[awesoM]

I know I know everyone is posting the 23s now, but my excitement for my 22 is still strong given I haven't even made my 2nd payment yet.

I only started PPF in it's entirety (except roof) for my last 2 cars. I got to say it is hard to live out now. Especially in the car wash, I can use the brush (that goes on who knows what) and just scrub whatever crud has accumulated without worrying I'm going to scratch or swirl the paint.

I truly recommend it for folks that are not leasing and keeping it more than 3 years.

[BMWX7]

This looks fantastic! Perfect color and wheel combo...

[awesoM]

Originally Posted by BMWX7

This looks fantastic! Perfect color and wheel combo...

Thank you. These wheel was a trade with another forum member. They came with 22s and being that I just did not want to deal with the swaps during winter… 21s it is.

[JaTe]

Yup! I've done full front ppf on my last five cars. Much easier to maintain and don't have to worry about bird poop etching the paint as much.

[BMW5and7]

So, if you use that brush on the PPF, it will not scratch the paint, but it will scratch the PPF instead, correct?

[awesoM]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

So, if you use that brush on the PPF, it will not scratch the paint, but it will scratch the PPF instead, correct?

The PPF is "flexible" enough to withstand the abuse. I have never had a issue where it be so bad that it would be visible. But if it comes to that get the hairdryer, heat it a little and it goes away.

[JaTe]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

So, if you use that brush on the PPF, it will not scratch the paint, but it will scratch the PPF instead, correct?

Most Ppf have self healing properties. It is truly amazing.

[BMW5and7]

What’s the average cost to wrap an entire vehicle?

[awesoM]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

What's the average cost to wrap an entire vehicle?

It varies depending on how you want it done, typically 5 to 6k. I know it seems steep upfront, hence you have to be buying and not leasing. But maintenance and not having to be anal about paint swirls, rock chips etc, road tar etc.

You can just get the critical places done like front and rockers.. generally run about 2300. You can negotiate door cups and sills in too.

[JJacksonIII]

"unless you get up super close, and know exactly what to look for, you can't even really tell that it's on there"
- This is my question, what looks the absolute best, a perfect wax job, a ceramic coating or a PPF wrap?
Seems like PPF is the best solution for a daily driver, but maybe not for a show car. Does that sound fair? I am using my vehicles and love the idea of a protection wrap, but don't want it to look like it's wrapped. Does the PPF hide any of the metallic properties? Does it still allow the metallic colors to pop?

[BMW5and7]

First, I don't mean to force my opinion into the conversation here, but my personal opinion is that paying nearly $6K for PPF is not something I've considered for the following reasons:
* First, as you mentioned, it only makes sense if you own the vehicle, and will keep it for 3-5 years. If so, probably even the best X7 will sell for ~50-60K or less when it's 5-years old (aka: 2020 MY in 2025) or (2019 MY in 2024). Hence, the $6K is nearly 10-15% of the trade in value, and the only benefit is that next owner gets swirl marks free vehicle. They may pay ypu less for a vehicle with major scratches, but swirl marks? No, they won't even go that far of evaluating it under LEDs. I've been there before, the process takes no more than 10 min to fully evaluate the vehicle which includes 5 min test drive, 2-3 min computer test, 30 second walk around the vehicle, and 1-2 min of VIN check and trade-in value software recommendation. BMW pays nothing for swirl marks free vehicles and certainly will need to unwrap the vehicle after 5-years (added labor too for them).
* Most PPF wraps will not present a car-show condition like ceramic coating does. At nearly 3% the investment (aka: $150+labor) I can get the 9-years Adams graphene advanced ceramic coating applied and it will do an awesome job. Yes, rock chips will be an issue, but can touch them up easily and won't be that noticeable. The car sides will be perfect and maintained in a car show condition for years if you do hand washing the right way with ceramic coating.
* I just think that investing $6K is a waste of money for something that does not guarantee a car-show look, and at the some time for swirl marks, simply if you have ceramic coating u can wash it using the right method and u should be good and free of swirl marks. I never has swirl marks as I do wash my vehicles, or worst case take them to touchless car wash if am busy.
* The $6 investment is subjective, and for some that may be a small amount of money and who cares, but the car-show appearance is something I can't let go even if I don't care about the $6K investment.

That's just how I see it, and it doesn't need to be the same for everyone. Just wanted to share my personal opinion. Ceramic coating costs way less especially for DIY yet shows better results for a fraction of the price. After-all it's just a vehicle, and I will not throw $6K to the eyes of people on the streets so they can see a spot-free or swirl-marks free vehicle under LEDs. Ceramic coating does that for $150+labor. Another concern is rock chips, PPF gets damaged, hence needs to be replaced again.. .so you're only protecting it for the next owner. Rock chips will still present on the PPF. With ceramic coating, I'll just touch it up, and call it a day. Again, that works for me, but am sure PPF works for others too, just a different opinion.

