Hey guys, I'm new to the forum but having been using threads/posts from other folks to evaluate my own PPF installation. From what I've seen on the spectrum of "good" vs "bad" installations, I'm convinced mine exists on the extreme side of "bad". I found film not pressed down, film that's torn, badly aligned edges, and edges that are ~1/8" from the end of the panel. To top it off, the installer had installed the film on parts (i.e., front fender and bumper) with factory paint defects that will require touch up painting or part replacement without notifying me first. I have brought all these issues up with the installer and he has agreed to replace the torn film on both a-pillars. However, it's his opinion that the edge gaps are up to "industry specification" and areas of the film he "forgot" to press down is starting to lift again.
On a follow-up visit to the installer's shop to fix the a-pillar film, he happened to have a Model X getting Xpel Stealth installed. On similar parts of the Model X (i.e., bumper meets rear fender), I indicated areas where film edges were applied closer to panel edges and asked why he couldn't do the same with my installation. He stated that the gloss of the car paint and Xpel Ultimate hides the film edge, which seems to me a cop out of the question I had asked. On his company's Facebook page, he's posted a number of installations on M3s where the same areas do not exhibit any of the issues on installation. This indicates to me that he has the skill set to perform a higher quality installation, but CHOSE to execute an inferior installation on my car.
I have already reached out to Xpel with my concerns and they have not been very responsive. Before I turned my car over to the installer, the expectation he had established with me was that "all painted surfaces would be covered." When asked where I'd see edges and seams, he said "only the edge between the tail-light and rear fender". In retrospect, he'd be more accurate to say that practically ALL edges and seams will be visible. I did not ask whether he used pre-cut kits prior to him taking the work, but based on his body of work and our initial discussion my opinion is that I received a service that is not consistent with the expectations he established in the beginning. At this point, I'm considering getting a refund from the installer. I'd ask him to redo the installation, but he's "not sure if he can do any better".
I'd like to hear from you folks to assess the quality of my installation. As he's the only installer listed on the Xpel website, I'd also like to know if any folks out there would recommend an installer. I'm not set on the Xpel brand as their support has been less than stellar, and there's not much difference in the film material from one brand to another (i.e., Llumar, Suntek, etc.). Appreciate any help, and thanks for the help upfront!
On a follow-up visit to the installer's shop to fix the a-pillar film, he happened to have a Model X getting Xpel Stealth installed. On similar parts of the Model X (i.e., bumper meets rear fender), I indicated areas where film edges were applied closer to panel edges and asked why he couldn't do the same with my installation. He stated that the gloss of the car paint and Xpel Ultimate hides the film edge, which seems to me a cop out of the question I had asked. On his company's Facebook page, he's posted a number of installations on M3s where the same areas do not exhibit any of the issues on installation. This indicates to me that he has the skill set to perform a higher quality installation, but CHOSE to execute an inferior installation on my car.
I have already reached out to Xpel with my concerns and they have not been very responsive. Before I turned my car over to the installer, the expectation he had established with me was that "all painted surfaces would be covered." When asked where I'd see edges and seams, he said "only the edge between the tail-light and rear fender". In retrospect, he'd be more accurate to say that practically ALL edges and seams will be visible. I did not ask whether he used pre-cut kits prior to him taking the work, but based on his body of work and our initial discussion my opinion is that I received a service that is not consistent with the expectations he established in the beginning. At this point, I'm considering getting a refund from the installer. I'd ask him to redo the installation, but he's "not sure if he can do any better".
I'd like to hear from you folks to assess the quality of my installation. As he's the only installer listed on the Xpel website, I'd also like to know if any folks out there would recommend an installer. I'm not set on the Xpel brand as their support has been less than stellar, and there's not much difference in the film material from one brand to another (i.e., Llumar, Suntek, etc.). Appreciate any help, and thanks for the help upfront!
