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09-16-2024, 01:12 PM | #1 |
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Ceramic and upkeep
Hi All, before I shell out $2k for ceramic coating, I wanted to ask how practical it is for upkeep and a daily driver (X5MC) - meaning regular washes in the case of midwest winters etc.
And in the end for those who've done it, is it money well spent ? |
09-16-2024, 02:00 PM | #2 |
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$2k seems very expensive for just ceramic coating, I'm guessing they're also doing prep work? Decontamination wash, clay bar & paint correction beforehand? For upkeep I've used bead maker after every wash, but there's some others like obsessed garage drying aid I just purchased but haven't tried yet. Ceramic coating is just a semipermanent wax which will last a few year. Only you can decide if it's worth the cost. I've done it on two cars with PPF and will be doing it again on my incoming g80.
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theweebabySeamus412.50 |
09-16-2024, 02:07 PM | #3 |
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the price is actually $2400 - prep, Gtechniq Crystal Serum, Gtechniq EXO top coat, wheels and calipers. Seems high - but I'm trying to assess if it helps keep the car clean and glossy. looking for a 4-5 year plan. Plus to keep warranty, its ~$300 upkeep
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09-16-2024, 03:01 PM | #5 |
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I don't live in a harsh climate where it snows and there is salt on the ground. But Ceramic will definitely help making it easier to keep clean. I don't do much to my car except wash it maybe once a month and twice a year i spray it with the replenish spray that the detailer sold me. I'll never own another car without having it ceramic coated.
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Westside Guy6759.50 bmwauug523.50 |
09-17-2024, 07:57 AM | #6 |
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I have had the ceramic applied to three of my cars, all 2+ years ago. I find it easier to keep those cars clean, plus I haven't seen any staining like I have in the past -- bird droppings or tree sap, for example. I will definitely do it again in the future. In fact, I am planning on getting paint correction and ceramic applied to my M Roadster this month or next.
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09-17-2024, 08:30 AM | #7 |
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The ceramic coating on my Z4 is so good that I often receive a free car wash when driving on the highway in a heavy rain storm. The water beads and rolls off of my car and by the time I arrive at home it is virtually spotless.
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09-17-2024, 10:21 AM | #8 |
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I chose to DIY at the end of May after some paint work. I washed, clayed, used compound on the old paint but not the recently painted sections. I then applied Cerakote and I'm more impressed after it rains. It was literally an all day project and requires 24 hours to cure, watch the weather forecast so you don't have issues curing.
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09-17-2024, 01:28 PM | #10 |
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I would do it, to me it's worth for the gloss alone. If you're going to be taking it through the scrubo-matic car washes then it's not going to last as long, but for touch less and hand wash - it'll last a few years, especially gtechniq ultra.
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bmwauug523.50 |
09-18-2024, 08:24 AM | #11 |
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My experience with a '17 F80 M3 that I had for four years is that yes, it keeps the car relatively clean and glossy. I paid a bit less than 2K if memory serves and my detailer did not charge for annual inspections, which many do. I'm a believer.
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Today, 12:39 PM | #16 |
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Today, 12:41 PM | #17 |
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That price seems very high for Gtechniq. It’s typically cheaper than XPEL or Ceramic Pro. I would recommend getting some additional quotes, as you might be experiencing “German Markup”. Comparitively, I have a quote for a G60 and XPEL; it’s $1000. I’ve had ceramic pro (can’t recommend as they do not stand behind their warranty) but it was similarly priced.
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Today, 02:37 PM | #18 |
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Everyone's situation is different. Waxing with a top quality wax a couple times a year gives results close enough to ceramic (without the cost and drawbacks) and being retired, I love to spend an afternoon hand washing and waxing and admiring the results. I do PPF with Excel using the best installer in my area.
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Today, 04:45 PM | #19 |
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It's very interesting right. We can go down a big rabbit hole with this thought because if you don't do your own maintenance then you're paying for a detailer to make their job easier. Meanwhile they charge full rate for a basic wash. I love detailing, but the lack of knowledge around it is fascinating for how simple it all really is. Let's just ppf/ceramic everything!
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