Alpine A110 owners
Discussion
bcr5784 said:
springfan62 said:
The area where there is most impact is the rear part of the cills.
My car is a forever car so the cost was worth it but if you are only going to keep the car a few years I wouldn't bother.
Speaking as someone who hasn't PPFd - the paintwork at the front is pretty much unmarked in 2 1/2 years and 11000 miles. Perhaps I have been lucky - a pretty big stone hit the screen and needed a repair. Had it hit the bonnet I can't believe it wouldn't have caused damage. My previous Cayman had much more damage in a similar mileage. I wonder if it's colour sensitive. Mine is Alpine Blue. My car is a forever car so the cost was worth it but if you are only going to keep the car a few years I wouldn't bother.
So PPF; I have Xpel PPF + Gyeon coating on our two current cars (BMW M2 & Alpine A110). Personally I think it's only worth it if your intention is to keep the car for a long time, drive a lot on highways (or track) and are not so much into car cleaning or taking care of the paint. Considering the price of PPF; it think it only makes sense to protect the most vital area's. For me this is the front bumper and the hood. More PPF is overkill to my eyes and not worth it on cars with a price tag like the M2 or A110 (it's not a Ferrari Pista that you finance for 1yr and sell on to store in the next garage). In the end PPF is NOT going to protect your car from large impacts or idiots hitting your car when they are parking. When you drive and enjoy it; sooner or later you will get some damage on your car...but PPF is something that only prevents long term stone chip damage (in case nothing else of damage happens with the car).
I drove 160.000km with my Z4M with no PPF and no coating; at the end the car still looked fine, but the only area's that were badly damaged are the front bumper and hood. Because of stonechips and stuff that hit the front of the car on trackdays or street. So when I sold the car I got the front bumper repainted and some spotrepair on the bonnet. When I bought the M2 (new). I knew I was going to drive the car a lot and keep it for a long time. Because I bought the car new; I went for PPF on front bumper and hood. After + 100.000km of intense street and track driving; the front bumper and hood still looks perfect. The PPF itself also looks fine and the same as 4,5 years ago; ok you always see some small edges but that's normal and does not bother me at all (I notice the PPF more on the M2 then on the Alpine). The coating I did because I'm not a car cleaning guy => "less cleaning is more driving". So the coating protects the paint from dirt and when I do clean the car (happen 3-4 times a year) then the car cleans really easy (I only clean my cars myself with the 2x bucket procedure).
I drove 160.000km with my Z4M with no PPF and no coating; at the end the car still looked fine, but the only area's that were badly damaged are the front bumper and hood. Because of stonechips and stuff that hit the front of the car on trackdays or street. So when I sold the car I got the front bumper repainted and some spotrepair on the bonnet. When I bought the M2 (new). I knew I was going to drive the car a lot and keep it for a long time. Because I bought the car new; I went for PPF on front bumper and hood. After + 100.000km of intense street and track driving; the front bumper and hood still looks perfect. The PPF itself also looks fine and the same as 4,5 years ago; ok you always see some small edges but that's normal and does not bother me at all (I notice the PPF more on the M2 then on the Alpine). The coating I did because I'm not a car cleaning guy => "less cleaning is more driving". So the coating protects the paint from dirt and when I do clean the car (happen 3-4 times a year) then the car cleans really easy (I only clean my cars myself with the 2x bucket procedure).
Edited by Franzino on Tuesday 13th April 17:25
So in the end; I did PPF & coating purely because it's easy when I do clean the car, I gives some long term form of protection and some peace of mind.The coating works/protects for max 4 years; so on my M2 I need to get it done again. If you do want to do PPF, do it straight away when te car is new to minimise the risk of unwanted stonechips that could have been prevented.
You could also say; when you have to much stonechips get that area repainted. Correct; but not every paint is easy to match 100% and a perfect paintjob costs also some money. Also; if you want the new paint (let's say on the front bumper) be really durable then it's best to paint a new unpainted front bumper instead of a second layer on the existing bumper (paint is more fragile on previously painted area).
That are my PPF & Coating thoughts
You could also say; when you have to much stonechips get that area repainted. Correct; but not every paint is easy to match 100% and a perfect paintjob costs also some money. Also; if you want the new paint (let's say on the front bumper) be really durable then it's best to paint a new unpainted front bumper instead of a second layer on the existing bumper (paint is more fragile on previously painted area).
That are my PPF & Coating thoughts
I'm still lurking here but do hope to own a A110 one day. For now its coming into the Caterham driving season. 
