XPEL or any other paint protection film on a non exotic car
Discussion
I'm picking up a new car soon (BMW 3 series) and thought that it will make sense to get some sort of paint protection. I was quoted over 1.5k for a full front body kit and I'm struggling to justify the outlay.
First thing, it's supposed to provide protection against stone chips but once the stone chip damage occurs it doesn't self heal meaning I would have to pay for replacement/reapplication. If I decide not to change it the damage will look worse than if it was directly in the paintwork. And paintwork stone chips can be touched in and in most cases eliminated completely for silly money. And even if I was to get it repainted it would be less expensive than replacing the film.
Second thing, the film has to be maintained following manufacturers guidelines meaning certain popular cosmetic products are out of the question. And even if I was really careful and willing to spend extra on approved products there is always a risk of someone else cocking it up - say I drop my car off for a service and they decide to give it a quick wash before handover - the stuff that most dealers use is on the no no list. This means more money out of my pocket.
Third thing, although the most expensive film is almost invisible there is almost always a risk of having cosmetic issues or, more annoyingly with edges not sticking or lifting off. Again, say the dealer decided to pressure wash my car and they managed to lift the film. I'm going to have to deal with the aggro and waste time on getting it sorted for free within the warranty period. Once the warranty runs out it will cost money.
So, unless I owned a car which is worth 250k or more, why should I bother?
First thing, it's supposed to provide protection against stone chips but once the stone chip damage occurs it doesn't self heal meaning I would have to pay for replacement/reapplication. If I decide not to change it the damage will look worse than if it was directly in the paintwork. And paintwork stone chips can be touched in and in most cases eliminated completely for silly money. And even if I was to get it repainted it would be less expensive than replacing the film.
Second thing, the film has to be maintained following manufacturers guidelines meaning certain popular cosmetic products are out of the question. And even if I was really careful and willing to spend extra on approved products there is always a risk of someone else cocking it up - say I drop my car off for a service and they decide to give it a quick wash before handover - the stuff that most dealers use is on the no no list. This means more money out of my pocket.
Third thing, although the most expensive film is almost invisible there is almost always a risk of having cosmetic issues or, more annoyingly with edges not sticking or lifting off. Again, say the dealer decided to pressure wash my car and they managed to lift the film. I'm going to have to deal with the aggro and waste time on getting it sorted for free within the warranty period. Once the warranty runs out it will cost money.
So, unless I owned a car which is worth 250k or more, why should I bother?
Have you looked into 3M Ventureshield? I have it fitted to my RenaultSports (Megane & Twingo) had them both done by a local fitter whilst at the dealership before I took delivery, both have the full front and half bonnet covered and the sills and arches on the Megane and cost nowhere near what you've been quoted! Up keep has been simple just giving the film a coat of whatever wax/sealant I use on the rest of the car and no issues when using a power washer, just a bit of common sense not concentrating it on the edge of the film.
And always take them to the dealer spotless with a "do not wash!" Sign in the window, they seem to take notice!
And always take them to the dealer spotless with a "do not wash!" Sign in the window, they seem to take notice!
My late 2007 130i has had film on most of it pretty much since new and it hasn't faded or gone yellow. Not 100% sure what film it is as my mate originally owned it from 1200 miles old and had it applied to the whole front end, doors, roof and some of back end, I'll try and find out.
At 65k miles and 6 years old there's absolutely no stone chips on the car other than one small one on the bonnet which was present before the film was applied, and the film is still smooth so is either self healing or is just plain resistant to any stones it has to deflect. In comparison the front of my 123d that I sold a few months back at the same age and same mileage was peppered with little stone chips, so if nothing else I'd seriously consider doing the front bumper, bonnet, A pillars and front edge of the front wings if buying another car.
At 65k miles and 6 years old there's absolutely no stone chips on the car other than one small one on the bonnet which was present before the film was applied, and the film is still smooth so is either self healing or is just plain resistant to any stones it has to deflect. In comparison the front of my 123d that I sold a few months back at the same age and same mileage was peppered with little stone chips, so if nothing else I'd seriously consider doing the front bumper, bonnet, A pillars and front edge of the front wings if buying another car.
Thehandshake said:
How much did you pay for Ventureshield? My only concern is that according to the internetz XPEL ultimate (i.e the 1.5k option) is the only invisible and non yellowing film on the market.
On the Megane it was £700 (as I had the sides done too) on the Twingo £300. You can see the film but only once you're about a foot away and that's only the edge that runs along the middle of the bonnet. Anyone that sees the cars never spots it, it's only when I point it out, it covers the headlights too which are xenons on the Megane, you genuinely can't see it.Ventureshield is warranted against yellowing too.
Not sure where you're based, I'm in Durham and used this guy in Newcastle for your info
http://www.autoshield-protection.co.uk/
http://www.autoshield-protection.co.uk/
It's Ventureshield on mine I've just found out, was about £1200 back in 2008 for the entire car covered apart from the doors and some of the rear bumper, a bit more expensive than I thought but a lot more coverage than you were quoted for and it has lasted 5 years/65k miles without any noticeable deterioration in colour or surface finish.
Edited by LocoBlade on Monday 4th November 21:28
I covered in ventureshield, the full bonnet, complete front bumper, side sills, headlights, mirrors,
on my new vauxhall corsavan, cost me £750 to have it done, ive done 25000 motorway miles
and I have not got one stone chip, and on my silver car it is invisible
Since then Ive had the same done on my SLS, not quite as happy because the bonnet being 2m long
and covering it in one piece in one go there are about 10 small bubbles with bits of dirt or stuff
under them, all the rest is great
on my new vauxhall corsavan, cost me £750 to have it done, ive done 25000 motorway miles
and I have not got one stone chip, and on my silver car it is invisible
Since then Ive had the same done on my SLS, not quite as happy because the bonnet being 2m long
and covering it in one piece in one go there are about 10 small bubbles with bits of dirt or stuff
under them, all the rest is great
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