Seattle and do not do a ton of highway driving and rarely, if ever, drive in the snow.

I have had some of new vehicles filmed and some not. I am mixed on filming this car. Just thought I would see others thoughts on filming.

Thanks for any feedback.
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2019, 03:14 PM   #2
pneumodoc
Lieutenant
pneumodoc's Avatar
232
Rep
422
Posts

Drives: G20, G01
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serottab1kr View Post
I have a new M340iX arriving next week and am considering having installed either Xpel or Suntek on the front bumper, mirrors, partial hood and door cups.

I live in Seattle and do not do a ton of highway driving and rarely, if ever, drive in the snow.

I have had some of new vehicles filmed and some not. I am mixed on filming this car. Just thought I would see others thoughts on filming.

Thanks for any feedback.
I live in seattle as well and got it done along with ceramic coating. I went with Ben and Joey at east side auto salon. Not the cheapest, but great quality work and they stand by it. I think it depends on how particular you are about your car and how long you plan to keep it. I’m happy with it so far.
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2019, 04:41 PM   #3
hockeymen14
Private First Class
120
Rep
129
Posts

Drives: 2020 m340i
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Gulfport, FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serottab1kr View Post
I have a new M340iX arriving next week and am considering having installed either Xpel or Suntek on the front bumper, mirrors, partial hood and door cups.

I live in Seattle and do not do a ton of highway driving and rarely, if ever, drive in the snow.

I have had some of new vehicles filmed and some not. I am mixed on filming this car. Just thought I would see others thoughts on filming.

Thanks for any feedback.
I agree with the comment below. If you're particular, purchased the car and plan to keep it for more than 6-7 years than it may be worth it. If you leased it I would say absolutely not and if you plan to dump it in 3 years you'll never get your money back. If you have an extra grand laying around and don't care then all of the above don't even matter. To each their own. I did it and plan to keep the car for 7-10 years if all goes as planned.
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2019, 07:04 PM   #4
cstavaru
Brigadier General
cstavaru's Avatar
308
Rep
3,262
Posts

Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Bucharest, Romania

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serottab1kr View Post
I have a new M340iX arriving next week and am considering having installed either Xpel or Suntek on the front bumper, mirrors, partial hood and door cups.

I live in Seattle and do not do a ton of highway driving and rarely, if ever, drive in the snow.

I have had some of new vehicles filmed and some not. I am mixed on filming this car. Just thought I would see others thoughts on filming.

Thanks for any feedback.
I had this on my 335i when it was new and I would say it is worth it. It offers a ton of protection for the bumper But at least on Alpine White it detracts a little from the design, it can be noticed especially the partial hood part. After a while I just peeled it off (it was quite hard, used a hairdryer) and I enjoyed the unscratched bumper for a little while.
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2019, 07:08 PM   #5
pneumodoc
Lieutenant
pneumodoc's Avatar
232
Rep
422
Posts

Drives: G20, G01
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

Oh I didn’t read closely enough. I would do the fill front (ie hood fenders) so you don’t have a line. That’s how mine is done, and no one can tell it’s there.
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2019, 12:35 AM   #6
Serottab1kr
Enlisted Member
Serottab1kr's Avatar
12
Rep
32
Posts

Drives: 2020 BMW M340i X
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (0)

Great, thanks for the info. There is a place here that will do the suntek film for about 700.

Any issues with filming right away, or is best to wait a month or two for the paint to cure?
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2019, 05:47 AM   #7
3ismagic#
Private First Class
3ismagic#'s Avatar
126
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: '19 330Xi M-Sport
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Centrally Isolated

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serottab1kr View Post
Great, thanks for the info. There is a place here that will do the suntek film for about 700.