I do enjoy reading this thread, lots of useful info but getting bored with PPF
Can we talk about the engine? I assume it is wet sumped, any issues with oil surge from those that do track days? Also is it easy to check oil level. Is there a dipstick or is it warning lights like a Porsche?
It looks a little bit of a performance to access the engine but that is part of the pleasure of ownership. Does the engine use any oil?
Does anyone simmer the engine after a hard run to keep oil pressure to the turbo?
I do enjoy reading this thread, lots of useful info but getting bored with PPF
Can we talk about the engine? I assume it is wet sumped, any issues with oil surge from those that do track days? Also is it easy to check oil level. Is there a dipstick or is it warning lights like a Porsche?
It looks a little bit of a performance to access the engine but that is part of the pleasure of ownership. Does the engine use any oil?
Does anyone simmer the engine after a hard run to keep oil pressure to the turbo?
Today mine had an interview with a grouse at 60mph on a local B road. Amusingly when I got back the grouse was sticking out of what was left of the front grill. Put a claim into admiral as the bumper has cracked so I guess I'll have to wait for them to sort it out before I take it for a decent drive again.
Unfortunately no PPF was ever going to help in this situation.
Unfortunately no PPF was ever going to help in this situation.
Franzino said:
So in the end; I did PPF & coating purely because it's easy when I do clean the car, I gives some long term form of protection and some peace of mind.The coating works/protects for max 4 years; so on my M2 I need to get it done again. If you do want to do PPF, do it straight away when te car is new to minimise the risk of unwanted stonechips that could have been prevented.
You could also say; when you have to much stonechips get that area repainted. Correct; but not every paint is easy to match 100% and a perfect paintjob costs also some money. Also; if you want the new paint (let's say on the front bumper) be really durable then it's best to paint a new unpainted front bumper instead of a second layer on the existing bumper (paint is more fragile on previously painted area).
That are my PPF & Coating thoughts
My thanks to Franzino and to everyone who gave their experiences and thoughts - much appreciated! The advice received makes sense and it's great to receive your first hand experience.You could also say; when you have to much stonechips get that area repainted. Correct; but not every paint is easy to match 100% and a perfect paintjob costs also some money. Also; if you want the new paint (let's say on the front bumper) be really durable then it's best to paint a new unpainted front bumper instead of a second layer on the existing bumper (paint is more fragile on previously painted area).
That are my PPF & Coating thoughts
Perhaps my biggest learning and surprise is that even with XPEL you can see the edges of the film - in XPEL's promo material they refer to templates custom made for the Alpine which wrap around explicitly so no edges can be physically seen... That's useful info I can discuss with the XPEL detailer - it's an important point because with exposed edges comes (eventually) trapped dirt which you will either have to live with OR to replace the XPEL for purely cosmetic purposes; even though it isn't peeling and not contravening it's 10 year guarantee. (Perhaps that's part of their business model key assumptions... or am I being cynical?)
I have a few follow-up questions please if I may:
For those who have PPF on the front of their A110 what are your thoughts on including the front wings as well as the front bumper and bonnet? The wings have a frontal impact area also, albeit a somewhat smaller exposed area. Due to the exposed edge/dirt capture issue the whole of the wing would therefore need to have PPF applied - even though the main concern is the topside of both wings.
Secondly, for the front bumper, the XPEL detailer and my Alpine dealer are advising to have the Alpine lettering removed from the bumper before applying XPEL - for a better quality wrap - and re-applying the lettering onto the PPF. I understand the argumentation, however it does mean more hassle and expense whenever a repair or re-spray or new PPF needs to be performed. Does anyone have PPF applied directly onto the front bumper 'as is' and are you happy with the end result?
My 3rd question is: with Ceramic Coating applied, how much maintenance is needed to keep the coating performing as it should? I have heard ceramic coating needs regular cleaning, maintenance and detailer checks. As indeed does PPF apparently? How much and what type of maintenance and (maintenance) costs are we talking about ?
Any insights on the above would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
M
jjgreenwood said:
Today mine had an interview with a grouse at 60mph on a local B road. Amusingly when I got back the grouse was sticking out of what was left of the front grill. Put a claim into admiral as the bumper has cracked so I guess I'll have to wait for them to sort it out before I take it for a decent drive again.
Unfortunately no PPF was ever going to help in this situation.
Ouch. Damn birds. Used to hate pheasant season back when I lived up in Yorkshire/Lancashire/Lake District. Suicidal thingsUnfortunately no PPF was ever going to help in this situation.
Meonstoke said:
My thanks to Franzino and to everyone who gave their experiences and thoughts - much appreciated! The advice received makes sense and it's great to receive your first hand experience.
