[k_mann]

Hey all,

I had a partial ppf done and had some questions. I understand pre cut kits have some reliefs but these seem sort of aggressive and in the most flat facing part of the bumper. It also didn't go all the way around the reflectors. I feel like the gaps around everything are just too extreme. I paid what all shops in my area are quoting for partial (800-1000). Thoughts?

[MooMooM2]

not a PPF expert and don't even have PPF in my car (apart from my mirrors and lights which I did myself, it is hard but can be quite fun to do) and I have been seeing a lot of PPF jobs since something I wanted to learn (I like to punish myself). The reliefs on the first 2 pictures don't look too bad, maybe a bit larger than I have seen though.

The one aroudn the reflector is weird, that should go all the way around the reflector.
I also have noticed that the tow hook cutout is pretty crooked so maybe this is not the greatest ppf job ever.

Also thats crazy cheap, 800-1000. Here I was quoted 2k for front PPF (or 1500 for half hood/fenders) but I guess thats the NY tax.

[k_mann]

Originally Posted by MooMooM2

not a PPF expert and don't even have PPF in my car (apart from my mirrors and lights which I did myself, it is hard but can be quite fun to do) and I have been seeing a lot of PPF jobs since something I wanted to learn (I like to punish myself). The reliefs on the first 2 pictures don't look too bad, maybe a bit larger than I have seen though.

The one aroudn the reflector is weird, that should go all the way around the reflector.
I also have noticed that the tow hook cutout is pretty crooked so maybe this is not the greatest ppf job ever.

Also thats crazy cheap, 800-1000. Here I was quoted 2k for front PPF (or 1500 for half hood/fenders) but I guess thats the NY tax.

I only did partial. But yeah the highest I've seen around here was 1000 or so. I'm swinging it by because I'm guessing two people did it. All the reliefs on the driver side are super tight, not so much the passenger.

Apparently the cutout they use doesn't go around the reflector…..such is life. The more I'm looking into ppf…..the more I'd skip it. All the nuances, even on a perfect job aren't worth it to me I don't think

[MooMooM2]

Originally Posted by k_mann

I only did partial. But yeah the highest I've seen around here was 1000 or so. I'm swinging it by because I'm guessing two people did it. All the reliefs on the driver side are super tight, not so much the passenger.

Apparently the cutout they use doesn't go around the reflector…..such is life. The more I'm looking into ppf…..the more I'd skip it. All the nuances, even on a perfect job aren't worth it to me I don't think

I got my car used and already had some paint chips and PPF over existing paint chips looks horrible so I decided against it but I would 100% have done it over perfect paint. Our cars have incredibly thin fragile paint, I have got more paint chips in 1 year with the m2 than 3 years with my previous car, its really bad. Over here there are so many stones its inevitable, maybe in some places not as needed.

But yeah there are different kinds of ppf jobs and I think its worth paying for a nicer one where they will use bulk for certain parts like the hood and will do a better job on the bumper as you can do precut that is longer so you can still wrap some edges... that is not the precut they installed on your car, its pretty asine not to have the precut go around the reflectors, never seen a precut like that, certainly isn't the XPEL or 3M pattern that they have because I have seen both. I am maybe wrong but I feel like they fucked up the install and just trimmed it that way...

Hopefully someone here that has a lot of PPF experience will chime in but yeah imo that looks ass, why have a cut there when you don't have to, got to follow lines with your cuts.

[k_mann]

I agree. I'm going to ask the shop, you can see a lot of exposed paint on the fang too in the last pic. I sort of feel like for that much exposed paint I'm better off without ppf at all but maybe I'm being too picky

[omasou]

What you are seeing is part of the pattern the installer used to plot the PPF. The cut next to the reflector shouldn't be there. Typically the plotter cuts out the reflector, the installer "weeds" it out and they line it up the cut out.

The relief cuts and patterns are why have I have love hate relationship w/PPF.

If you get a custom bulk install it will look better but depending on who did it you will still have gaps/seams.

Every edge collects dirt the less the better.

I've given up on PPF (except for headlight) but I don't live in a dry, rocky area.

