Dealership 3M Clear Bra & Ceramic Coating
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
2017 C300 Coupe, 2020 GLC 43
Dealership 3M Clear Bra & Ceramic Coating
Hey guys, I recently bought a 2020 GLC 43 AMG and I was thinking of adding a clear bra and also a ceramic coating at a local installer but the dealership had a few offers through them. Are these any good from the dealership or not as good as doing it somewhere else? Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 703
Likes: 136
From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
You need to ask the dealership what products are used for the clear bra and ceramic coating and who their installer is that will be doing the work to really answer your question(s). For clear bra, it really is all about the installer and how good they are, but it's helpful to know what product is used...Xpel, 3M, Suntek, etc. as you don't want some cheap-o product that turns yellow in 2 years. As for ceramic, I'm not sold on it for the price that is usually charged, but again, make sure you understand what product is used, how many coats they apply and where, and what upkeep is recommended. After you get that info, you can make a better decision on whether to go dealer route or independent, local installer. Oh, and compare any warranties on products and install. Good luck!
Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 148
Likes: 17
2019 E63s
I personally would not use the dealer. Surely there are plenty of reputable and proven shops around you. I've used the same shop for years now. Watched them grow to a small time operation to now scheduling months out.
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 94
Likes: 15
2020 GLC63
Where r u located? There is always an upcharge at the dealer, but you could roll into your financing if you are financing it.
I decided against ceramic coating. i didnt see the value getting it done commercially for my uses.
I decided against ceramic coating. i didnt see the value getting it done commercially for my uses.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
2017 C300 Coupe, 2020 GLC 43
You need to ask the dealership what products are used for the clear bra and ceramic coating and who their installer is that will be doing the work to really answer your question(s). For clear bra, it really is all about the installer and how good they are, but it's helpful to know what product is used...Xpel, 3M, Suntek, etc. as you don't want some cheap-o product that turns yellow in 2 years. As for ceramic, I'm not sold on it for the price that is usually charged, but again, make sure you understand what product is used, how many coats they apply and where, and what upkeep is recommended. After you get that info, you can make a better decision on whether to go dealer route or independent, local installer. Oh, and compare any warranties on products and install. Good luck!
they are $700 each, so comparing their price to the local installers, it's much cheaper, but they could be using low qualities.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
2017 C300 Coupe, 2020 GLC 43
Ceramic coating for the full body at a local installer costs about $1500
XPEL for the the full front is $2000+
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 94
Likes: 15
2020 GLC63
Yeah but the above from the dealer isn't a real ceramic coating or a full front xpel protection the way I read it. It all comes down to the prep and what they use. My guess is the dealer is just spraying some leather care and top coat on the outside and calling it a day. Their xpel only covers the nose and not full frontal protection.
A full front xpel is 14 peices... rockers are another 8, door cups 4, and rear bumper loading 1. FWIW. It's a lot of work.
Either way, you aren't getting a deal from that dealer... a quality XPEL job full frontal is $2000-$2500. Paint prep should be minimal outside of a clay bar. So dont buy into the Paint correction scheme either with XPel :-)
A full front xpel is 14 peices... rockers are another 8, door cups 4, and rear bumper loading 1. FWIW. It's a lot of work.
Either way, you aren't getting a deal from that dealer... a quality XPEL job full frontal is $2000-$2500. Paint prep should be minimal outside of a clay bar. So dont buy into the Paint correction scheme either with XPel :-)
Is there a reason behind that? Local installers are so expensive compared to the dealership prices, but that doesn't mean the dealership use high quality stuff.
Ceramic coating for the full body at a local installer costs about $1500
XPEL for the the full front is $2000+
Ceramic coating for the full body at a local installer costs about $1500
XPEL for the the full front is $2000+
Last edited by ryancassidy; Feb 20, 2020 at 03:46 PM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
2017 C300 Coupe, 2020 GLC 43
Seattle. The dealer doesn't charge much compared to local installers, but I need to check with them which brands they use. So you applied any protection on the paint?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 690
Likes: 84
From: GA
X3 M40i
Which ever the case is, get it done. I neglected to get Expel/Clear Bra or Ceramic Coating after I bought my GLC. My truck has so many rock nicks and light surface scratches that it's ridiculous. I barely drive my truck (only on the weekends) I am definitely going to have to get paint correction after the winter. The paint is not the best on these Benzs. If I could do it all over again I would had at least got ClearBra/Expel for the front bumper/fender/hood and mirrors at least.
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 94
Likes: 15
2020 GLC63
Yes I did full frontal, door cups, rocker panels and bumper with suntek. Anything that can get hit from the front.. be mindful the tires can throw a bunch of stuff up too.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 274
Likes: 76
From: Seattle, WA
2020 AMG GLC 43
Hey OP, I'm also in Seattle, and I have a 43 on order. Won't show up for another couple of months. Would you mind sharing with us what you eventually end up doing? My plan is to hit up some of the detailers in the area and price compare. I can't see how the price the dealer charges is enough to cover a proper install, so I don't think I'm going to consider that option.
P.S. I've had a great experience with Auto Salon at Leschi (FWIW)
P.S. I've had a great experience with Auto Salon at Leschi (FWIW)
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 101
Likes: 8
2018 GLC43
Hey OP, I'm also in Seattle, and I have a 43 on order. Won't show up for another couple of months. Would you mind sharing with us what you eventually end up doing? My plan is to hit up some of the detailers in the area and price compare. I can't see how the price the dealer charges is enough to cover a proper install, so I don't think I'm going to consider that option.
