PPF main impact areas?

[M370z]

Hello! I just picked up my M3 CS today and want to throw some coverage on it. Would Bumper, partial hood, partial fenders, rockers mirrors and an extension of the rear film suffice? Or should I do more?

[Clark_Kent]

Originally Posted by M370z

Hello! I just picked up my M3 CS today and want to throw some coverage on it. Would Bumper, partial hood, partial fenders, rockers mirrors and an extension of the rear film suffice? Or should I do more?

I suggest searching the forums for this. This topic is probably the most discussed next to "Will x part void my warranty". Whether the thread was started yesterday or 3 years ago, the recommendations are always the same and the debate is always the same.

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&highlight=ppf
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&highlight=ppf
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&highlight=ppf
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&highlight=ppf
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&highlight=ppf

[M370z]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

I suggest searching the forums for this. This topic is probably the most discussed next to "Will x part void my warranty". Whether the thread was started yesterday or 3 years ago, the recommendations are always the same and the debate is always the same.

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...;highlight=ppf
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...;highlight=ppf
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...;highlight=ppf
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...;highlight=ppf
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...;highlight=ppf

Yep totally get it. My question isn't whether I should get PPF or which company I should go with, it is simply which areas I should cover (which none of those threads cover). That said, I will search further....

[Clark_Kent]

Originally Posted by M370z

Yep totally get it. My question isn't whether I should get PPF or which company I should go with, it is simply which areas I should cover (which none of those threads cover). That said, I will search further....

Understood. If you read through the threads most discuss the coverage areas they went with and rationale in many cases. It's widely accepted to get as much protection as you're comfortable paying for. That typically entails the following: front bumper, headlights, entire front hood, side mirrors, a-pillars, leading edge of carbon fiber roof or entire roof, b-pillars, door cups, rocker panels, luggage kit for trunk lid and a custom piece (larger) of film replacing the factory film near the rear fenders.

[Eric S]

The partials are a waste of time:
The line across the hood and fender will look hideous.
The paint will look/fade differently and it will be noticeable on the same panel
Your paint will accumulate rock chips just past the line, so you will kick yourself within 6 months.

In the end, you will have a protected front end, and then chipped up lower fenders and top of the hood, which will require repaint, rendering the partial on the hood and fenders pointless. Do the whole panel, or skip it and just do the bumper/headlights only

[papasmurf_m3]

Originally Posted by Eric S

The partials are a waste of time:
The line across the hood and fender will look hideous.
The paint will look/fade differently and it will be noticeable on the same panel
Your paint will accumulate rock chips just past the line, so you will kick yourself within 6 months.

In the end, you will have a protected front end, and then chipped up lower fenders and top of the hood, which will require repaint, rendering the partial on the hood and fenders pointless. Do the whole panel, or skip it and just do the bumper/headlights only

This is helpful. I was debating myself what protection. But, my main concern was a horrible tan line on the middle of the hood and fender later. The expel installer was trying to convince me to do half the fenders and hood but, Ive now decided to stick to my initial gut feeling and do the front bumper and headlights.

Do you guys xpel the carbon fiber spltters?

[Eric S]

yes, ppf the carbon splitters.

Why would the guy recommend the partial? Makes no sense unless he is just in it for the quick buck...

[papasmurf_m3]

I’ve heard that it will last about 2 years with normal use. So likely will need to repeat the bumper. So I’m. It gonna stress too much about it.

The thing that bothers me however is I plan to black out the housings and our new lenses on but that might not be for a little while. I don’t want to drive around ra dog so I’m conflicted about protecting used headlight lenses that I will change at some point. I dunno 🤷🏻

[M 4 FUN]

You should have PPF on everything you see when you are standing in front of the car, plus rear fenders. I did my whole car. It's black and it's the best thing i've done. I have Stek PPF film and it's self healing and very glossy so it's like putting on a layer of clearcoat on the whole car. It never needs polishing. Also headlights, A-pillars and at least front part of the roof is necessary to wrap.

[N54_BuiltE85]

Agreed that half fenders and half hood will be cheaper but not worth it. The extra cost to cover the full part is def. worth it. Peace of mind and knowing the paint will age uniformly. I've heard that Xpel is the leading PPF provider. I currently have suntek on my F80 and have no issues.

[papasmurf_m3]

I was driving myself nuts overthinking, So, after the advice of the members here and talking with my installer.

Ive decided to go with front bumper headlights, hood, side skirts. the installer said he'd throw in the mirror covers. The rear fender flares already has a PPF cover the bottom half. So im going to leave that. Hopefully will be fine.

I figured I'll do the best I can with my budget, and in 2 years I'll cross that bridge.

[Andrae26]

Originally Posted by papasmurf_m3

I was driving myself nuts overthinking, So, after the advice of the members here and talking with my installer.

Ive decided to go with front bumper headlights, hood, side skirts. the installer said he'd throw in the mirror covers. The rear fender flares already has a PPF cover the bottom half. So im going to leave that. Hopefully will be fine.

I figured I'll do the best I can with my budget, and in 2 years I'll cross that bridge.

What shop are you going with?

[papasmurf_m3]

I went with http://california-motorsports.com/