To XPEL...or not to EXPEL?

[F80JMcD]

Wondering how many of you will be opting for XPEL soon after delivery. I was quoted $1,200 for full front-end (full hood, bumper, fenders, lights, bumper and mirrors) which seems reasonable. I've had my S4 (phantom black) for three years and have only had one rock chip in the hood which my local shop was able to touch up and blend in for free.

While $1,200 is reasonable, it adds up with the other mods I'm planning on doing:
1. Paint Correction / Detail = $500+
2. IND Cosmetic Package = $600
3. Lower Lip Splitter = $500
4. M Performance Diffuser = $1,000
5. Exhaust = $TBD

Plus, knowing me, I'll want a new car after 3 years... Is XPEL worth it?

[Plano]

I'm in this same dilemma as well, and so far i'm leaning towards getting it. My existing car I was not too lucky with rock chips, bugs, etc. So it really depends on where you drive, how much you drive, etc. Also if you're leasing the car, don't waste your money (i assume you're not since you have a mod list).

[OrangeD1sco]

If you are only keeping it for 3 years, I wouldn't do it. If you plan on keeping it long term, then probably worth it.

[darkalley]

The rocks are one thing but I always do a clear bra because of the killer bugs by me in the NJ countryside. Scrubbing the bugs off just screws w the paint too much. Skip the paint correction, hit the car w 3m imperial hand glaze by hand and top it off w P21s and you are good to go.

[PJS313]

Just got Xpel on Monday and am happy I went for it. Can't tell anything is on the car unless you're looking for it. It was a big expense but totally worth it for me. I got quite a few rock chips in the old M which this will hopefully save me from plus being able to scrub bugs off without worrying about the paint is great.

Make sure you go to a reputable installer to get it done if you decide to go for it.

[SakhirM4]

I did the whole front on my M4 - full hood, bumper, headlights, fenders, mirrors - was about $1200. In the Texas Hill Country, most of the roads have gravel shoulders and we end up with a lot of pebbles on the road. Rock chips are a way of life and I didn't want to do that on the M4. I think the Sakhir Orange might be hard to do touch up. We also have lots of bugs at various times of the year that can be very damaging. This is definitely one of those things that you need to decide if it is worth it to you.

I really don't think it matters if you are keeping the car a short time or long time.

[JoeFromPA]

With alpine white, blending paint is a piece of cake. So I can touch up rock chips or have a bumper re-sprayed for modest outlay.

What turned me off a bit to some clear protectives was that bird crap and some bugs can permanently discolor it if left on for some indeterminate amount of time.

I will sometimes drive 1000 miles in a week with exhaustion when I get home. I will seal my paint and remove bugs/bird crap like normal, or will compound out any issues, and it'll be fine. I don't want to have to worry that I'll see a yellow discoloration on my paint.

[stevenc]

My car has Suntek Clear for $600 in Houston. Front bumper, half of hood, mirrors and trunk area. I had clear bra before on my previous BMW and i really liked it. Im not sure its worth $1200 but for $600 its a much easier decision. Ask around and consider other film brands.

[TTG]

Do it for sure but shop around.

If I were in the market for a used M3/4, I would not buy one without clearbra.

Paint is just crap on these cars.

[Ryan239]

What are you other guys paying for the front end/mirrors? $1200 is less than half what I was quoted, but much more in line for what I paid on my E92 M3. FWIW I am most definitely doing this, neither my current 1 series or Cayenne have it and I regret that decision every time I go out to the car.

I did have some minor staining on the hood covering of the E92, but the covering is replaceable and cheaper than paintwork.

[F80JMcD]

Originally Posted by Ryan239

I did have some minor staining on the hood covering of the E92, but the covering is replaceable and cheaper than paintwork.

Can you elaborate on the staining? Was that staining to the covering I am assuming? How long after install did it begin to stain?

[Ryan239]

Originally Posted by F80JMcD

Can you elaborate on the staining? Was that staining to the covering I am assuming? How long after install did it begin to stain?

It was bird shit or something environmental that stained it; it didn't stain by itself. There was a little yellow mark next to the roundel.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by BlackDragon

Moving to Austin in a month. Picking up my m4 in July. Plan to do xpel. Who would you recommend and how much of the car would you recommend?

I will PM you

[Deja_Vu]

Oh hell yes. I had my Lexus completely covered and it was totally worth it. I could wash it without having to worry about introducing swirls. Bugs, tar, etc came off without issue. I am definitely doing it when I get the M4.