new gls 450 - does ceramic ppf coating helps?
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 13
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GLS 450
new gls 450 - does ceramic ppf coating helps?
Got new gls 450. Dealer offered the ceramic ppf coating protection exterior and interior and they are charging around 1800 . could anyone suggest whether ceramic coating really helps the car?
Does car loses the shine of my new car? and also should we not worry about dust, debris etc ?
and also how frequently should we wash the car after ppf coating is applied?
Does car loses the shine of my new car? and also should we not worry about dust, debris etc ?
and also how frequently should we wash the car after ppf coating is applied?
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 48
2019 s-class coupe 2025 GLS 580 SUV2017 S-class cabriolet
Ranjitk99, I have PPF and ceramic coating on all 3 of my M-B'S.
The PPF is on the front end, mirrors and door handle cups.
It works great, not noticeable and has good gloss.
The front end of all 3 cars are as new.
The ceramic coating is a wonderful product, the finish is always shiny and smooth as long as you wash the car.
I don't wash the cars on a time schedule but as needed.
The ceramic coating needs to bebuffed out annually due to scratches and contaminates that accumulate.
i would NOT have a dealer install/coat your car as they will short cut the process to maximize profits.
Go to an independent ceramic shop and they can do both.
The PPF is on the front end, mirrors and door handle cups.
It works great, not noticeable and has good gloss.
The front end of all 3 cars are as new.
The ceramic coating is a wonderful product, the finish is always shiny and smooth as long as you wash the car.
I don't wash the cars on a time schedule but as needed.
The ceramic coating needs to bebuffed out annually due to scratches and contaminates that accumulate.
i would NOT have a dealer install/coat your car as they will short cut the process to maximize profits.
Go to an independent ceramic shop and they can do both.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
GLS 450
Ranjitk99, I have PPF and ceramic coating on all 3 of my M-B'S.
The PPF is on the front end, mirrors and door handle cups.
It works great, not noticeable and has good gloss.
The front end of all 3 cars are as new.
The ceramic coating is a wonderful product, the finish is always shiny and smooth as long as you wash the car.
I don't wash the cars on a time schedule but as needed.
The ceramic coating needs to bebuffed out annually due to scratches and contaminates that accumulate.
i would NOT have a dealer install/coat your car as they will short cut the process to maximize profits.
Go to an independent ceramic shop and they can do both.
The PPF is on the front end, mirrors and door handle cups.
It works great, not noticeable and has good gloss.
The front end of all 3 cars are as new.
The ceramic coating is a wonderful product, the finish is always shiny and smooth as long as you wash the car.
I don't wash the cars on a time schedule but as needed.
The ceramic coating needs to bebuffed out annually due to scratches and contaminates that accumulate.
i would NOT have a dealer install/coat your car as they will short cut the process to maximize profits.
Go to an independent ceramic shop and they can do both.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 560
Likes: 50
From: New York City
Chevrolet Chevette, Ford Pinto, Pontiac Aztek, Trabant, Yugo GV (and all the worst cars ever built)
Got new gls 450. Dealer offered the ceramic ppf coating protection exterior and interior and they are charging around 1800 . could anyone suggest whether ceramic coating really helps the car?
Does car loses the shine of my new car? and also should we not worry about dust, debris etc ?
and also how frequently should we wash the car after ppf coating is applied?
Does car loses the shine of my new car? and also should we not worry about dust, debris etc ?
and also how frequently should we wash the car after ppf coating is applied?
- PPF and ceramic coatings are only for the exterior of the vehicle
- Prices vary on the extent of the PPF coverage
- There is no ceramic coating or PPF for the interior of the vehicle and if your dealer says they will add it to the interior than run away from them as fast as you can.
- These are specialized services and are best installed by expert ceramic coaters that do this for a living.
- A good ceramic coater and PPF installer will have done it for Lambos, Ferraris, Porsche, etc.
- Dealers are not good in putting ceramic coats.
You should educate yourself on this before committing to the service.
