Hello all...I just picked up a 2018 E300 4Matic Sport...and I'd like to get PPF installed. I am thinking the entire front, up the pillars, and front quarter panels, although I am not sure yet.

That said, I had a couple of questions -- one, did you pick the installer first, or the product first? XPEL? 3M? Two, there seems to be a few shops around me, and for a newbie, it's like picking a surgeon, LOL. None of my friends had it done, I really don't know any "experts" so to speak, etc. How do you pick the best one? They all seem speak confidently, definitively, say they are the best, and so on. Does anyone here know anyone in New Jersey?

After you get PPF...did you also get the ceramic coating protection? If so, which one, what kind, etc. Thank you very much in advance.

 

Detailer's Domain in Norwood does really good work. They put XPEL Stealth on my C63 and did an excellent job. They are a little more expensive than other shops but I wanted to find someone that does quality work. You can also try Auto Polishing Center in Waldwick

 

Thanks Shawn! I'll go see Detailer's Domain in Norwood. Did you deal with anyone specific? If you don't mind me asking, what did you have done and how much did you pay? Do they "wrap" the edges around, underneath, etc., or do they just go up to the edge? Thanks.

I went to APC in Waldwick, and wasn't completely thrilled with the experience. I know they allegedly do a very good job, I see they work on high-end, expensive cars, and they seem to be very busy -- however, the experience didn't make me feel very comfortable. I called, made an appointment for a specific day and time, with a "manager" (and I got his name). I got there, and he wasn't there. I waited, and when he finally got back, he wasn't expecting me, didn't know I was coming, etc. I then asked about doing something to the car -- and he said yes, we can do that, but we can't do it now. I said we had an appointment, and that you were going to do what we discussed while I wait. He proposed I leave the car for several hours (for a 5 to 7 minute task). He said, OK, wait a few minutes and I'll squeeze you in. He somewhat pushed me off on someone else, who was very young, probably early 20's, and was not very personable. As they were doing it, I asked about the PPF. He didn't have any material, brochure, etc., he was very generic, didn't give me any details, nothing, and quoted me a price of $2500. I had to ask, pull teeth practically, about the specifics -- what parts of the car was going to be done, how long it lasts, the warranty, etc.

I don't know, maybe that's the norm, and people just fork over $2500, but I wanted to get educated, I wanted detailed information, and I just wasn't able to get it, at least not to my satisfaction. It just didn't seem very professional.

I'll call Norwood and go see them. Thanks again Shawn!

 

Anyone PPF the entire car? If not, how much did you do? Thanks.

 

Throughout the whole process, I worked with Phil (the owner). He was great to work with and answered any questions I had. If you give him a call, I'm sure he'll answer any questions or concerns you have.

In regards to what I had done, I had my whole car wrapped in XPEL Stealth. I wanted the peace of mind knowing that the whole car was protected. In most spots, they wrapped around the edges but a few spots are wrapped right up to the edge. For price, I think it'll be best to call Phil to get an idea of how much it costs. The price depends on a variety of factors (especially the condition of your paint).

 

Thanks Shawn! Greatly appreciated!

 

I own a ‘88 560 SL in great condition that I just had paint chip repairs done by a professional and now wanted to wrap it in XPEL PPF to give it as much protection as possible. My concern is if this would devalue the car or cause harm to the paint over time. Anyone who has wrapped their R107, I would appreciate your thoughts and comments and if you’re happy with the results or not.

 

It won't devalue your car. As a matter of fact, PPF will protect the paint from getting minor scratches.

 

It could make the repaired chip areas more pronounced though unless they are flat and blended well.

 

When we purchased our MB, we were able to negotiate the XPEL into the deal - the dealer offers their own XPEL installation on site. Had our SL for 3 years, a small section of XPEL was lifting on the left side rocker panel. The MB dealer removed the XPEL and replaced it with new XPEL on the rocker panel during our regularly scheduled maintenance. On both cars, we covered the full hood (don't like that front 1/2 of the hood installation at all), rocker panels, right & left rearview mirrors, front grill painted areas, the splash areas in the back of each of the 4 tires, and the trunk ledge ( where typically luggage is dragged out of the trunk and scratches the paint). So far, the XPEL is holding up well, ZERO paint chips on the hoods, no discolorization of the Xpel. If you weren't looking for it, most people would have no idea it's on the car.

No question, the very best time to install XPEL is when your car has zero miles or it has just been professionally detailed. If your buying your car new from MB, it's a great negotiation point when you're putting your offer together, especially if your dealer does it in-house. Even if your dealer does not do the install, they probably have a relationship with a an independent contractor that does Expel.

 

Thanks, appreciate the comments and reassurance the PPF wouldn’t lift the paint chip repairs if it needs to be removed.
Certainly few chip repairs will be noticed under the PPF, which I’m ok with, but long term the vehicle will be protected from atmospheric fallout and future damage. Ideally, a stage one PPF on front hood and fenders followed by a stage two trunk deck to hopefully provide a little protection from hard top installations mishaps.

 

I didn’t know that the dealer could do it, I’m going to ask next time when I visit. Thanks!