Jdntea

Hi All,

Did a quick wipe-down this morning and finally took some pics of my Xpel Ultimate install.

Here is what was done:

• Full Hood
• Full Fender
• Full Bumpers - Front and Rear (full bumper to the end of panel)
• Full Rocker Panels
• Front Mirrors
• Front Head Lights
• All Door Edges

You really have to look up close to notice anything. No issues with peeling or discoloration. It's optically clear and the Cuvee color comes through beautifully. It's also very easy to clean--currently using griot's spray and shine. My only regret was not getting everything done. I'm happy to answer any questions.

-Jeff

Full Hood


Full Fender up to the A-Pillar


Spot where the Xpel Ultimate ends on top of the hood


Close-up of where Front Fender, Hood, A-Pillar and Passenger door meet. No discernible differences between them and PPF is tight to the edges.


Can barely see it on the front headlights--no reduction in brightness and no fogging. It's crystal clear.

snagitseven

Now all you need is a complete covering of all paint, Xpel and wheel surfaces of Opti-Coat Pro done by an experienced detailer and you're all set. Just had it done and it's much easier to clean, stays clean longer, waxing is essentially a thing of the past and protection against all environmental crud for the life of the car. Great stuff.

Jdntea

Full Rockers - three pieces and cut to the edge of the chrome pieces


Full Bumper: This was probably the most complex piece and very custom. It covers the bumper up to the rear quarter panel and cut out around the rear bumper lights. I didn't want a seam running across the bumper on the side. It also wraps over the lip of the bumper. The rear fascia is also covered.


Side shot of rear. Notice where it ends.


Didn't get to clean the rear, so it's a little grimey. I can never keep this part clean! The bumper coverage goes over the lip of the bumper and under the hatch.


10 year full warranty

Q5 Bob

Any idea on how to find a detailer who does Opti-Coat? I looked on their website and they don't really list any local appliers. Tks.

DennisMitchell

Could you share your cost of the Xpel installation?

snagitseven

You could give Optimum a call - they have been very helpful in answering my many questions and I'm sure they can point you to an installer (be sure the shop uses Opti-coat Pro vs the consumer oriented DIY Opti-Coat 2.0; the Pro has the same properties except for a thicker material coat). I paid $300 for a full paint conditioning and application which would be on the low side.

Dennis - Cost for a full front of Xpel Ultimate including wrapped edges on the hood and fenders, bumper, headlights, mirrors, A pillars, rocker panels and rear bumper by the trunk opening should run a range of $1200-$1700 depending on the car, location, installer experience and whether the kits or custom cut pieces are used by the installer (custom cuts can result in less visible seams if done right). The full hood is the most expensive piece as a 60" roll must be used there which is very expensive. Wrapped edges (to hide seams on hood and fenders) and required paint prep based on its condition can make a difference in price as well.

Jdntea

I got a package deal to do the Xpel Ultimate and 3M Crystalline installed. The shop was certified by both manufacturers and you can find your closest professional installer on the Xpel website. I priced out the kits online at the Xpel site and negotiated at the shop. The only problem was that there were no DAP computer kits for the MY14 when I brought it in. I ended up paying a little over $2800 for the Xpel Ultimate I mentioned earlier and 3M Crystalline on all glass, including the panoramic sunroof and the front windshield. The shop priced $700 on a display sign for 4 windows (includes rear).

I was upfront and said I wanted to get all the work done in one shop, so I think I got a good deal considering I got the windshield and sunroof done and custom work on the Xpel, especially the rear bumper. Figure 2K for the Xpel (headlights and door edges were thrown in free). I've seen quotes on other forums for $1400 for full hood, fenders, mirrors, bumpers, but that only included 3/4 fenders, whereas mine go up to the A-pillar, plus I got rockers, lights, door trims and a full custom rear. The shop also did my sunroof for $100 when we were pricing it out and the rockers for less than $200 (retail around $400). Good luck trying to get Crystalline installed on the sunroof for only $100!

$2800 may seem like a lot, but I cut out the navigation to get this done. Tune2air was only $100 and it works great paired with my galaxy s4. Took the navigation savings to install the hitch, superbumper, bumpshox, Xpel, Crystalline and still came under the cost of the navigation add-on.

I forgot the mention maintenance on the Xpel. They recommend you put on a sealant every 3 months to protect the film. $21 for a 16 oz bottle.

Long story short, price the kits online to get a sense of the retail cost, deduct percentage for mark-up, factor in installation costs. Buy more, save more.

Hope this helps.

snagitseven

"They recommend you put on a sealant every 3 months to protect the film. $21 for a 16 oz bottle."

FYI, Opti-Coat or CQuartz would alleviate the need for a sealant over the film and provide better protection for the entire car (lifetime for the Opti-coat and about 6 months on the CQuartz). Because the Ultimate has a clear coat layer on top of the film, it's possible to do either of these, just like the paint's clear coat itself.

DennisMitchell

Thanks for the info.

ELEVENS

Well whomever buys your car will be happy once it's removed! I'm not a fan of this stuff, been there done that on a brand new BMW M5. Didn't like it for a number of reasons - the expense, the look, the upkeep, and what a PITA is it to remove. I now just give the car ahead plenty of space and perhaps do a respray once in a while.