[Robimplicit]

Hi:
I have a newish m235i with about 1000 miles at this point and am seriously considering having xpel applied to the hood and front end. I've watched a few videos of the installation and some of the 2addicts posts seem to imply that some owners are doing the installation themselves. I am wiling to try, but is it a good idea if I've never done it before?

[ScBlacksunshine]

My advice to you is to get Suntek instead of Xpel. I had an installer showed me the difference in quality and Suntek is miles ahead in terms of overall clarity, # of defects...etc I know most people love xpel and I almost went with it as well but seeing is believing.

[BEM-S4]

Honestly it looks easy but there's an art to it, especially on larger areas. Maybe your installer could let you see it first hand on another car so you could decide if you're up for it.

[BentZero]

Here's a video of a company (one of the few, but luckily near the PCD site) in my state that install xpel. I also thought about doing it myself. Overall it looks "doable", but this is definitely a two person job.

[Solarphil]

Normally I'm a big fan of the DIY, but there are a lot of planes and facets to the front of the M235, that means a lot of cuts and edges. The guys that did my car (Xpel, shout out to NW Auto Salon) had to spend a lot of time working all the corners. Not sure I'd want to take that on for a learning experience.

[OpenAir]

Originally Posted by ScBlacksunshine

My advice to you is to get Suntek instead of Xpel. I had an installer showed me the difference in quality and Suntek is miles ahead in terms of overall clarity, # of defects...etc I know most people love xpel and I almost went with it as well but seeing is believing.

+1 I also went with Suntek after seeing the Xpel in person.

[jaboyd]

I've done several cars myself although with a different product. In general the hood and fenders are straight forward and just take your time.

The front bumper is a totally different story,
especially on our cars. Bc of all of the inserts (tow hook, PDC sensors, windshield washer and side marker holes) plus the complex shape on the lower portion makes it a nightmare. Even the pro installer that did mine said it was one of the more difficult/time consuming installs...rated it a 4.5/5. If this is your first go at doing one you might want to let the pro do the bumper and you can do the fenders and hood and save a few bucks.

FYI, the really good installers use a general outline cut of the bumper film but do not have the misc small holes cut out. The reason is that so many holes to align and center on each opening it is virtually impossible to get them all right. So they apply film over the entire bumper and carefully cut out the holes afterwards....its really an art/skill set.

[gtmax500]

Originally Posted by OpenAir

+1 I also went with Suntek after seeing the Xpel in person.

Where'd you go to get the Suntek installed around here? I'm looking for a place.

[Boneman]

I just did a track wrap with suntek. Since I put the new wheels on they are a little proud and I needed protection of the rear quarters in case a rock is thrown up. I had it installed but it looked easy.

[matthibodeau]

I installed 3M protective film on my car, the hood and fender were very simple. The front bumper on the other hand was a nightmare!! there are so many cuts and corners on the bumper it takes alot of time and skill to do it properly. I would say do not attempt DIY unless you are just doing easy parts like hood/fender.

[OpenAir]

Originally Posted by gtmax500

Where'd you go to get the Suntek installed around here? I'm looking for a place.

Talk to Cliff at Auto Armour in Columbia MD...