[transformerr]

I think PPF is too expensive for me. First time BMW but most of the times I wash my cars. Invested $200 (HF DA polisher, pads, polish, clay bar, iron remover etc) and $100 is ceramic coating and planning to do DIY ceramic coating. As a practice I did on my 3 year old Honda and the results are amazing.

I am not saying PPF is not worth but not for me.

[awesoM]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

First, I don't mean to force my opinion into the conversation here, but my personal opinion is that paying nearly $6K for PPF is not something I've considered for the following reasons:
* First, as you mentioned, it only makes sense if you own the vehicle, and will keep it for 3-5 years. If so, probably even the best X7 will sell for ~50-60K or less when it's 5-years old (aka: 2020 MY in 2025) or (2019 MY in 2024). Hence, the $6K is nearly 10-15% of the trade in value, and the only benefit is that next owner gets swirl marks free vehicle. They may pay ypu less for a vehicle with major scratches, but swirl marks? No, they won't even go that far of evaluating it under LEDs. I've been there before, the process takes no more than 10 min to fully evaluate the vehicle which includes 5 min test drive, 2-3 min computer test, 30 second walk around the vehicle, and 1-2 min of VIN check and trade-in value software recommendation. BMW pays nothing for swirl marks free vehicles and certainly will need to unwrap the vehicle after 5-years (added labor too for them).
* Most PPF wraps will not present a car-show condition like ceramic coating does. At nearly 3% the investment (aka: $150+labor) I can get the 9-years Adams graphene advanced ceramic coating applied and it will do an awesome job. Yes, rock chips will be an issue, but can touch them up easily and won't be that noticeable. The car sides will be perfect and maintained in a car show condition for years if you do hand washing the right way with ceramic coating.
* I just think that investing $6K is a waste of money for something that does not guarantee a car-show look, and at the some time for swirl marks, simply if you have ceramic coating u can wash it using the right method and u should be good and free of swirl marks. I never has swirl marks as I do wash my vehicles, or worst case take them to touchless car wash if am busy.
* The $6 investment is subjective, and for some that may be a small amount of money and who cares, but the car-show appearance is something I can't let go even if I don't care about the $6K investment.

That's just how I see it, and it doesn't need to be the same for everyone. Just wanted to share my personal opinion. Ceramic coating costs way less especially for DIY yet shows better results for a fraction of the price. After-all it's just a vehicle, and I will not throw $6K to the eyes of people on the streets so they can see a spot-free or swirl-marks free vehicle under LEDs. Ceramic coating does that for $150+labor. Another concern is rock chips, PPF gets damaged, hence needs to be replaced again.. .so you're only protecting it for the next owner. Rock chips will still present on the PPF. With ceramic coating, I'll just touch it up, and call it a day. Again, that works for me, but am sure PPF works for others too, just a different opinion.

No disagreement with the economics. Me changing my vehicles every 18 months is also bad economics. But I think for folks that want the peace of mind during the ownership is key. Especially in the front of the vehicle to protect against rock chips and tar (most common package owners will do). I only get it done on cars that are white or dark colors, because imo are harder to maintain. For colors like grays I only do the front. Personally for me is when I spend so much money upfront I just like to baby it and keep my car shiny and new for the time I own the vehicle.

I have not had a rock chip that has severely damaged the ppf. Not to say it does not happen and if it did my paint on the most part will be un damaged. No matter how you touch up, you will always see it. At the end of the day when you do all the protection, ceramic … ppf or otherwise, you are doing it for yourself. For me it would bug the hell out of me to see the touch up each time I get in the car, some folks not so much.

[blutob2]

I only do PPF on the front. I've owned too many cars that look like crap after 20,000+ miles. Rock chips are just too common nowadays. So I think $1000 for frontal PPF is no issue with me. But for the entire vehicle that will mostly never see a chip, no. I understand protecting against washing, scratches, etc but I always hand wash my cars and am careful in preventing swirls. But I also do ceramic which makes washing 10 times easier.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by awesoM

No disagreement with the economics. Me changing my vehicles every 18 months is also bad economics. But I think for folks that want the peace of mind during the ownership is key. Especially in the front of the vehicle to protect against rock chips and tar (most common package owners will do). I only get it done on cars that are white or dark colors, because imo are harder to maintain. For colors like grays I only do the front. Personally for me is when I spend so much money upfront I just like to baby it and keep my car shiny and new for the time I own the vehicle.

I have not had a rock chip that has severely damaged the ppf. Not to say it does not happen and if it did my paint on the most part will be un damaged. No matter how you touch up, you will always see it. At the end of the day when you do all the protection, ceramic … ppf or otherwise, you are doing it for yourself. For me it would bug the hell out of me to see the touch up each time I get in the car, some folks not so much.

