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M2 Technical Topics > Cosmetic Maintenance (Wash/Wax/Detailing/Exterior Restoration & Repairs) > PPF done!

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      07-07-2019, 01:15 AM   #1
KevinM
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PPF done!

I’m posting my thoughts on PPF installation, given several members on the board have posted sub-optimal jobs. I’m focusing on a pre-cut kit, although I had some custom pieces put on the rear quarters. If you are like me, you probably don’t want to pay more than $1000 for PPF on your daily driver.

The most important thing is to find the best installer that you can drive to. IMO, this is much more important than Xpel vs. Suntek, etc. I used Paint Protection Solutions branch in Scottsdale. I traveled from Tucson because I trust their work, as they previously did my F80 M3. They still use Xpel, and that is fine with me.

The pre-cut kit is very good for the M2C. The kit wraps around most edges including the hood, front fenders, and lower bumper. Where it cannot wrap around (the BMW roundel, mirror edge, front spoiler winglets, etc.), the PPF edges are flush and, when needed, the seams to assure proper fitment are aligned well.











As I posted on another thread, I recommend those with HS and AW M2s to remove the OE PPF and extend the coverage to wrap around the fender edge behind the door. The vertical edge of the OE PPF is a magnet for dirt, and it is hard to remove completely (at least I couldn’t, after a 100-mile drive back home on the freeway). The PPF cannot be clearly seen on the photos (which is a good thing!) so I added a photograph that shows the minimal protection you want.





This will likely be towed to the detail subforum, but I wanted to throw it up here first.
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Last edited by KevinM; 07-07-2019 at 01:27 AM..
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      07-07-2019, 08:53 AM   #2
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Looks great. I have some PPF material on deck for when my AW M2C arrives in a couple weeks. I want to have the car in hand and decide where PPF is needed before committing. Leading edge of hood and front fenders are a given, but it will likely grow from there. I generally don't worry about soft plastic parts like the front bumper but may do some of that as well.
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      07-07-2019, 08:36 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skier219 View Post
Looks great. I have some PPF material on deck for when my AW M2C arrives in a couple weeks. I want to have the car in hand and decide where PPF is needed before committing. Leading edge of hood and front fenders are a given, but it will likely grow from there. I generally don't worry about soft plastic parts like the front bumper but may do some of that as well.
You are going to do it yourself? I'm impressed! Do you have experience? I was reminded how difficult this job is to do correctly when I was (trying) to apply Trakktape to the car to protect it on the journey home from the dealer before my PPF was placed.
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      07-07-2019, 09:34 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinM View Post
You are going to do it yourself? I'm impressed! Do you have experience? I was reminded how difficult this job is to do correctly when I was (trying) to apply Trakktape to the car to protect it on the journey home from the dealer before my PPF was placed.
I'm not an expert but have done it on 7-8 cars over the last 20 years. Only one of them was really tough (hood shape too complex), the rest were all straightforward. I learned a lot of tricks along the way. I try to identify the high-risk areas and focus the PPF there. I wouldn't have the patience to do the whole car or work with really large pieces of film!

Really, I feel like there is a lot of leeway installing PPF since you basically hose everything down with soapy water ahead of time, and can position and work the film quite a bit to get it perfect before it's time to squeegee it down. Wrapping edges can be tricky sometimes, but isn't too bad.
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