XPel or 3M or other?

[computerchuck]

Just purchased a used P90D and would like to protect the hood, doors, and side mirrors. I'd love to hear the community's thoughts on this topic. What did your research and eventual installation show you? What where lessons learned?

Thanks everyone. You guys are great.

best,
Chuck

 

[DiamondHands]

Based on previous threads here, and having spoken to car folks in real life, my impression is the majority recommends XPEL.

The real question is will you spring money for paint correction prior to XPEL application?

 

[BigTonyTones]

Xpel is hands down the winner, but very pricey

 

[Pinot.Noir]

Paint correction is a must before applying Xpel. Yes, the entire process is pricey, but well worth it based on the protection. Nearly full Xpel and CQuartz Finest was a $5k expense, but the car absolutely shines and is so easy to clean. Just do it....as soon as you can after delivery. Trust me, the peacock I hit with my car slid right off the Xpel. I might have killed the thing with my bare hands otherwise.

 

[scottm]

A really good installer will first look very carefully at your particular car's paint and recommend the best match protective film brand.
My installer showed me why... "gloss is gloss" but 3m and xpel have slightly different gloss texture (smoothness). On certain colors of cars, it matters more.

Lesson here is look at the sheen really carefully and decide for yourself if you want a film that mimics the car's paint finish.

 

[idleuser]

There is a 3m vs suntek vs xpel video on youtube and the winner is clearly 3m. Not only is it cheaper, it is protects better than Xpel.

 

[xyeahtony]

XPEL is the best but Suntek is pretty close and i went with that instead. Only one approved XPEL dealer near me and the waittime was just too long.

 

[Pinot.Noir]

I think the installer you use is more important the the product used. If you are in the Bay Area then you need to use OC Detailing...period.

 

[jdowell362]

I think the installer you use is more important the the product used. If you are in the Bay Area then you need to use OC Detailing...period.

I'm Def new to all this. Can you explain what this product is for? I'm also in the bay area. Thanks!

 

[Silverstreak]

The front of S is low like a Porsche and succeptable to rock chips etc so you get it wrapped with a transparent film. Xpel works well and lasts a long time. In a nutshell.

 

[Pinot.Noir]

It protects against more than just rock chips. When I was at my installers shop he showed me a Model X that had been keyed, but the key did not go through the Xpel. The Xpel had to be replaced, but that's a lot better than having to repaint.
It also makes your car easier to clean.

 

[RunDeep]

@jdowell362 OC Detailing is a shop in Fremont: OCDetailing - Bay Area Coating & Clear Bra Specialist They've done a bunch of Teslas (they estimated 1,800); I had a full wrap (Xpel), CQuartz and window treatment in April. The owner is Joe and they definitely know what they are doing. Of course being the bay area, it is more expensive than the other costs people have mentioned...

 

[jdowell362]

@jdowell362 OC Detailing is a shop in Fremont: OCDetailing - Bay Area Coating & Clear Bra Specialist They've done a bunch of Teslas (they estimated 1,800); I had a full wrap (Xpel), CQuartz and window treatment in April. The owner is Joe and they definitely know what they are doing. Of course being the bay area, it is more expensive than the other costs people have mentioned...

Thank you!