P.S. I've had a great experience with Auto Salon at Leschi (FWIW)
P.S. I've had a great experience with Auto Salon at Leschi (FWIW)
What you are basically buying from them is a warranty that they hope you never use.
Most clean up and detail depts are terrible at best.
Best bet is to find a Indy that has been in business for a while and takes pride in their work.
The FI dept at the dealership is a pure profit maker $$$$.
Only thing I buy at the dealership is a tire and wheel warranty as Mercedes are know for attracting nails in their no
fix just replace tires.
However you can usually bargain on the policy price because they need to sell you something to make a commission.
And skip any extended warranty’s that start the day you buy the vehicle!!!!
Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 222
Likes: 22
From: Montreal
GLC63 AMG S Coupe
Has anybody tried Graphene-Nano plated Hydrophobic coating?
Maybe it is any better than ceramic nano-coating?
Maybe it is any better than ceramic nano-coating?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 253
Likes: 40
GLC63S
I would stay away from detailer who is only concerned with bottom line. If I were you I would use Xpel. Depending on where you live I would do full hood (No Nasty Lines you can't even tell it's there!) front bumper lights and fenders. Ceramic coating is an over priced fad but the water will quickly beed off your car and it does add some gloss.
Last edited by Henry Stark; Feb 21, 2020 at 10:10 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
2020 Mercedes AMG GLC 43
i did full front xpel it included
bumper, hood, front fenders, mirrors, door cups headlights, and real hatch deck $1500 from a local installer who did a great job ( then i got a paint chip on my drivers door like a week later....lol )
bumper, hood, front fenders, mirrors, door cups headlights, and real hatch deck $1500 from a local installer who did a great job ( then i got a paint chip on my drivers door like a week later....lol )
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
2017 C300 Coupe, 2020 GLC 43
Hey OP, I'm also in Seattle, and I have a 43 on order. Won't show up for another couple of months. Would you mind sharing with us what you eventually end up doing? My plan is to hit up some of the detailers in the area and price compare. I can't see how the price the dealer charges is enough to cover a proper install, so I don't think I'm going to consider that option.
P.S. I've had a great experience with Auto Salon at Leschi (FWIW)
P.S. I've had a great experience with Auto Salon at Leschi (FWIW)
You're right, I think the dealer prices are a little bit off and they could just wash/wax it and call it a day.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
2017 C300 Coupe, 2020 GLC 43
I worked for Stealer Ships for over 40 years its all about profits and low or no quality work.
What you are basically buying from them is a warranty that they hope you never use.
Most clean up and detail depts are terrible at best.
Best bet is to find a Indy that has been in business for a while and takes pride in their work.
The FI dept at the dealership is a pure profit maker $$$$.
Only thing I buy at the dealership is a tire and wheel warranty as Mercedes are know for attracting nails in their no
fix just replace tires.
However you can usually bargain on the policy price because they need to sell you something to make a commission.
And skip any extended warranty’s that start the day you buy the vehicle!!!!
What you are basically buying from them is a warranty that they hope you never use.
Most clean up and detail depts are terrible at best.
Best bet is to find a Indy that has been in business for a while and takes pride in their work.
The FI dept at the dealership is a pure profit maker $$$$.
Only thing I buy at the dealership is a tire and wheel warranty as Mercedes are know for attracting nails in their no
fix just replace tires.
However you can usually bargain on the policy price because they need to sell you something to make a commission.
And skip any extended warranty’s that start the day you buy the vehicle!!!!
I usually don't listen and ignore all the offers from the finance department because as you said it's all about profit they make from customers, but I thought maybe detailing wouldn't be as bad. Also, they offered a 7-year extended warranty for a lower price, is that worth it? I'm financing the car over 60 months.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
2017 C300 Coupe, 2020 GLC 43
That's a very good price actually. The estimate here for a full front is $2200+. One concern I have is how the car would look for just applying XPEL on the front and the rest of the car is not covered, how that does look? Do you notice any color/gloss difference?
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
2020 Mercedes AMG GLC 43
You cant really tell, only the door edges are really noticeable, where there is just a small piece wrapped around the door edge. On places like the hood where the whole thing is covered you can't tell.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 703
Likes: 136
From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
Oops, sorry to hear that man.
That's a very good price actually. The estimate here for a full front is $2200+. One concern I have is how the car would look for just applying XPEL on the front and the rest of the car is not covered, how that does look? Do you notice any color/gloss difference?
That's a very good price actually. The estimate here for a full front is $2200+. One concern I have is how the car would look for just applying XPEL on the front and the rest of the car is not covered, how that does look? Do you notice any color/gloss difference?
Again, I would personally skip ceramic and just get a good detail/wax once a year or so. I would highly recommend the PPF/Xpel as it is great for rock chips. Full front and mirrors is good although I dont usually do front quarters. Depending on your vehicle color, you may want to do rockers and right in front of rear wheel wells...they take a lot of gravel hits. I also did not notice any gloss/color diff but I had PPF and ceramic together on my black 43. You can wax/detail over PPF, fyi. Good luck!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 991
Likes: 86
From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
You can do ceramic coating on your car yourself. As long as the paint is in decent shape it is not too hard. I have been using coatings for a couple of years. Tja e Tor time and you will be fine. Much cheaper than the $900 the dale charges.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
2017 C300 Coupe, 2020 GLC 43
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 98
Likes: 35
18'GLC63
