[SquareWheels]

I live in West Tennessee between Nashville and Memphis. I don't think there a re a lot of shops that do ceramic coating around here, plus for the minimal cost difference, I'd prefer it be done by BMW.

You likely received their current winter email suggesting getting ceramic coating.

I'm considering it for my M550.

At 1399 (plus a ton of tax for TN), would you do it?

The car is almost 2 years old, and the paint is in perfect shape.

[Bob in IL]

The dealer most likely has a local detailer do their coatings. You could find out who it is, check out their reviews etc. and save some money. Plus if you like them and their work you'll have a relationship for future work. Do you know what brand of coating the dealership uses?

[SquareWheels]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

The dealer most likely has a local detailer do their coatings. You could find out who it is, check out their reviews etc. and save some money. Plus if you like them and their work you'll have a relationship for future work. Do you know what brand of coating the dealership uses?

Thanks, no, I don't know what brand.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

I live in West Tennessee between Nashville and Memphis. I don't think there a re a lot of shops that do ceramic coating around here, plus for the minimal cost difference, I'd prefer it be done by BMW.

You likely received their current winter email suggesting getting ceramic coating.

I'm considering it for my M550.

At 1399 (plus a ton of tax for TN), would you do it?

The car is almost 2 years old, and the paint is in perfect shape.

I would not put a ton of weight on the dealer doing/commissioning ceramic. They could be really good or they could suck and cut corners. The real value in a ceramic coating is the prep and how well they correct the paint before ceramicing it. It will only be as good as the people they sub it out too, so do some homework there. So $1,399 is pretty much the going rate from a higher end detail shop in my area. A shop that uses Ceramic Pro, Kamikaze etc. Definitely ask what product they are using. Also, a $1,400 job in my area would include a wheels off ceramic application and an interior detail. In your case the dealer is getting a cut of it, so the actual detailer is getting less. Not necessarily an indicator of a lesser detailer, but something to think about.

I guess my point is, do your homework and ask the right questions and don't be afraid to look around to independent shops. Maybe these aren't as convenient as the dealer for you, I get that.


Edit - I crossed with Bob, sorry to repeat the same things.

[SquareWheels]

I found two local places.
They both offer Ceramic Pro 9H, is that a good one?

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

I found two local places.
They both offer Ceramic Pro 9H, is that a good one?

Yes, Ceramic Pro 9H is good. Ceramic Pro was the pioneer for coatings a few years ago. Shops need to be certified to use and go through training. That's a good thing. But there are better coatings out there. I have had a Ceramic Pro job done and a Kamikaze job and I think the Kamikaze is better. But you can't go wrong with Ceramic Pro. It still comes down to a good paint correction, which is basically polishing/compounding out the swirls and imperfections before locking it down with a coating. None of this is rocket science, it just takes elbow grease and skill not to burn your paint correcting it. My Kamikaze shop is not certified, they are just detailing freaks who love cars.

Is the 9H the dealer or independent? (or both). Don't be afraid to barter.

[SquareWheels]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Is the 9H the dealer or independent? (or both).

I didn't ask the dealer. I will
These are the two I was looking at, I'll call for prices.
https://www.exclusivedetailsllc.com/...-coating-promo
https://finishperfect.org/packages-1

Thanks for your help.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

I didn't ask the dealer. I will
These are the two I was looking at, I'll call for prices.
https://www.exclusivedetailsllc.com/...-coating-promo
https://finishperfect.org/packages-1

Thanks for your help.

No problem.

Google reviews are the best for references on places like these.

[SquareWheels]

The two places I found both have good reviews.

One wanted 1500 for the 5 year, the other wanted 900. They both do "paint correction", 1 coat of 9H and one coat of Top Coat. These are their 5 year plans.

The dealer (as suspected) has a local place do it they use Optimum Polymer Technologies.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

The two places I found both have good reviews.

One wanted 1500 for the 5 year, the other wanted 900. They both do "paint correction", 1 coat of 9H and one coat of Top Coat. These are their 5 year plans.

The dealer (as suspected) has a local place do it they use Optimum Polymer Technologies.

A paint correction is part of the process of a ceramic coating. I know you know that, but if any shop makes it sound like an extra, run.

$900 is a great price. Wheels off and calipers too for this price?

$1,500 is the high end to see if you bite, if you like this shop over the other, ask if they can do better.

Honestly, the 1-3-5-lifetime is just a money maker. They all require "maintenance" (for a fee) to uphold the guarantee. All ceramic coating (including "Lifetime") will only last 3-4 years if you treat it right.

[SquareWheels]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

A paint correction is part of the process of a ceramic coating. I know you know that, but if any shop makes it sound like an extra, run.

$900 is a great price. Wheels off and calipers too for this price?

$1,500 is the high end to see if you bite, if you like this shop over the other, ask if they can do better.

