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      05-15-2015, 03:59 PM   #1
RWDdrifter
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Does anyone add paint protection film?

When I was considering a 2015 GTI I saw threads on the GTI forums regarding aftemarket paint protection film (from 3M, XCEL, Scotchgard, ...) that would be applied to the leading edges of the car (a transparent "car bra"). The FRS/BRZ order process even offered such a film as a dealer applied option. I don't see any mention of such paint protection on this forum. I'm hoping that it is because it is not needed for these BMWs (maybe their paint is more durable?). My 15+ year old E46 still doesn't show any paint chipping. The only front-end paint wear is to the Roundel badge which is 95% worn down to the bare metal or plastic.

Does anyone here feel strongly that adding paint protection film is a good idea? If so, why?

I've read that these films themselves weather over time, and would need to be replaced.

Any advice or insight would be appreciated.
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      05-15-2015, 04:16 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RWDdrifter View Post
Does anyone here feel strongly that adding paint protection film is a good idea? If so, why?
I do, and had it added to my new M235xi yesterday. It was done at the dealer by an outside detailing company. The new Xpel film is damn near invisible at the moment, far better than the 3M film was back in 2009.

A lot depends on where you live and how much you drive. My car is my daily driver. There are multiple days during the winter when I have to pass a large truck actively throwing grit, sand, salt, and/or antifreeze all over the roads and at the front of my car during snow storms.

My 2009 E92's front paint was fine under a 6 year old film that didn't show much sign of weathering.

My 2004 Passat (which did not have the film) has at least 10 dime-sized areas on the leading edge of the hood where the paint is flaking off and where there's rust due to leading edge chips. They start small, but the salt gets under the paint, leading relatively quickly to spots where decent sized bits of paint flip off. It's almost impossible to keep up with during a cold winter with a lot of snow (last winter, as an example).


Quote:
Originally Posted by RWDdrifter View Post
I've read that these films themselves weather over time, and would need to be replaced.
The good ones come with 5 to 10 year yellowing / weathering guarantees.
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Last edited by Zooks527; 05-15-2015 at 04:34 PM..
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      05-15-2015, 04:21 PM   #3
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I bought some ding insurance offered to me by the dealership when I got my new Moonlight Silver 228i and that involved bringing the car back for a (free) protection treatment. It's too early to tell how effective it is, and I hope I do not find out the hard way, but the Los Angeles environment is really tough on car bodies and I figured it to be a worthwhile precaution. Ask your dealer about it, it's probably a nationwide program offered by BMW.
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      05-15-2015, 04:40 PM   #4
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Every car I own is protected by Xpel Ultimate. I have it applied to the full front clip: front end, hood, front fenders, also mirrors, headlights, lower rockers, behind rear wheels and inside door jams. It's virtually invisible.

It's pricey, but worth the peace of mind. Plus it's a huge selling point come resale time.
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      05-15-2015, 05:27 PM   #5
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Another vote for Xpel Ultimate for being almost invisible, self-healing, 10 year warranty. Half-hood and half-fenders, full fascia, head and fog lamps, mirror caps = $1150.
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      05-15-2015, 05:35 PM   #6
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Xpel Xpel Xpel
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      05-15-2015, 05:47 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xiaoxi View Post
Xpel Xpel Xpel
Did you get yours at driven dynamics? I tried calling them for a quote but they never picked up.
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      05-15-2015, 06:07 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcfella View Post
Did you get yours at driven dynamics? I tried calling them for a quote but they never picked up.
I did, as well as my roof wrap.

When did you call?
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      05-15-2015, 06:14 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xiaoxi View Post
I did, as well as my roof wrap.

When did you call?
I called about 2 weeks ago. I had my windows tinted on my old car by them. I tried to get them to tint the windows on my m235i too but they were really booked apparently last month.
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      05-15-2015, 07:10 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcfella View Post
I called about 2 weeks ago. I had my windows tinted on my old car by them. I tried to get them to tint the windows on my m235i too but they were really booked apparently last month.
Keep trying. Call in the morning. Sometimes they're a little iffy with getting back to you but they do a good job.
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      05-15-2015, 07:29 PM   #11
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I had my car covered the same day I drove it home with SunTek self-healing. It's covering the entire front end, all my gloss black trim, front louvers, rockers, trunk lip, mirrors and lights. Going back to have the full hood and qtr panels done.
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      05-19-2015, 01:09 PM   #12
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i didn't but had it coated with the fancy Modesta stuff mostly so I can wash without as much fear. I have no idea what I'm doing lol.
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