[wow400]

I’ve (hopefully) got an X4 M40d coming mid March on PCP (lease type deal) and am wondering if it’s worth getting it detailed & a ceramic coating put on - even though I’m only keeping the car for 3 years before handing it back?

It’s obviously not cheap so I’m wondering if it’s worth it?

Cheers,
Nic

[dmicah]

I started another similar thread on mods for lease cars. Your post calls out one of the items I forgot to mention--ceramic coating. My take would be that since a ceramic coating would last 2-3 years, and your lease would likely be 3, you would probably be the primary if not sole benefactor of installing the coating.

I think you could also ask a similar question about PPFs. I believe these last longer and are similarly expensive. On the other hand, they may add enough protection that you save some money and arguments on the return of your car to the dealer (assuming you don't buy it at that point).

[AlteBMW]

I'd say yes. It will allow you to avoid waxing other than perhaps yearly, makes washing a breeze (nothing sticks), and means the car paint will be in great shape for lease return. It doesn't have to be perfect of course on return, butthe way a car looks influences the lease end inspection. At least that is my experience, having done it with my '17 G12. My wifes '14 E class wagon was ceramic coated and still looks like new after just one touch up application (by me, not professional), and I had my X3 (arctic white) coated last summer. I used to enjoy the wash and wax routine but my cranky shoulders no longer allow me to do that very often. YMMV.

[BMWEAK]

There are usually several different “levels” of ceramic coating available. Sometimes they’re guaranteed to last something like 5, 10, or lifetime years. I think it’s totally reasonable to get a coating, but would avoid overshooting the lifetime of your ownership in my opinion!

[WOT Bimmer]

Some people prefer not to DIY, and depending on the coating that can be difficult. If you have a free weekend and like to DIY, I'd suggest getting Gyeon Mohs Q2. It took me about 6 hours to apply two coats, and the results were amazing. I've done two cars now and I won't not do it (double negative &#128518.

I'm fortunate enough to live 30 minutes from Esoteric, so the guys there gave me some pointers. You'll want to wash the car with a PH neutral soap (use Gyeon Bathe, not Bathe+ which contains coating properties). I've heard and read that two coats of Q2 gets you 1-2 years.

https://www.esotericcarcare.com/gyeon-q2-mohs/

[Bavich]

If you buy a case to your smartphone, the answer is yes 🤪

I have a lease and I did it myself. No regrets at all!

[DocWho]

I own an X3 and lease a Z4 (with intent to buy after the lease). I ceramic coated both of them myself. #1 they have a fabulous shine. #2 Washing is a breeze, nothing sticks. #3 I should get 2-3 years out of the ceramic coat and that is how many wax jobs?

BTW, I used CQuartz UK 3.0. I am getting ready to apply quartz to the exterior trim on the X3.

[wow400]

Cheers guys!
Some food for thought there 👍

[kzg1969]

i did DIY ceramic and got PPF fitted. Same dilema as you - car is PCP and will no doubt go back in 3yr.

But i like a clean car and didnt want to worry about stone chips. I did it for me - not the next owner.

What do you want it for???
* - PPF to stop ships to the front
* - ceramics to make it easier to clean

[docal]

Well, here's a dissenting opinion: Yes, a ceramic coating looks great and is protective to a certain degree (I've put it on my new X3M4.0) but it's there to a large degree to protect my investment for the long haul and it's not a cheap proposition. Unless you're planning to buy the car out after the lease, you could have it professionally detailed a couple of times a year at a much reduced cost (or DIY) and be very happy.

[wow400]

Originally Posted by kzg1969

i did DIY ceramic and got PPF fitted. Same dilema as you - car is PCP and will no doubt go back in 3yr.

But i like a clean car and didnt want to worry about stone chips. I did it for me - not the next owner.

What do you want it for???
* - PPF to stop ships to the front
* - ceramics to make it easier to clean

How much was the PPF - megabucks?

[wow400]

Originally Posted by docal

Well, here's a dissenting opinion: Yes, a ceramic coating looks great and is protective to a certain degree (I've put it on my new X3M4.0) but it's there to a large degree to protect my investment for the long haul and it's not a cheap proposition. Unless you're planning to buy the car out after the lease, you could have it professionally detailed a couple of times a year at a much reduced cost (or DIY) and be very happy.

Yep, true. It’s what I was wondering for sure!

[kzg1969]

Originally Posted by wow400

How much was the PPF - megabucks?

it varies depending on how much you want to protect. I had the front bumper area (up to where the wing starts) and 1/3rd of the bonnet done. Was £600.

The installer did one the week before and it was £1200 IIRC but included A/B pillars and wings and mirrors and maybe more.

My car is Phytonic and the undercoat is white so shows chips real easy.

My last car was white and i didnt bother with PPF.

Financially, it doesnt make sense.......

[wow400]

No, but for peace of mind....!
And keeps it a bit warmer in your winters up there 😁

[suby01]

I would recommend ceramic coating if you are living with the car for 3 years. It will shine a lot longer after washes as well as be a lot easier to clean. Totally worth it. And like others said do not opt for the 5 year or lifetime ones. Those are more $$ but they require more actual upkeep, which is a gimmick.

[wow400]

Thanks suby01 👍

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Don't think it matters how you're paying for the car. It's going to be with you for three years, and you can buy at the end of a pcp and many do, so maybe more. For the time you have it, it's "your" car, irrespective of how you chose to pay. If you bought it for cash, it's still the same lump of metal on your driveway, and it still might only be with you for 3 years, same as a lease.

[RedJon]

What about one of the silicone based 'wash off waxes' I'm using https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-G1...c=1&th=1&psc=1and it makes washing easier. It's not as long lasting but it's much quicker, spray on and wash off. Just have to polish it off the first time. I also use the snow foam from the same people.

[kzg1969]

also, the new range of turtle wax products are supposed to be very good.

I had a wee play with shine and dry on wifes car....instant results.

[Commerce]

I would say it's worth it. It will perform far better than a traditional sealant or wax and make washing much more enjoyable. Keep in mind that there are coating options available that only last 2-3 years.