XPEL film issues?

[gprgeorge]

The 2011 M3 I bought has xpel protective film on front fenders, hood, mirrors etc. Thought the film was a good thing. Took my car to stealership the other day and one of the advisors recommend for me to take off the film. Said that would ruin the car's paint job? Is he full of crap!?
Is their any problems associated with XPEL protective film?

[Yoddha]

Originally Posted by Dr. George

The 2011 M3 I bought has xpel protective film on front fenders, hood, mirrors etc. Thought the film was a good thing. Took my car to stealership the other day and one of the advisors recommend for me to take off the film. Said that would ruin the car's paint job? Is he full of crap!?
Is their any problems associated with XPEL protective film?

He's completely full of crap mate. I take my car to GT Auto Concepts in California for modifications on my M3. They have clients with high end exoctics like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, etc that use the XPEL protective film. It is designed to protect your paint and that is exactly what it does. It will not damage it. My buddy who has a Ferrari 458 Speciale has nothing but high remarks for it. He says it saves him from damage from dirt, rocks, and swirl marks and scratches.

[Alohaaaaa]

Yup... Lies and slander!

My M3 has full front end Xpel Ultimate, as did my prior C63, and we are a retailer for it as well.

It's great stuff.

[Agent-GHQ]

These film is much like leaving a tan line. I think that's what the advisor meant.

[Alohaaaaa]

That's why you do a full hood.

[gprgeorge]

Advisor said to not allow the car out in the summer. He mentioned the XPEL would crack, leave brown crack line, and when removed would pull off the paint. I live in south Texas so of course he made me wonder. Maybe he was just jealous?

[Alohaaaaa]

He's an idiot.

[gsxrliterbikz]

Mine was starting to crack and yellow. But it's an 08, so it's 7 yrs old now. I took it off. With a lil heat it peeled off and didn't hurt the paint. But there is a line in the paint where it ended.
With some mildly aggressive rubbing compound it's hardly noticable now.

[WinterSoldier]

Originally Posted by Dr. George

The 2011 M3 I bought has xpel protective film on front fenders, hood, mirrors etc. Thought the film was a good thing. Took my car to stealership the other day and one of the advisors recommend for me to take off the film. Said that would ruin the car's paint job? Is he full of crap!?
Is their any problems associated with XPEL protective film?

He's a dumbass.

[radiofrequency]

He is wrong - period. My local BMW dealer offers this service when you purchase a vehicle from them. From what I understand, the material has a lifespan of 5 - 7 years. I've removed wrap from one of my vehicles with no problem at all, and have had 6 vehicles wrapped over the past ten years with no issues except my paint has been well protected against stone chips. Vehicle #7, a Lexus LX570 has hood, fenders, mirrors and bumper wrapped, and I would not have it any other way. My 2011 M3 ZCP was wrapped pre - delivery, full hood, fenders, bumpers, mirrors and looks pristine to this day - 4 years out. Do yourself favor and visit the websites associated with the material for a better source of information.

This link is very helpful: http://www.xpel.com/products/xpel_ul...ction_film.asp

In closing I would like to mention that, over the past decade, these products have undergone huge improvements, additionally there are more brand name choices and different levels of protection for your vehicle. Perhaps this gentleman was exposed to an older product poorly applied and is basing his experience on such.

[Flying Ace]

After removal what did he want you to do? Buy more film from him?

[hlmiii]

Originally Posted by radiofrequency

... the material has a lifespan of 5 - 7 years. I've removed wrap from one of my vehicles with no problem at all, and have had 6 vehicles wrapped over the past ten years with no issues except my paint has been well protected against stone chips. ... looks pristine to this day - 4 years out. ... these products have undergone huge improvements, additionally there are more brand name choices and different levels of protection for your vehicle. Perhaps this gentleman was exposed to an older product poorly applied and is basing his experience on such.

All of this.
My experience has also been 10+ years, with over two dozen cars of mine and family.

The good films - especially XPel's most recent - do NOT alter the color, texture or adhesive integrity of the paint in any way under 99% of circumstances. The films are transparent to light and UV, allowing sunlight-related changes to match unprotected areas.

Any "yellowing" has been due in the past to the adhesive used with the film, rather than the plastic film itself and definitely not the paint underneath. That yellowing has been all but eliminated at this point with research and improved formulations.

When removed properly from OEM/equivalent paint the films will not remove or disturb the finish or the paint itself. Any trace amounts of leftover adhesive can be easily removed without consequence. (All of this assumes no more than a little care and/or prior experience or common sense by the user ... )

Originally Posted by Dr. George

Advisor said ... I live in south Texas so of course he made me wonder.

He is simply wrong. Hopefully it is just mistaken.

All of my experience has been in the wilderness just north of you: Houston.
There has never been any problem with any cars (BMW+Lambo).

Do it.

[gsxrliterbikz]

How much are they new? Having just pulled mine off I was thinking of getting a new one put on.
Not too keen on driving without any protection.

[hlmiii]

Cost depends upon parts and coverage.

Front bumper? (pretty much a given ...)
Hood?
Front fenders?
>> these two can be with full or partial coverage.
Rear fender - wheel wells or more?
etc.

The material costs can differ - Expel is a premium product (for very good reasons), while others can be cheaper. The lesser brands can involve more installation time, though.

Use of commercial patterns vs. hand-cut/trimmed pieces effects price. The former will provide a better fit and appearance, while the latter may be a bit less expensive (although installation cost will somewhat offset lower material cost).

Ball park range - between $750 - $1500 for a good job with good film.
Worth every penny.

[Pol]

http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1314565