.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 48
2019 s-class coupe 2025 GLS 580 SUV2017 S-class cabriolet
ratjik99,
My prices varied depending on the model.
I used Ceramic Pro, gold package with lifetime guarantees on all cars.
s-class cabriolet-$2200
s-class coupe - $2400
GLE- $2500
PPF (XPEL)- Each front end, mirrors, door handle cups-$275
My prices varied depending on the model.
I used Ceramic Pro, gold package with lifetime guarantees on all cars.
s-class cabriolet-$2200
s-class coupe - $2400
GLE- $2500
PPF (XPEL)- Each front end, mirrors, door handle cups-$275
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 46
Likes: 4
From: Pennsylvania
bmw x3
I am very new to Ceramaic quoting and all. I will receive my GLS 450 in couple of months and I would appreciate if someone could suggest any good place for that I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 3
From: Outside Philadelphia
17 AMG CLS63S; 21 AMG GLS63
I got my GLS63 from West Chester Mercedes.
Took it couple of miles up the road to:
Museo Detail
706 Old Westtown Road
West Chester
484-887-0382
cost: $2,200 - just ceramic.
They did an excellent job.
Year and half later still looking good and beading!
They do all sorts of high end cars.
Good to walk around and just look at what they're working on.
Advice: once you pick up your new beauty - take it straight to detailer, no mater which one you use.
That way you don't have a bunch of gunk on the car before it's detailed.
Contact the detailer 3-4 weeks before your car's arrival.
Get a firm price.
Get yourself in the queue.
(If the car is a little early or late arriving - no big deal.)
Good luck.
Happy miles!
Took it couple of miles up the road to:
Museo Detail
706 Old Westtown Road
West Chester
484-887-0382
cost: $2,200 - just ceramic.
They did an excellent job.
Year and half later still looking good and beading!
They do all sorts of high end cars.
Good to walk around and just look at what they're working on.
Advice: once you pick up your new beauty - take it straight to detailer, no mater which one you use.
That way you don't have a bunch of gunk on the car before it's detailed.
Contact the detailer 3-4 weeks before your car's arrival.
Get a firm price.
Get yourself in the queue.
(If the car is a little early or late arriving - no big deal.)
Good luck.
Happy miles!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 46
Likes: 4
From: Pennsylvania
bmw x3
Thank you for sharing the details. Again I am very new to these things so need some more advise. What is the difference between ceramic coating Vs PPF. Which one we should do and why not other. Pros and Cons. Thank you.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 3
From: Outside Philadelphia
17 AMG CLS63S; 21 AMG GLS63
PPF = paint protection film
This is a thin plastic (usually urethane) film that covers the car.
Sometimes just the front, sometimes the whole car.
It's cut to fit your vehicle.
Protects from stone dings, etc.
It is usually clear but can be satin (that makes your car look completely different imo).
Don't have a price for this on the GLS....
Ceramic coating goes on like a car wax.
It's not a wax, however.
It is a nano-technology coating.
It lasts for a long time (not forever - no matter what they tell you.)
It acts like a super wax - makes the car shine and is very hydrophobic.
Because it is very slick, it repels dirt.
Maintenance is required. I use a ceramic spray detailer after every wash. That maintains the ceramic properties.
Theoretically you can apply the ceramic coating yourself ---- don't.
Once it's on it is very difficult to remove if you mess it up.
That's why you use a good, reputable detailer!
(Note that many detailers use ppl and put the ceramic over it...)
There are many brands of ppl and ceramic.
High end detailers use good products.
In fact some of the high end ppl and ceramic manufacturers requires you to be certified in their products.
Look at xpel.com.
They are a manufacturer of both ppl and ceramic.
It gives an idea of the range of products out there.
Frankly, I don't buy a product and see who puts it on.
I determine the detailer (through recommendations) and they use what they use.
You now know everything I know.
I am NOT an expert.
I have just used ppl and ceramic on my last 6 vehicles.
This is a thin plastic (usually urethane) film that covers the car.
Sometimes just the front, sometimes the whole car.
It's cut to fit your vehicle.
Protects from stone dings, etc.