Any issues with filming right away, or is best to wait a month or two for the paint to cure?
Modern auto factory paint isn't like the old days (or resprays at a body shop). It comes off the line cured and ready to go. No need to wait.
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2019, 11:13 AM   #8
golf_234
Captain
318
Rep
905
Posts

Drives: E46, E90, F30
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Santa Monica

iTrader: (0)

On a brand new car, good idea, just don't go overkill on it.
That being said, little wear and tear over the years can add character.
If the thought process behind it is spirited and you just want to keep things top notch I'd say ya. If it is to cherish the car as some immaculate object that should never get exposed to anything, no. I like looking at things like this by finding the "sweet spot". Example:

Jimi Hendrix... lights guitar on fire <-> a person who keeps their guitar in a glass case
James Bond, drifting the Aston Martin with bullet holes <-> a guy who keeps their M3 in the garage 90% of the time


Some where in between there.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2019, 11:28 AM   #9
Serottab1kr
Enlisted Member
Serottab1kr's Avatar
12
Rep
32
Posts

Drives: 2020 BMW M340i X
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by golf_234 View Post
On a brand new car, good idea, just don't go overkill on it.
That being said, little wear and tear over the years can add character.
If the thought process behind it is spirited and you just want to keep things top notch I'd say ya. If it is to cherish the car as some immaculate object that should never get exposed to anything, no. I like looking at things like this by finding the "sweet spot". Example:

Jimi Hendrix... lights guitar on fire <-> a person who keeps their guitar in a glass case
James Bond, drifting the Aston Martin with bullet holes <-> a guy who keeps their M3 in the garage 90% of the time


Some where in between there.
Yea, good point. I do really enjoy keeping my cars in top notch shape. I two-bucket hand wash my cars, garage keep, etc. but, I have mixed feelings on filming. I didn’t film my A4 and still looks great. A few very minor blemishes. Other cars I did film, the paint did not wear evenly and ultimately the film weathered a bit.

I’m not sure it really adds much to the resale, as I still think most people do not film.

All good food for thought.
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2019, 12:34 PM   #10
Blubaron79
Brigadier General
Blubaron79's Avatar
United_States
1431
Rep
4,722
Posts

Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PA

iTrader: (0)

I would put it on even if leasing 3 years. I do on mine. I have seen a bumper get destroyed in 1 road trip. Then you have a chipped bumper for 3 years.
__________________
Current: 2021 M340i xDrive

Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2019, 12:36 PM   #11
pneumodoc
Lieutenant
pneumodoc's Avatar
232
Rep
422
Posts

Drives: G20, G01
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

700 is quite cheap for a full front. More power to you if you have a good installer doing it at that price though!
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2019, 01:46 PM   #12
ScottyRyan2019
Licensed Professional Slacker
ScottyRyan2019's Avatar
United_States
1081
Rep
705
Posts

Drives: 2024 M2 and 2023 Mazda CX-30
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Twin Cities

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
  [10.00]
  [10.00]
2024 BMW M2  [9.50]
My personal opinion, if leasing, pass on it. You can have quite a bit of cosmetic damage and fairly large dings that you won't get charged for. If you buy and drive little and only in town, I would not worry about it. If you buy, plan on owning it for years, and drive a lot on the highway, get it. If you do get it I would not go through the dealer right away. Shop around as you can usually get a better deal. If you insist on going through your dealer, go back to them with the prices you found and negotiate with them.

Now, if you are an absolute stickler with how your car looks and it has to be a 10 out of 10 at all times, then anything above is a moot point. Get it and do the full front.
__________________
2024 M2 and 2023 Mazda CX-30
Appreciate 1
      07-13-2019, 02:13 PM   #13
golf_234
Captain
318
Rep
905
Posts

Drives: E46, E90, F30
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Santa Monica

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blubaron79 View Post
I would put it on even if leasing 3 years. I do on mine. I have seen a bumper get destroyed in 1 road trip. Then you have a chipped bumper for 3 years.
IMO, huge waste of time, effort, thought, and money to do it on a lease... just drive the damn thing and keep it waxed and you'll be fine.
Would definitively not do it on a lease. Low benefit thing to spend time on.


Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottyRyan2019 View Post
My personal opinion, if leasing, pass on it. You can have quite a bit of cosmetic damage and fairly large dings that you won't get charged for. If you buy and drive little and only in town, I would not worry about it. If you buy, plan on owning it for years, and drive a lot on the highway, get it. If you do get it I would not go through the dealer right away. Shop around as you can usually get a better deal. If you insist on going through your dealer, go back to them with the prices you found and negotiate with them.
This. On a brand new purchased car a good idea. Especially if you plan to keep it long term.