Perhaps my biggest learning and surprise is that even with XPEL you can see the edges of the film - in XPEL's promo material they refer to templates custom made for the Alpine which wrap around explicitly so no edges can be physically seen... That's useful info I can discuss with the XPEL detailer - it's an important point because with exposed edges comes (eventually) trapped dirt which you will either have to live with OR to replace the XPEL for purely cosmetic purposes; even though it isn't peeling and not contravening it's 10 year guarantee. (Perhaps that's part of their business model key assumptions... or am I being cynical?)
I have a few follow-up questions please if I may:
For those who have PPF on the front of their A110 what are your thoughts on including the front wings as well as the front bumper and bonnet? The wings have a frontal impact area also, albeit a somewhat smaller exposed area. Due to the exposed edge/dirt capture issue the whole of the wing would therefore need to have PPF applied - even though the main concern is the topside of both wings.
Secondly, for the front bumper, the XPEL detailer and my Alpine dealer are advising to have the Alpine lettering removed from the bumper before applying XPEL - for a better quality wrap - and re-applying the lettering onto the PPF. I understand the argumentation, however it does mean more hassle and expense whenever a repair or re-spray or new PPF needs to be performed. Does anyone have PPF applied directly onto the front bumper 'as is' and are you happy with the end result?
My 3rd question is: with Ceramic Coating applied, how much maintenance is needed to keep the coating performing as it should? I have heard ceramic coating needs regular cleaning, maintenance and detailer checks. As indeed does PPF apparently? How much and what type of maintenance and (maintenance) costs are we talking about ?
Any insights on the above would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
M
You are welcome Perhaps my biggest learning and surprise is that even with XPEL you can see the edges of the film - in XPEL's promo material they refer to templates custom made for the Alpine which wrap around explicitly so no edges can be physically seen... That's useful info I can discuss with the XPEL detailer - it's an important point because with exposed edges comes (eventually) trapped dirt which you will either have to live with OR to replace the XPEL for purely cosmetic purposes; even though it isn't peeling and not contravening it's 10 year guarantee. (Perhaps that's part of their business model key assumptions... or am I being cynical?)
I have a few follow-up questions please if I may:
For those who have PPF on the front of their A110 what are your thoughts on including the front wings as well as the front bumper and bonnet? The wings have a frontal impact area also, albeit a somewhat smaller exposed area. Due to the exposed edge/dirt capture issue the whole of the wing would therefore need to have PPF applied - even though the main concern is the topside of both wings.
Secondly, for the front bumper, the XPEL detailer and my Alpine dealer are advising to have the Alpine lettering removed from the bumper before applying XPEL - for a better quality wrap - and re-applying the lettering onto the PPF. I understand the argumentation, however it does mean more hassle and expense whenever a repair or re-spray or new PPF needs to be performed. Does anyone have PPF applied directly onto the front bumper 'as is' and are you happy with the end result?
My 3rd question is: with Ceramic Coating applied, how much maintenance is needed to keep the coating performing as it should? I have heard ceramic coating needs regular cleaning, maintenance and detailer checks. As indeed does PPF apparently? How much and what type of maintenance and (maintenance) costs are we talking about ?
Any insights on the above would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
M
With edges; I mean you can see where the PPF is attached on the corners (edges) of certain parts (like front bumper). Less noticeable on bonnet, because this is a far more simple shape to put PPF on. After driving with my M2 for 4,5 years I have no dirt under the PPF. I’m not a car cleaning guy at all and use my cars pretty intense. The opposite of garage queens
I explained my view on PPF and that for me personally I would not do the wings. For me front bumper and bonnet are the most vital area’s and you have to stop at one point. If you do the wings, why not do the mirrors, if you do the mirrors, why not do the rear skirts, or why not do the roof, etc.
One place I would advise to put a small strip of PPF is at the back (where the rear trunk is, above the rear Alpine letters). If you use the car and trunk a lot you can get this area easily scratched when putting in shopping bags at the rear. Same goes for the front trunk (frunk). The PPF on the front bumper also protects from damage when things slip out of your hand when you put them in the frunk.
On our Alpine they also removed the front Alpine letters to fit the PPF perfect. The PPF guys (or the dealer) could fit the Alpine letters back if we wanted. But I asked not to do so...we like the cleaner look of the naked noise without Alpine letters. People who know what it is, don’t need the name and at the rear there is still the Alpine name. I’m not into badging or showing what it is; the car speaks for itself. I also have no M2 logo on my M2 and if possible wanted to remove the M logo in the kidneys also (was not possible).
K800 RUM said:
I'm still lurking here but do hope to own a A110 one day. For now its coming into the Caterham driving season.