[k_mann]

Originally Posted by omasou

What you are seeing is part of the pattern the installer used to plot the PPF. The cut next to the reflector shouldn't be there. Typically the plotter cuts out the reflector, the installer "weeds" it out and they line it up the cut out.

The relief cuts and patterns are why have I have love hate relationship w/PPF.

If you get a custom bulk install it will look better but depending on who did it you will still have gaps/seams.

Every edge collects dirt the less the better.

I've given up on PPF but I don't live in a dry, rocky area.

Right I'm learning the relief cuts have to be there but this pattern feels like a lot. Basically every curve of the lower bumper has it…..I'd expect it on one side but not every curve….

[omasou]

Finally, found it, https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ht=recommended

The first set of pictures is what a pattern cut and bad installation looked like on my previous M2.

The second set of pictures is a custom bulk cut application, which though very, very good, still had edges lift. This was the best guy I could find locally and unfortunately he moved back to CA.

[k_mann]

Yeah I have all the seems in the bottom similar to the kits posted. I'm not incredibly happy with the alignment In some spots but it looks like it's the nature of our bumpers and the angles

[MooMooM2]

PPF on a light colored car has to have rolled edges or you will see the dirt pretty quick and it does NOT look good, on a dark car (or in this case black) that is not a problem).

But damn on your pre-cut car it was crazy how many cuts were on there, not necessary.

Bulk is definitely the way to go and with the edges lifting, it happens and its actually an easy fix, heat gun (be careful of course because they do get HOT) and just warm up the lifted edges a tad and then they will stick right back in. Just gotta do it quick before any dirt gets inside the lifted edges or it can become a problem.

[k_mann]

Reading in the post it seems the split the lower into 3 parts to aid in repairs, makes sense since they take a beating. Would only have tk replace one piece.

Im heading back next week to get the lifted edges fixed!

[k_mann]

Originally Posted by omasou

Finally, found it, https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ht=recommended

The first set of pictures is what a pattern cut and bad installation looked like on my previous M2.

The second set of pictures is a custom bulk cut application, which though very, very good, still had edges lift. This was the best guy I could find locally and unfortunately he moved back to CA.

Thanks for sharing, I'm guessing if I went to any certified xpel in town thats what I'd get.

This guys used STEK and I'm honestly fine with most of it except for the relief cuts in the middle, I think they should be more inside the curve like yours were.

[KevinC]

Yikes. That looks like it was applied by some flat brim vape bro at a ghetto stereo/tint/CBD store.

[k_mann]

Originally Posted by KevinC

Yikes. That looks like it was applied by some flat brim vape bro at a ghetto stereo/tint/CBD store.

Lol maybe a little harsh. I did take these pics up close with flash so they're super highlighting the lines. looking more I'm starting to think the pattern itself wasn't so great. Im meeting with the owner next week to see what we can figure out.

I saw your thread where you used a pre cut I believe. Do you have pics of how the seams line up on the lower pieces?

[k_mann]

Maybe not so harsh. They did my tint too and I just noticed this

[MooMooM2]

What are we looking at?

[jkoral]

I have partial PPF on my OG, and just took a look. I have the same relief cuts, but smaller. They are also less visible, I didn't think I had them until I rubbed my finger over the area.

[k_mann]

Originally Posted by MooMooM2

What are we looking at?

Noticing some cuts from the tinter…..Same shop…..

[KevinC]

I took some shots of mine, will post when I get home. I can’t even see any relief cuts. Now after seeing that tint aftermath, oh my…

[k_mann]

Originally Posted by KevinC

I took some shots of mine, will post when I get home. I can’t even see any relief cuts. Now after seeing that tint aftermath, oh my…

Thank you could take some pics of that window trim. I'm sure that's not normal but I'd be curious what one looks like

[MooMooM2]

Oh man yeah those cuts are bad. I hate to say this but I probably would not take my car back to that place. I certainly would not trust em with a bulk install be cause if they can’t control their x acto knife for the tint imagine around the paint. Something I always wonder with ppf, you won’t find out their fuck ups until the ppf gets removed later

[KevinC]

These pics aren't great, sorry.. I can try to get some better ones. But I'm def not seeing any cuts in my window trim anywhere, and even when I look super closely at the bumper area, I don't see relief cuts..