[Bilajio]

I'm hearing mixed reviews, is it worth it?

[ams3177]

Originally Posted by Bilajio

I'm hearing mixed reviews, is it worth it?

I have used Gtechnique products on my last three BMWs including the current one and I am totally satisfied with them. They give a piece of mind (in my opinion) while washing the car, the water washes off easily (and so is dirt). The car retains its gloss for longer as well. Again all of this also depends on how one can maintain their car.
My G05 has Getechnique Crystal Serum Ultra 2"which provides hardness of 10H, it is then topped with two coats of EXO v4. I have also got my alloys coated with C5 and Glass with G1.
If you ask me I will always recommend them. But then it is very subjective. 😊

[themnmd]

if you are good at detailing you can save money and do it yourself. i have done it with 2 cars. it definitely makes it easier to wash the car. there many video reviews on YouTube of various ceramic coating products lasting a few months to 2 or 3 years. longer lasting generally means more money. I personally used CQuartz UK 3.0 and Gliss top coat. use what ever you feel comfortable with you will not regret it. imho

[Paladin1]

Ceramic Pro on two cars and very happy with it.

[npa201]

What has been your experience with water spots? I have seen one of the issues is if water beads and dries up it can be difficult to remove in the future especially if the water source was hard water from a sprinkler system. I leave my car out in the open during the day for long periods of time and by the time I get to my car its dark out and so it can be several days before I’ll even notice spots have dried up on my car....I’ve also ordered carbon black which is already given me concerns.

[ams3177]

Originally Posted by npa201

What has been your experience with water spots? I have seen one of the issues is if water beads and dries up it can be difficult to remove in the future especially if the water source was hard water from a sprinkler system. I leave my car out in the open during the day for long periods of time and by the time I get to my car its dark out and so it can be several days before I'll even notice spots have dried up on my car....I've also ordered carbon black which is already given me concerns.

My current one is carbon black and so was the previous one (just love the colour, can't help &#128522, and I agree with your comments about water spots. My F15 which had Gtechnique Crystal Serum Light and EXO V3 had the same issue. It is EXO which is hydrophobic and causes water to bead. This time I have gone for EXO v4, and apparently it won't cause beading. I will be monitoring this and will report back.
However having said this, the spots won't show up every time, especially if you wipe the car down post wash with a quick detailer spray that you get from Gtechnique.
Sorry about mentioning so many products just from Gtechnique but that is what I use hence can comment only on that. But sure there will be similar products from other reputed manufacturers as well.
Hope this helps. 😊

[wjakridgeii]

If you're leasing save your money. If you're buying and plan to keep it for less than three years save your money. If you're buying and don't mind washing your car by hand the entire time you own it, go ahead and get it. You will have to pay $100 once each year to get it refreshed.

I have a lease and wished I saved the money. I don't appreciate hand washing my vehicle to keep up with the ceramic coating. I have to use touchless car washes which have soaps that are not good for the ceramic.

Bottom line if you're going to hand wash it it may be worth it to you.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by wjakridgeii

If you're leasing save your money. If you're buying and plan to keep it for less than three years save your money. If you're buying and don't mind washing your car by hand the entire time you own it, go ahead and get it. You will have to pay $100 once each year to get it refreshed.

I have a lease and wished I saved the money. I don't appreciate hand washing my vehicle to keep up with the ceramic coating. I have to use touchless car washes which have soaps that are not good for the ceramic.

Bottom line if you're going to hand wash it it may be worth it to you.

Interesting, I have always understood the opposite about ceramic coatings. When you have it you do not need to hand wash and touchless car washes work just fine. I will have to see if I can find anything regarding your information.

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

Interesting, I have always understood the opposite about ceramic coatings. When you have it you do not need to hand wash and touchless car washes work just fine. I will have to see if I can find anything regarding your information.

Ceramic Pro's provided instructions only state not to use the spray wax option in touchless car washes. I've used the regular wash (without wax) and it works just fine - leaves it shining like it's been freshly waxed.

https://ceramicpro.com/aftercare/

[Tim2189]

I’m getting ceramic pro done tomorrow, will post results

[robby818]

I have had it done on several cars. My detailer uses the opti-coat pro plus product. Cost is about $1200 US. I think it does make the paint look glossier. It sort of protects the paint from micro scratches. In the end, I don't think it is worth it due to the minimal gain. Also, you cannot polish on top of it.

I stopped doing it because I take good care of the paint and I would rather just have my cars paint corrected and polished every 2 years to keep the paint looking good.

[Tenac]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Ceramic Pro's provided instructions only state not to use the spray wax option in touchless car washes. I've used the regular wash (without wax) and it works just fine - leaves it shining like it's been freshly waxed.

https://ceramicpro.com/aftercare/

Another thing you have to worry about is if the soap they use is PH neutral or not. Some touch less will use harsh soaps so they perform better this will cause the coating to degrade very quickly. Honestly I enjoy hand washing both ours and do not have ceramic. Next time I will though since it does make it ALOT easier to wash... You can also use spray's after the wash that will perform just like ceramic but only last a few months.......

I also agree I would save my money on a leased car!

[JayInVa]

Went with Gtechniq as well. I have the same setup as ams3177 with the Crystal Serum Ultra 2 as well as on the wheels. Wouldn't have changed a thing...makes washing a breeze!

[jeymz]

I've had great results with CQuartz UK 3.0.
I just maintain it with CarPro Reload every 6 months.
I try to do it when the car is new to cut out or minimize any needed paint correction prior to coating.

[Bilajio]

Originally Posted by jeymz

I've had great results with CQuartz UK 3.0.
I just maintain it with CarPro Reload every 6 months.
I try to do it when the car is new to cut out or minimize any needed paint correction prior to coating.

Originally Posted by jeymz

I've had great results with CQuartz UK 3.0.
I just maintain it with CarPro Reload every 6 months.
I try to do it when the car is new to cut out or minimize any needed paint correction prior to coating.

There's was a guy I spoke to about it on Saturday. Said he used to do it but doesn't offer it anymore.

Would recommend a machine polish and detail every 12 - 18 months which is much cheaper than ceramic coating.

My only concern with that is the clear coat will take a pounding every 12-18 months.

Whereas ceramic in essence adds a layer

I am somewhat put off my the after ceramic maintenance.

Historically, I've always detailed cars myself. Last car was a 420d which I polished and then applied 3 layers of hard wax. Then top up wax with each wash. Did the trick and a whole weekend.

X5 is a much bigger beast... don't know if I have the time

[edtreo]

IMO, wrapping is more cost effective.

[stbm5]

I agree with the DIY recommendation, it’s not hard, just time consuming. It makes cleaning easier... I do the interior too.

[Tim2189]

I got ceramic pro done and it seems to do the job. Don’t expect your car flawless without washing it though. It’s Deff easier to wash the car and less dirt sticks to the paint.