I see the point of doing the front only (and I have considered it several times) but would never see the benefit and point of doing the entire car. To me, doing the entire car gets me no value at all for the money. I can still maintain a good looking car on the sides with no swirl marks by avoiding car washing machines and washing it the way I do all the time. My original comment was based on applying PPF on the entire body, and I still believe it is a waste of time and gets no value at least for my case. I also tend to spot the very least imperfection, and I hate how PPF looks. No matter how good it is, a naked polished paint will always look better with ceramic coating than a panel covered with PPF. It may not be that bad during first year, but within 12 months, it won't be as good as naked panel.

[supdes]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

I see the point of doing the front only (and I have considered it several times) but would never see the benefit and point of doing the entire car. To me, doing the entire car gets me no value at all for the money. I can still maintain a good looking car on the sides with no swirl marks by avoiding car washing machines and washing it the way I do all the time. My original comment was based on applying PPF on the entire body, and I still believe it is a waste of time and gets no value at least for my case. I also tend to spot the very least imperfection, and I hate how PPF looks. No matter how good it is, a naked polished paint will always look better with ceramic coating than a panel covered with PPF. It may not be that bad during first year, but within 12 months, it won't be as good as naked panel.

Totally agree with your comments above.
I have gone both ways and was astonished at trade in, how little people cared or valued the PPF and associated flawless appearance.
At the same time, I absolutely understand the reasoning behind people going whole body PPF and the reassurance and extra protection.
The only part that I have been mainly protecting is my windshield. I used to have consistently 1 cracked windshield per year!! The inconvenience fighting for OEM glass each time and then having the dealer to recalibrate all safety systems has been enough of a reason for me to get the protective film.
Since about 4 years, Stek Dynoshield has been producing one that is self healing and hydrophobic. I have been rather satisfied with the film and got it again installed on my new m60i.

[wamochi]

Originally Posted by supdes

Totally agree with your comments above.
I have gone both ways and was astonished at trade in, how little people cared or valued the PPF and associated flawless appearance.
At the same time, I absolutely understand the reasoning behind people going whole body PPF and the reassurance and extra protection.
The only part that I have been mainly protecting is my windshield. I used to have consistently 1 cracked windshield per year!! The inconvenience fighting for OEM glass each time and then having the dealer to recalibrate all safety systems has been enough of a reason for me to get the protective film.
Since about 4 years, Stek Dynoshield has been producing one that is self healing and hydrophobic. I have been rather satisfied with the film and got it again installed on my new m60i.

does the windshield film do anything to the wiper blades? will they still have a pretty smooth glide over the film?

[supdes]

Originally Posted by wamochi

does the windshield film do anything to the wiper blades? will they still have a pretty smooth glide over the film?

Very smooth, you couldn't even tell.
Now, if the film is excessively covered with dirt or pollen, I obviously first clean off the windshield before running the wipers to enhance the film's longevity and it has worked out so far.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by supdes

Totally agree with your comments above.
I have gone both ways and was astonished at trade in, how little people cared or valued the PPF and associated flawless appearance.
At the same time, I absolutely understand the reasoning behind people going whole body PPF and the reassurance and extra protection.
The only part that I have been mainly protecting is my windshield. I used to have consistently 1 cracked windshield per year!! The inconvenience fighting for OEM glass each time and then having the dealer to recalibrate all safety systems has been enough of a reason for me to get the protective film.
Since about 4 years, Stek Dynoshield has been producing one that is self healing and hydrophobic. I have been rather satisfied with the film and got it again installed on my new m60i.

I have to admit that I never ever thought about PPF for windshield, but if time goes back, I will 100% apply it at least on the windshield. The front end is probably still a good idea. But Windshield? Oh man, certainly yes. My windshield now has some micro rock chips that bothers me when driving against the sun shine. Great advise!

[ComingInHot]

PPF is worth it for the owner if you are self diagnosed with OCD like me : Who cares about resale if you're keeping it at least 10 years like I do.

I care that it looks beautiful all the years and PPF really helps the cause. The self heal has saved me already soooo worth it!!

[Rcbmw21]

Originally Posted by awesoM

I know I know everyone is posting the 23s now, but my excitement for my 22 is still strong given I haven't even made my 2nd payment yet.

I only started PPF in it's entirety (except roof) for my last 2 cars. I got to say it is hard to live out now. Especially in the car wash, I can use the brush (that goes on who knows what) and just scrub whatever crud has accumulated without worrying I'm going to scratch or swirl the paint.

I truly recommend it for folks that are not leasing and keeping it more than 3 years.

Looks gorgeous, nice pictures. I see that you have M 50 yr emblems on it. Did you changed to them or the 2022 model came with them? I have 2021 and thinking of buying and replacing the stock with M 50 yr ones.

[awesoM]

Originally Posted by Rcbmw21

Looks gorgeous, nice pictures. I see that you have M 50 yr emblems on it. Did you changed to them or the 2022 model came with them? I have 2021 and thinking of buying and replacing the stock with M 50 yr ones.

The emblems came with the car when I purchased it. It came on the wheels as well. I have seen in various places you can buy the emblems.