I do enjoy reading this thread, lots of useful info but getting bored with PPF
Can we talk about the engine? I assume it is wet sumped, any issues with oil surge from those that do track days? Also is it easy to check oil level. Is there a dipstick or is it warning lights like a Porsche?
It looks a little bit of a performance to access the engine but that is part of the pleasure of ownership. Does the engine use any oil?
Does anyone simmer the engine after a hard run to keep oil pressure to the turbo?
I'll pick up the hint! I do enjoy reading this thread, lots of useful info but getting bored with PPF
Can we talk about the engine? I assume it is wet sumped, any issues with oil surge from those that do track days? Also is it easy to check oil level. Is there a dipstick or is it warning lights like a Porsche?
It looks a little bit of a performance to access the engine but that is part of the pleasure of ownership. Does the engine use any oil?
Does anyone simmer the engine after a hard run to keep oil pressure to the turbo?
Can't comment on the above really as I haven't got mine yet but these are some practical use questions I'd also like to understand. I've spec'd mine with telemetrics which has things like oil temp, but don't know about level. The most useful thing i've found about telemetrics was a YouTube video I found yesterday - it's in french but does run through some of the telemetrics features as part of the review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTVsTwskJnA
Separately, how many owners are up here in Scotland and outside this forum, is there any moves towards forming an actual club or anything like that?
In answer to the PPF questions.
On the front the bumper wings and bonnet were done. The car is aluminium and low. I haven’t bothered doing it to any other car.
I must have been one of the first to get the Xpel done and I was a bit surprised at the visible gaps. With it being the first car I’ve had done I didn’t really know what to expect.
This is around the lettering on the bumper
These are the gaps between the bumper and the wing
The car lives outside- convertibles are inside.
It wasn’t washed for these photos!
It gets washed about once a week using the hot jet wash at a local garage. The film makes it easy to clean and I think I’ve waxed it a handful of times in nearly three years. It gets used a lot.
As I’ve said before, the detailer is based on an industrial estate off a motorway about an hour or so away so I’ve not been bothered to drive there - drop car off and get a a taxi back so I can’t comment on official maintenance costs. The car does shine when I give it a wash and I use meguiars quik detailer spray.
There’s no right or wrong answer here - do what you want - I think the ppf has worked for me in protecting the paint.
With regard to the oil etc - it’s a bit of a faff but no more than an extra couple of minutes - 3 thumbscrews in boot and then 8 dzus-style fasteners. My PE has the original screw-top type rather than the tool-free loops that the S and, possibly, newer versions have. Will get around to changing them...but I do like the Waldow carbon engine cover...
On the front the bumper wings and bonnet were done. The car is aluminium and low. I haven’t bothered doing it to any other car.
I must have been one of the first to get the Xpel done and I was a bit surprised at the visible gaps. With it being the first car I’ve had done I didn’t really know what to expect.
This is around the lettering on the bumper
These are the gaps between the bumper and the wing
The car lives outside- convertibles are inside.
It wasn’t washed for these photos!
It gets washed about once a week using the hot jet wash at a local garage. The film makes it easy to clean and I think I’ve waxed it a handful of times in nearly three years. It gets used a lot.
As I’ve said before, the detailer is based on an industrial estate off a motorway about an hour or so away so I’ve not been bothered to drive there - drop car off and get a a taxi back so I can’t comment on official maintenance costs. The car does shine when I give it a wash and I use meguiars quik detailer spray.
There’s no right or wrong answer here - do what you want - I think the ppf has worked for me in protecting the paint.
With regard to the oil etc - it’s a bit of a faff but no more than an extra couple of minutes - 3 thumbscrews in boot and then 8 dzus-style fasteners. My PE has the original screw-top type rather than the tool-free loops that the S and, possibly, newer versions have. Will get around to changing them...but I do like the Waldow carbon engine cover...
Telemetrics gives you oil temp, but you get that on the dash in Sport mode anyway.
I personally haven't used Telemetrics since I discovered the temperature in Sport.
I don't think the oil level can be read remotely there is a good old fashioned dip stick for that.
I haven't ever needed to top up oil but then I don't do many miles in mine.
Access to the engine is a bit of a game but doesn't take long, putting the engine cover back on is the fiddly bit.
As regards ppf there are very few visible edges, the bonnet one folds around, there is a visible edge on the wing next to the A pillar and and around the edge of the headlights. My lettering hasn't been removed so you can see the edge around the lettering but its not that obvious.
You can tell there is something there on the paint but only on close inspection.
Anyway I am off to Mid Wales for the day in mine, can't wait to get on some decent roads.
I personally haven't used Telemetrics since I discovered the temperature in Sport.
