[Texox]

So, I recently ordered a 2021 M550i. Really looking forward to receiving it in a few weeks! As part of the deal, the dealer has included window tint and 3M protection film - primarily, door edges, inside handles, etc. It seemed like a nice add on during the negotiations, but now I am concerned that it will "stand" out and look terrible on the door edges. I am curious if anyone else has put the 3M protection film on the door edges? I assume I can always remove the 3M protection film afterwards, if I don't like it. Just wanted to get some general thoughts and see if anyone has used the 3M protection film. If so, any pictures of the doors with the film on them would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[hoyas490]

Generally, if done well, the PPF (paint protection film) is invisible to the human eye when new. Though eventually it will yellow and discolor and become visible. (Think older clear bra)

3M is a good brand for the quality of their film, so I'd be mostly worried about the installers and not the product they're installing. For example, check out some of the top PPF installers online / YouTube and you'll see how they do it. (Darien Detailing does good stuff, Topaz in London, NVN London and NVN Dubai etc.)

[AP]

Personally think anything like this along with detailing should be undertaken by a specialist rather than the dealership where it's done as a source of revenue to boost a deal.
Just my opinion.

[packet]

Have you thought about getting a ceramic coating done from a specialized company instead? (that's what I have)

[Dephead2004]

I had some bmw boot lip film applied by a 3rd party. It was fine. I have always found that I or " someone else" scratched the lip at some time. It was invisible except on the raised edge which inevitably catches dirt , polish etc

I was however advised not to apply to factory fresh paint as, if you remove it, it will remove the paint to which will have bonded tightly. Leave it a while for the paint to cure then take it back to the dealer.

[Bob in IL]

There is a good chance the dealership will have a 3M (in this case) installer come in and do the job. Same with tinting etc. that's done at a dealership.

[Texox]

Originally Posted by packet

Have you thought about getting a ceramic coating done from a specialized company instead? (that's what I have)

^ I had not thought about that... buy maybe I should. I did not really think about doing anything other than tint, which is definitely needed here in Texas.

[Texox]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

There is a good chance the dealership will have a 3M (in this case) installer come in and do the job. Same with tinting etc. that's done at a dealership.

I believe that is the case. This is something they regularly do with their cars as a selling point, I believe. They offer a 3M package with clear bra, doors, handles, etc. ... I was more worried about the way it looks than whether or not they will install it correctly. I am a little OCD and I am wondering if the very light line on the door edges is going to bother me, or if it is so light that you will not be able to see it unless in the right light.

[packet]

i'm pondering the film on the edge of the trunk lip area too (where you'd rest/rub a bag against)

[bmw-again]

Trunk lip would be good idea. My m550 has 2k miles on it and my wife already has put a scuff in that area. I have ceramic coating on mine and have had it on last 4 cars. I love it. BSM taken care of looks like glass everytime its clean

[Texox]

Originally Posted by bmw-again

Trunk lip would be good idea. My m550 has 2k miles on it and my wife already has put a scuff in that area. I have ceramic coating on mine and have had it on last 4 cars. I love it. BSM taken care of looks like glass everytime its clean

How much does ceramic coating cost?

[packet]

Just looked up the company who did mine - the company is called Ceramic Pro https://ceramicpro.com if that helps
The website has a lot of marketing stuff, but it did say 'starts at $300' somewhere in the locations area

[clee1982]

I had XPEL done at dealer before I knew any better, though it turned out ok, and worked as advertise as soon as the first j*ck as* side swipe me in parking lot on the rear bumper...

edit: even though it was done by a dealer it was done by a 3rd party, but i can't imagine they did "that" carefully, it's one of those pre cut match bumper 2 guy get it put on correctly, it was brand new car, but can't imagine if they had it truly cleaned up spotless before it was putted on

I didn't re XPEL the whole rear bumper, went to the shop who did the original install at BMW dealer had him remove that small piece and "patch" over, it's only visible if you try really hard

[hlothery]

to the OP. Which dealer in Dallas are you talking about. I got my M550 in Grapevine, and it had the same package. I have had to trim the bottom of the door edging several times as it separated off. The dealer had already installed this stuff before my purchase, so I had no choice. However, if I was ordering a car, I would go to the installers of the film and have it done right. I also had 3M ceramic 70% installed on my windshield to protect the leather dash after my purchase. I would rather deal with a high end 3M installer than the dealership. Just my thoughts.