Personally, I tend to be pretty perfectionist with my cars, but over time I find wisdom in the logic that the car is meant to be driven, enjoyed, and used not kept in a worshiping shrine. On my current 340i, condition is pretty much 10/10, I just use a 2 bucket wash, wax and quick wax every wash, and it stays that way. Also have a random orbital and do the clay/polish/wax yearly. I don't have any clear bra on it, and have the OE touch up so if any chips ever do show up I will just fill them with that. I like working with the real paint on the car. I prob should do clear bra on this car, but prob not going to it's been fine, California also doesn't induce a lot of rock chips as it is more of sandy geography.

Shooting for 99% perfect is very often better than shooting for 100% perfect in life.

To take this to the other extreme, my brother has a 1996 328i and it has so many dings, nicks, on it, which we touched up and restored, and the car has immense character and if anything makes it a more interesting car. You'd hardly notice all the nicks because they have been touched up, and if you are focusing on that.... Why? On that car, I would say it in fact makes the car more interesting.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2019, 08:27 PM   #14
Joro2819
Banned
United_States
50
Rep
77
Posts

Drives: 2009 BMW 750LI
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Glen Allen, Va.

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by golf_234 View Post
IMO, huge waste of time, effort, thought, and money to do it on a lease... just drive the damn thing and keep it waxed and you'll be fine.
Would definitively not do it on a lease. Low benefit thing to spend time on.




This. On a brand new purchased car a good idea. Especially if you plan to keep it long term.

Personally, I tend to be pretty perfectionist with my cars, but over time I find wisdom in the logic that the car is meant to be driven, enjoyed, and used not kept in a worshiping shrine. On my current 340i, condition is pretty much 10/10, I just use a 2 bucket wash, wax and quick wax every wash, and it stays that way. Also have a random orbital and do the clay/polish/wax yearly. I don't have any clear bra on it, and have the OE touch up so if any chips ever do show up I will just fill them with that. I like working with the real paint on the car. I prob should do clear bra on this car, but prob not going to it's been fine, California also doesn't induce a lot of rock chips as it is more of sandy geography.

Shooting for 99% perfect is very often better than shooting for 100% perfect in life.

To take this to the other extreme, my brother has a 1996 328i and it has so many dings, nicks, on it, which we touched up and restored, and the car has immense character and if anything makes it a more interesting car. You'd hardly notice all the nicks because they have been touched up, and if you are focusing on that.... Why? On that car, I would say it in fact makes the car more interesting.
Nice write up, I was pondering over whether this was a good idea when I purchase my 340. Seems like a lot of money to spend. I understand the logic behind it and I have my share of dings on my car. It still looks great with some dings and rock chips and I have learned to luve with it and gave up on trying to make it look like a garage queen.
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2019, 07:31 PM   #15
3ismagic#
Private First Class
3ismagic#'s Avatar
126
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: '19 330Xi M-Sport
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Centrally Isolated

iTrader: (0)

If buying and plan to hold for 5-6 years then yes.
If leasing then no.
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2019, 07:37 PM   #16
TheBingoBalls
Brigadier General
TheBingoBalls's Avatar
Canada
3805
Rep
4,655
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Toronto, Ontario

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Second what everyone says if you plan on keeping the vehicle. Even if you're considering it and not sure, do it. I regret not doing it. I never had an issue with stone chips with my E90 but my F36 has a bunch of nicks, pitting and stone chips in 2 years of ownership.
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2019, 09:25 AM   #17
gpdriver17
Lieutenant
291
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: F90 M5
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (0)

I cannot find anyone in my area to do the hood and front bumper for under $1,800. For that I could just have them repainted. Which seems like a better option since they still could get damaged with the protection. One shop quoted 10k for the entire car!
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2019, 12:23 PM   #18
golf_234
Captain
318
Rep
905
Posts

Drives: E46, E90, F30
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Santa Monica