Honestly, the 1-3-5-lifetime is just a money maker. They all require "maintenance" (for a fee) to uphold the guarantee. All ceramic coating (including "Lifetime") will only last 3-4 years if you treat it right.

Again, many thanks.

This is the Silver package, the next one up is lifetime.

The Silver Package includes 1 layer of Ceramic Pro 9H applied over the vehicle’s paint, providing protection from the elements and a 5 year warranty. An additional protective layer is added to other areas including windshield and wheels.

Includes
1 Layer of 9H
1 Layer of Top Coat
1 Layer of 9H on plastics
1 Layer of Wheel & Caliper on wheel faces
1 Layer of Glass on windshield

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

I live in West Tennessee between Nashville and Memphis. I don't think there a re a lot of shops that do ceramic coating around here, plus for the minimal cost difference, I'd prefer it be done by BMW.

You likely received their current winter email suggesting getting ceramic coating.

I'm considering it for my M550.

At 1399 (plus a ton of tax for TN), would you do it?

The car is almost 2 years old, and the paint is in perfect shape.

I have a guy in Memphis. He’s awesome and he will likely beat that price and it will be more than two years. And he will do the prep work right, too. He did my M550. His name is Keynan.

Reflection Auto Salon in Memphis TN. Tell him Rod sent you.

[NGT2]

Also, Keynan was previously a Ceramic Pro approved dealer. He started with them when they started. Seriously, I can’t recommend Keynan enough. I’m about to have him do my Dravit Gray X7.

[SquareWheels]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Also, Keynan was previously a Ceramic Pro approved dealer. He started with them when they started. Seriously, I can’t recommend Keynan enough. I’m about to have him do my Dravit Gray X7.

Thanks, but I already booked with the local guy, I don't want to back out.
Plus, it's more convenient, it's only a couple of towns away, Memphis is a 3 hour round trip and my wife needs to get me - she's still working, I'm retired.

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

Thanks, but I already booked with the local guy, I don't want to back out.
Plus, it's more convenient, it's only a couple of towns away, Memphis is a 3 hour round trip and my wife needs to get me - she's still working, I'm retired.

Let us know how it goes. Don't forget the pictures!

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

Thanks, but I already booked with the local guy, I don't want to back out.
Plus, it's more convenient, it's only a couple of towns away, Memphis is a 3 hour round trip and my wife needs to get me - she's still working, I'm retired.

I hear ya. Well, if you ever need anything else, keep Keynan in mind. He can do all things detailing plus an PPF needs. He’s very passionate and knowledgeable. I pick his brain all the time.

[JayEvans_540i]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

I live in West Tennessee between Nashville and Memphis. I don't think there a re a lot of shops that do ceramic coating around here, plus for the minimal cost difference, I'd prefer it be done by BMW.

You likely received their current winter email suggesting getting ceramic coating.

I'm considering it for my M550.

At 1399 (plus a ton of tax for TN), would you do it?

The car is almost 2 years old, and the paint is in perfect shape.
I have a cousin that lives in Tennessee that has a mobile detailing business he came down to Florida where I live and did a full paint correction and ceramic coating on my 19 540i. I would totally recommend his services. My car barely gets dirty and it’s not garage kept. When I do wash it it’s such and easy process with the ceramic coating. When it rains the water beads up and literally just falls off the car. He is mobile his company name is spotless cleaning solutions. He is the detailer for the Tennessee Titans players and staff. His name is Chris I would give him a call. And tell him his cousin josh sent you. (615) 743-5838

[SquareWheels]

The paint was in pretty good shape. He did have some bug guts to clean off. It wasn't part of the deal, but he cleaned the entire interior of the car too.

Very happy with the way it came out.

[Bob in IL]

Looks great!

[Benjamin_Nicholas]

If you're going to coat your car, make sure they do it right.

To me, that means removing the wheels, multiple coats, all glass and interior, and baking/curing the car under infrared heat lamps.

On the vehicles I've done this with, it's been at an authorized/trained shop that uses CQuartz Finest Reserve.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Benjamin_Nicholas

If you're going to coat your car, make sure they do it right.

To me, that means removing the wheels, multiple coats, all glass and interior, and baking/curing the car under infrared heat lamps.

On the vehicles I've done this with, it's been at an authorized/trained shop that uses CQuartz Finest Reserve.

I’m not so hell bent on doing interior but I agree it needs to be done right and glass should be included.

[br2wdc]

Spectacular ... congrats on finding the right person!

I was fortunate to have a guy who does Ceramic Coating on the side and is very very meticulous, and he included the wheels in our deal which has made such a big difference in keeping them clean

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

The paint was in pretty good shape. He did have some bug guts to clean off. It wasn't part of the deal, but he cleaned the entire interior of the car too.

Very happy with the way it came out.