I don't think the oil level can be read remotely there is a good old fashioned dip stick for that.
I haven't ever needed to top up oil but then I don't do many miles in mine.
Access to the engine is a bit of a game but doesn't take long, putting the engine cover back on is the fiddly bit.
As regards ppf there are very few visible edges, the bonnet one folds around, there is a visible edge on the wing next to the A pillar and and around the edge of the headlights. My lettering hasn't been removed so you can see the edge around the lettering but its not that obvious.
You can tell there is something there on the paint but only on close inspection.
Anyway I am off to Mid Wales for the day in mine, can't wait to get on some decent roads.
Miserablegit said:
Came out for a drive and parked next to a rover 3.5 coupe (p5b???) - I’ve always liked them but it looked massive next to the Alpine.
Haha! I can imagine... My parents had a P4 Rover 60 when I was young, which would also dwarf the A110. Do like a P5 too, especially the Coupe.Hi all, thanks for all the useful info in this thread which inspired me to take a test drive in an A110 earlier - loved the car. Thumbs up to Adam @ Martins Winchester for being so helpful and letting me have a proper drive / play in a few.
I am pretty tall and am particularly long in the torso so felt the bucket seat in the Pure was a bit high. Therefore drove a Legende but unfortunately I think I am the wrong shape for the Legende seats as I felt fairly uncomfortable by the time I got back. Sat in the Pure again afterwards to compare and it was a lot more comfortable, albeit my hair was touching the roof liner on the lowest seat setting.
Are there any options for modifying the Pure seating setup? I looked at the existing mounts but the base of the bucket almost touches the rail on the lowest setting so I'm not sure there's much to be done there. Does anyone know whether it's possible to fit fixed seat mounts in place of the existing rails and if so which products I should look at / how much more headroom this is likely to buy me?
Cheers
I am pretty tall and am particularly long in the torso so felt the bucket seat in the Pure was a bit high. Therefore drove a Legende but unfortunately I think I am the wrong shape for the Legende seats as I felt fairly uncomfortable by the time I got back. Sat in the Pure again afterwards to compare and it was a lot more comfortable, albeit my hair was touching the roof liner on the lowest seat setting.
Are there any options for modifying the Pure seating setup? I looked at the existing mounts but the base of the bucket almost touches the rail on the lowest setting so I'm not sure there's much to be done there. Does anyone know whether it's possible to fit fixed seat mounts in place of the existing rails and if so which products I should look at / how much more headroom this is likely to buy me?
Cheers
Miserablegit said:
In answer to the PPF questions.
On the front the bumper wings and bonnet were done. The car is aluminium and low. I haven’t bothered doing it to any other car.
I must have been one of the first to get the Xpel done and I was a bit surprised at the visible gaps. With it being the first car I’ve had done I didn’t really know what to expect.
This is around the lettering on the bumper
Sorry to say; but the cut out around the letter looks not nice from that view. That's is exactly what my PPF installer told me it would look like and why he advised me to remove the letter and fit them back if I wanted (the dealer could to do this also). I'm happy I listened to them.On the front the bumper wings and bonnet were done. The car is aluminium and low. I haven’t bothered doing it to any other car.
I must have been one of the first to get the Xpel done and I was a bit surprised at the visible gaps. With it being the first car I’ve had done I didn’t really know what to expect.
This is around the lettering on the bumper
Miserablegit said:
With regard to the oil etc - it’s a bit of a faff but no more than an extra couple of minutes - 3 thumbscrews in boot and then 8 dzus-style fasteners. My PE has the original screw-top type rather than the tool-free loops that the S and, possibly, newer versions have. Will get around to changing them...but I do like the Waldow carbon engine cover...
1 year driving / 17.000km / 4x trackdays => zero oil consumption.If you want the tool-free loops that the newer S models have then you have to buy the full engine cover with Alpine (tool-free loops are not sold separately). The rear engine cover (of the S) is rather expensive from Alpine. Then you could almost buy the one from Waldow if you want to spend a little more and like carbon. But the carbon Waldow engine cover will probably generate a little bit more interior noise (less sound deadening then the original one). The carbon Waldow engine cover has the standard screw-top, but maybe you can ask them for the update easy to use S versions?
Franzino said:
Sorry to say; but the cut out around the letter looks not nice from that view. That's is exactly what my PPF installer told me it would look like and why he advised me to remove the letter and fit them back if I wanted (the dealer could to do this also). I'm happy I listened to them.
I don't disagree but it is not normally as noticeable becuase the surface is almost vertical- the photo was taken at that angle to show it at its most visible.Gassing Station | Alpine | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff