2025 X5 Dravit Grey 40i w M sport

[pepperstark]

Vehicle currently on order. Tartufo interior.
What should we do to this when it comes - ceramic coat, PPF, other?
Want to bring out the warm/lighter tones in the paint.
Don’t know yet what dealer offers.
Pics welcome as I’ve only seen this color once IRL and it wasn’t on an X5.
Thanks!

[John in VA]

There are multiple posts here about the benefits & difference between PPF (protection from rock chips) & ceramic coating (easier to keep car clean).

You don't want anything the dealer offers except perhaps wheel coverage - depends on your roads & ability to keep the wheels away from curbs! In fact, have them do as little as possible to the car during dealer prep as that is where many of the paint issues start - swirls, scratches, etc.

Good luck & enjoy the new ride!

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by John in VA

There are multiple posts here about the benefits & difference between PPF (protection from rock chips) & ceramic coating (easier to keep car clean).

You don't want anything the dealer offers except perhaps wheel coverage - depends on your roads & ability to keep the wheels away from curbs! In fact, have them do as little as possible to the car during dealer prep as that is where many of the paint issues start - swirls, scratches, etc.

Good luck & enjoy the new ride!

I second the motion on purchasing a tire/ wheel/ PDR plan if the roads around you are an issue. Otherwise pass on any other plan their finance manager offers to you.

[ppointer]

My next car definitely will get PPF up front and ceramic over the rest. I have been very happy with that approach these past couple of years.

[merlin3008]

My new M3 will be a lease, but I'm going to PPF the front bumper. It don't drive a ton but that is the most vulnerable area for me. It's also the hardest to maintain so PPF will help keep it pristine should I decide to buy the car down the road.

[Hit_Apex]

Paint correction was critical in making the warm (bronze) tones pop on my DG X5M which I had done immediately after delivery. I ceramic coated instead of PPF which preserved the correction for a good 2 years. There are times i wonder if I should have PPF'd which I have done on subsequent purchases and happy with that too. It was the first time I realized how mediocre factory paint finishing is and the value of correcting upon delivery, especially with an 'effect' color like DG.

[Yuille36]

On a brand new vehicle, most definitely get PPF as that protects from rocks, and debris from day one. Paint correction will correct flaws in the clear coat, by compounding and polishing it. Ceramic coating applies an invisible protective layer that enhances gloss, repels water and contaminants (Bird Shit, Tree Sap), and simplifies maintenance.

I just had my 17 yr old Mercedes E63 AMG, paint corrected last Wednesday and it looks amazing, and I'm taking it to get ceramic coating on Monday. So, it is never too late to get these procedures down. But once your get your first rock chip in fresh paint, it's over. And that is why it's important to protect your paint from the beginning. My AMG has always had PPF from day one.

I just had my bumper resprayed on my F85 X5M, as it had many rock chips, and after the paint cures, the front is getting wrapped in PPF and the whole vehicle is getting paint corrected and ceramic coated. And after my AMG is done, the F80 M3 goes in for it paint correction and ceramic coating, it already has PPF. A big expense, I know but well worth it to protect the paint and overall look of my vehicles.

[ash_schwin]

^ Awesome selection of cars in your fleet!

[Yuille36]

Originally Posted by ash_schwin

^ Awesome selection of cars in your fleet!

Thank you very much, for those kind words. Much Appreciated.