[Pimpsy]

Taking delivery of a new Space Gray Metallic 550i soon. What's the best thing I can do to protect the paint?

Thanks!

[dblock2151]

Have a detailer do the Opti-Coat treatment, repels water like wax for 2+ years, helps against sap, tar, swirls, light scratches, etc. It's a little pricey (ranges from $350-$800) but worth it in the long run for always making your car look shiny ad brand new.

The time it takes to wash your car is worth it alone! Dirt literally flies off.

[Pimpsy]

Thanks! I reached out to Detailer's Domain in Norwood, NJ for an estimate.

/cheers

Alan

[Ben2k9]

opti coat can also be self applied to save a lot of $

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by Ben2k9

opti coat can also be self applied to save a lot of $

Nice...is it just like applying wax?

[Aiden.Detailing]

refer to carpro Cquartz its made from silica (Quartz) chemical bond is SiO2. its gloss depth is way bette then opt coat and durability is way better here is a bit of info on it.

The incredible 70% SiO2 with 99.9% purity formula is based on the same technology as the original Cquartz with some interesting tweaks. Other ceramic coatings have far less SiO2 (Quartz) in the product however CQUK has 70% SiO2 with 99.9% purity. This is the first ever coating which has this concentration! The pure quality ensures the most transparent glass coat film over the surface, which guarantees long lasting coating with extreme strength and water-repellency. Once the liquid meets the open air it cures and forms a ceramic quartz hard coating on the surface with extreme hydrophobicity and gloss beyond even that of CQuartz.

Why SiO2?
SiO2 is one of the hardest material in the world. It creates a very clear but still long lasting hard coating on automotive surfaces.

[Ben2k9]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

Nice...is it just like applying wax?

i haven't done it myself I was just checking out the product info. Looks fairly straightforward...

[Pimpsy]

I received this quote from a local detailer.

Here are some numbers for you for the Opti Coat Pro Plus and Xpel Ultimate Clear Film.

Most are installing - full hood, full fenders, full front bumper, headlights, mirrors, door cups. - $2350 your price will be $2000

For the Opti Coat Pro Plus it would be an additional $1250.

So the total package would be $3250.00

[35mphgolf]

I've used 22PLE on my past cars and it's been incredible. The new 22PLE Pro 2 lasts 3 years , still not as long as Opti-Coat, but it has a much better gloss enhancement and pop factor. I just did my coworkers pearl white IS350 and he still can't stop talking about it. It's fantastic.

[Srinivash Panneerselvam]

I get CQuartz done on my cars the moment they exit the showroom and they hold up quite well for at least 14-16 months depending on the maintenance and of course this is based on my usage in India.

[Aiden.Detailing]

Im going to agree once again with Srinivash Panneerselvam

[Pimpsy]

Thanks for the tips. Thoughts on Xpel in addition to CQuartz?

[Aiden.Detailing]

Originally Posted by AlanM

Thanks for the tips. Thoughts on Xpel in addition to CQuartz?

I would definitely recommend just ensuring whom every is installing know how to wrap a vehicle and where to cut so its seamless and then applying quartz on top to add a bit extra protection and great Shine!!!!

[Detailers Domain]

Xpel and a coating ....

Just so you understand Xpel is the plastics that cover the high impact areas and protect from rock chip and debris.

A coating should protect your vehicles paint from all kinds of damage including wash-induced damages, scratches, oxidation, sap, watermarks, salts, acids and even permanent ink and paints.

Its strong water-repellent properties also promote the self-cleaning effects producing longer lasting depth & shine.

Alan if you have any questions at all please let me know.