[bmwauug]

Hi All, before I shell out $2k for ceramic coating, I wanted to ask how practical it is for upkeep and a daily driver (X5MC) - meaning regular washes in the case of midwest winters etc.

And in the end for those who've done it, is it money well spent ?

[M2taz]

$2k seems very expensive for just ceramic coating, I'm guessing they're also doing prep work? Decontamination wash, clay bar & paint correction beforehand? For upkeep I've used bead maker after every wash, but there's some others like obsessed garage drying aid I just purchased but haven't tried yet. Ceramic coating is just a semipermanent wax which will last a few year. Only you can decide if it's worth the cost. I've done it on two cars with PPF and will be doing it again on my incoming g80.

[bmwauug]

the price is actually $2400 - prep, Gtechniq Crystal Serum, Gtechniq EXO top coat, wheels and calipers. Seems high - but I'm trying to assess if it helps keep the car clean and glossy. looking for a 4-5 year plan. Plus to keep warranty, its ~$300 upkeep

[M2taz]

Depending on your comfort level working on paint and time, you can also do it yourself for only a few hundred. It's really not that hard especially on a new car.

[DocL]

I don't live in a harsh climate where it snows and there is salt on the ground. But Ceramic will definitely help making it easier to keep clean. I don't do much to my car except wash it maybe once a month and twice a year i spray it with the replenish spray that the detailer sold me. I'll never own another car without having it ceramic coated.

[ppointer]

I have had the ceramic applied to three of my cars, all 2+ years ago. I find it easier to keep those cars clean, plus I haven't seen any staining like I have in the past -- bird droppings or tree sap, for example. I will definitely do it again in the future. In fact, I am planning on getting paint correction and ceramic applied to my M Roadster this month or next.

[Westside Guy]

The ceramic coating on my Z4 is so good that I often receive a free car wash when driving on the highway in a heavy rain storm. The water beads and rolls off of my car and by the time I arrive at home it is virtually spotless.

[tcphoto]

I chose to DIY at the end of May after some paint work. I washed, clayed, used compound on the old paint but not the recently painted sections. I then applied Cerakote and I'm more impressed after it rains. It was literally an all day project and requires 24 hours to cure, watch the weather forecast so you don't have issues curing.

[bmwauug]

thanks. -this is all very helpful.

[zsalim240i]

I would do it, to me it's worth for the gloss alone. If you're going to be taking it through the scrubo-matic car washes then it's not going to last as long, but for touch less and hand wash - it'll last a few years, especially gtechniq ultra.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by bmwauug

the price is actually $2400 - prep, Gtechniq Crystal Serum, Gtechniq EXO top coat, wheels and calipers. Seems high - but I'm trying to assess if it helps keep the car clean and glossy. looking for a 4-5 year plan. Plus to keep warranty, its ~$300 upkeep

My experience with a '17 F80 M3 that I had for four years is that yes, it keeps the car relatively clean and glossy. I paid a bit less than 2K if memory serves and my detailer did not charge for annual inspections, which many do. I'm a believer.

[bmwauug]

The two options I have are:

Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light - or - Undrdog Pro+

Also, is getting the do the wheels and calipers done make a difference ?