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gpdriver17 View Post
I cannot find anyone in my area to do the hood and front bumper for under $1,800. For that I could just have them repainted. Which seems like a better option since they still could get damaged with the protection. One shop quoted 10k for the entire car!
Oh man. No way. That is insane. Might just be California, but when I think of it, it really isn't as much of an issue here. It was a lot worse with rock chips when I lived in Utah, I would be much more inclined to do so there as it was a frequent occurrence. See you're in the bay area, would imagine it is similar. Maybe you could just ask yourself how bad it has been with previous cars?
__________________
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2019, 12:28 PM   #19
golf_234
Captain
318
Rep
905
Posts

Drives: E46, E90, F30
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Santa Monica

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joro2819 View Post
Nice write up, I was pondering over whether this was a good idea when I purchase my 340. Seems like a lot of money to spend. I understand the logic behind it and I have my share of dings on my car. It still looks great with some dings and rock chips and I have learned to luve with it and gave up on trying to make it look like a garage queen.
That thing is a beaut! I am a firm believer in finding that sweet spot and looks like you have too. For me for my daily drivers it is more about "perfect maintenance" than "perfect car". Anything careless and of disregard is a no to me, but anything "natural" is ok. Like if I get a chip on my hood, I just fill with the BMW touch up paint and forget about it. Adds a story to the car. Can go as far to wet sand, make it perfect... but... no. I own the car and use it, not vice versa.

Another miracle is Paintless dent repair if someone ever happens to dent. Had a couple dents on my E90 back in the day and they worked absolute miracles, it is unbelievable what they are capable of.

Current, no film, just always waxed.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2019, 01:55 PM   #20
hockeymen14
Private First Class
120
Rep
129
Posts

Drives: 2020 m340i
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Gulfport, FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gpdriver17 View Post
I cannot find anyone in my area to do the hood and front bumper for under $1,800. For that I could just have them repainted. Which seems like a better option since they still could get damaged with the protection. One shop quoted 10k for the entire car!
Ask them to limit what is done. I was in the same boat and did full hood, lights, front fender and called it a day. I left the fenders and roof line and A pillars alone. Couldn't justify the cost. This was my happy medium.
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2019, 05:34 PM   #21
MmmmmM2
Colonel
MmmmmM2's Avatar
2578
Rep
2,423
Posts

Drives: 2021 M2C
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Claremont, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 Mazda CX-5  [0.00]
2021 BMW M2C  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by golf_234 View Post
That thing is a beaut! I am a firm believer in finding that sweet spot and looks like you have too. For me for my daily drivers it is more about "perfect maintenance" than "perfect car". Anything careless and of disregard is a no to me, but anything "natural" is ok. Like if I get a chip on my hood, I just fill with the BMW touch up paint and forget about it. Adds a story to the car. Can go as far to wet sand, make it perfect... but... no. I own the car and use it, not vice versa.

Another miracle is Paintless dent repair if someone ever happens to dent. Had a couple dents on my E90 back in the day and they worked absolute miracles, it is unbelievable what they are capable of.

Current, no film, just always waxed.
Very similar to mine!
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2019, 06:18 PM   #22
gpdriver17
Lieutenant
291
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: F90 M5
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by golf_234 View Post
Oh man. No way. That is insane. Might just be California, but when I think of it, it really isn't as much of an issue here. It was a lot worse with rock chips when I lived in Utah, I would be much more inclined to do so there as it was a frequent occurrence. See you're in the bay area, would imagine it is similar. Maybe you could just ask yourself how bad it has been with previous cars?
Our previous car got destroyed with rock chips. Maybe it's just the routes we took it on, but I've never seen a car with so many. I'm a little worried they are going to ask us to repaint it for the lease turn in (October).

The M340 is a lease so I don't think we'll do it on that (unless they end up asking us to repaint the one we are turning in soon). The C63 wont be driven much so it shouldn't be a major issue. Probably going to pass.
__________________
2018 BMW M5
2018 Porsche GT3
2023 Porsche Macan S
2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:13 AM.




g20
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST