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M2 Technical Topics > Cosmetic Maintenance (Wash/Wax/Detailing/Exterior Restoration & Repairs) > PPF or ceramic coating or nothing?

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      08-08-2019, 01:06 PM   #1
MetalMK
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PPF or ceramic coating or nothing?

My M2 will be my daily driver. It will be garaged at home but maybe outside at work because I may not find a spot in the covered area. My last daily driver was a black 228i with no paint protection, I have gotten 4 visible rock chips in the last 3.5 years, but there are a lot of dents on the radiator. My commute is half city half highway. The road conditions are good except in the mornings, some semis will drive in the left lane and kick up small rocks that will fly 500m back and are impossible to avoid.

Should I get PPF or ceramic coating or no paint protection and polish the car every three years? I am planning to keep this car for a long time if it is reliable enough. Also is there a way to protect rocks from hitting the radiator? Thanks.
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      08-08-2019, 03:31 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MetalMK View Post
My M2 will be my daily driver. It will be garaged at home but maybe outside at work because I may not find a spot in the covered area. My last daily driver was a black 228i with no paint protection, I have gotten 4 visible rock chips in the last 3.5 years, but there are a lot of dents on the radiator. My commute is half city half highway. The road conditions are good except in the mornings, some semis will drive in the left lane and kick up small rocks that will fly 500m back and are impossible to avoid.

Should I get PPF or ceramic coating or no paint protection and polish the car every three years? I am planning to keep this car for a long time if it is reliable enough. Also is there a way to protect rocks from hitting the radiator? Thanks.
Depends on what you're looking for... Ceramic coatings won't protect against rock chips but they'll make cleaning the car a breeze and protect against UV/chemical damage and damage from road salt etc.

PPF would be good if you're looking to prevent the front end from getting pitted/chipped.
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      08-08-2019, 10:02 PM   #3
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I'm doing PPF followed by ceramic coating with my car. That will provide the best protection from what I heard.
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      08-08-2019, 10:35 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by recycledAlva View Post
Depends on what you're looking for... Ceramic coatings won't protect against rock chips but they'll make cleaning the car a breeze and protect against UV/chemical damage and damage from road salt etc.

PPF would be good if you're looking to prevent the front end from getting pitted/chipped.
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I'm doing PPF followed by ceramic coating with my car. That will provide the best protection from what I heard.
Is it worth putting PPF on a daily driver?
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      08-09-2019, 07:29 AM   #5
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Considering PPF for my almost daily driver. In the NYC area seems like Lorenzo in the Bronx might be among the best places to have this done. Any other suggestions for PPF shops, and what would this typically cost?
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      08-09-2019, 12:44 PM   #6
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Mines a daily and I have a very short commute. After 3 small (but noticeable to me) chips after 2 months of ownership I pulled the trigger on PPF. It was a quick fix with a touch up pen before taking in: Worked great for 2 small chips, the 3rd is somewhat larger and noticeable if you look closely. I went Full front: Hood, bumper, fenders, mirrors. I also had them replace the factory shark fin with a larger custom piece which looks outstanding! You can barely notice it's there.

Is it expensive, yes.

Is it worth it? Depends on your tolerance for paint damage. IMO, I am happy and should've driven the car straight there when I bought it.
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      08-09-2019, 06:38 PM   #7
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Both!
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      08-09-2019, 06:58 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ-Wildcat View Post
Mines a daily and I have a very short commute. After 3 small (but noticeable to me) chips after 2 months of ownership I pulled the trigger on PPF. It was a quick fix with a touch up pen before taking in: Worked great for 2 small chips, the 3rd is somewhat larger and noticeable if you look closely. I went Full front: Hood, bumper, fenders, mirrors. I also had them replace the factory shark fin with a larger custom piece which looks outstanding! You can barely notice it's there.

Is it expensive, yes.

Is it worth it? Depends on your tolerance for paint damage. IMO, I am happy and should've driven the car straight there when I bought it.
How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?
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      08-09-2019, 07:01 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by mcvaughan View Post
Both!
Expensive for a daily!
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      08-09-2019, 07:35 PM   #10
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcvaughan View Post
Both!
Expensive for a daily!
Essential for a daily.
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      08-10-2019, 02:54 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MetalMK View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ-Wildcat View Post
Mines a daily and I have a very short commute. After 3 small (but noticeable to me) chips after 2 months of ownership I pulled the trigger on PPF. It was a quick fix with a touch up pen before taking in: Worked great for 2 small chips, the 3rd is somewhat larger and noticeable if you look closely. I went Full front: Hood, bumper, fenders, mirrors. I also had them replace the factory shark fin with a larger custom piece which looks outstanding! You can barely notice it's there.

Is it expensive, yes.

Is it worth it? Depends on your tolerance for paint damage. IMO, I am happy and should've driven the car straight there when I bought it.
How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?
It was $2,600 out the door
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      08-10-2019, 08:42 PM   #12
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PPF. Ceramic is waaaaaay overrated IMHO. To wit - I had my wheels ceramic-coated thinking it would help me clean off brake dust. It didn't make a bit of difference.
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      08-10-2019, 10:56 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kfscoll View Post
PPF. Ceramic is waaaaaay overrated IMHO. To wit - I had my wheels ceramic-coated thinking it would help me clean off brake dust. It didn't make a bit of difference.
Thanks for the info. Better stay away from it. Does your car have PPF?
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      08-11-2019, 10:41 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MetalMK View Post
Thanks for the info. Better stay away from it. Does your car have PPF?
I'm not suggesting you necessarily stay away from ceramic coatings; my experience is that they're just way too expensive for what you get.

Yes, I have STEK PPF: front bumper, half hood, half front fenders, rocker panels, "shark fin" replacement pieces, behind rear wheels, mirrors, and top of rear bumper (under trunk lid). Mine's a daily and I drive 80% highway miles so PPF is essential. It's already fairly nicked up if you look really close (19K miles), but that's what it's there for!

If you don't want to do that much, I think the front bumper, the hood, and the sections in front of the rear wheels ("shark fins") are most important. You won't believe how chewed up the area in front of the rear wheels gets otherwise.
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      08-12-2019, 11:39 AM   #15
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I think it's worth putting ppf on a daily driver if you know that rock chips and scratches are going to bother you. Sure you can repaint it but why would you want to go through that hassle if you can just put some clear bra on it from the beginning and have some peace of mind
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