It is usually clear but can be satin (that makes your car look completely different imo).
Don't have a price for this on the GLS....
Ceramic coating goes on like a car wax.
It's not a wax, however.
It is a nano-technology coating.
It lasts for a long time (not forever - no matter what they tell you.)
It acts like a super wax - makes the car shine and is very hydrophobic.
Because it is very slick, it repels dirt.
Maintenance is required. I use a ceramic spray detailer after every wash. That maintains the ceramic properties.
Theoretically you can apply the ceramic coating yourself ---- don't.
Once it's on it is very difficult to remove if you mess it up.
That's why you use a good, reputable detailer!
(Note that many detailers use ppl and put the ceramic over it...)
There are many brands of ppl and ceramic.
High end detailers use good products.
In fact some of the high end ppl and ceramic manufacturers requires you to be certified in their products.
Look at xpel.com.
They are a manufacturer of both ppl and ceramic.
It gives an idea of the range of products out there.
Frankly, I don't buy a product and see who puts it on.
I determine the detailer (through recommendations) and they use what they use.
You now know everything I know.
I am NOT an expert.
I have just used ppl and ceramic on my last 6 vehicles.
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 86
Likes: 35
From: USA
2025 GLS 580 / 24 GMC Duramax Denali / 23 Bronco Wildtrak
My GLS was done by a very reputable ceramic coating installer/detail shop. Looks amazing and did the entire exterior of the car including the wheels. $1100 and guaranteed for 5 years. Every annual update, rebuff, correction for 5 years is free.
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 86
Likes: 35
From: USA
2025 GLS 580 / 24 GMC Duramax Denali / 23 Bronco Wildtrak
Iowa. My response was intended as a reference point for the cost associated. I now see since your original post your avatar updated to Pennsylvania...a bit of a haul.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Bucks County, PA
2022 GLE 350
I know this thread is now a few weeks old (3-4 weeks). For those looking in Philly suburb area for a good Ceramic/PFF installer I user Blast Brothers in Bucks County- they are amazing.
Top end installers with customer service rarely seen in 2022. I've had both PPF and Ceramic done...also some minor paint correction and interior PPF on Piano Black center console area on a 22' GLE.
https://blastbrotherspa.com/
Top end installers with customer service rarely seen in 2022. I've had both PPF and Ceramic done...also some minor paint correction and interior PPF on Piano Black center console area on a 22' GLE.
https://blastbrotherspa.com/
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 260
Likes: 72
From: Vienna, VA
'20 GLS580, '18 S560
Got new gls 450. Dealer offered the ceramic ppf coating protection exterior and interior and they are charging around 1800 . could anyone suggest whether ceramic coating really helps the car?
Does car loses the shine of my new car? and also should we not worry about dust, debris etc ?
and also how frequently should we wash the car after ppf coating is applied?
Does car loses the shine of my new car? and also should we not worry about dust, debris etc ?
and also how frequently should we wash the car after ppf coating is applied?
Xpel was the brand film that they used. I love it. besides the usual stone-chip protection, PPF film makes the car shiny a lot more resiliently as well.
what your dealer is describing sounds like just the coat of ceramic coating. and they are calling it ceramic PPF.
a couple of things to keep in mind:
ceramic coatings are fantastic. but if you want to make the most out of it, you really can't go through machine carwash with it anymore. otherwise, you'd waste it away.
handwash car wash is highly recommended to make the ceramic last properly. even then, you need to re-coat in a year or two. it's not permanent.
the reason that I didn't bother with ceramic coating was that a good wax job only cost $100-200.
and I can get that twice a year and it'd still take years before my out-of-pocket would equal to the cost of ceramic coating.
and I can go through machine carwashes just fine (yes, I'm lazy ^^)
especially with full PPF making the car extra shiny, good wax job every 6 mo wss the way to go for me.
just my 2 cents.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 63
Likes: 16
2022 GLS 450 (X167)
You basically do both. Spending $1000 for ceramic coating is a waste as it doesn't offer any scratch and chip protection. And when you do the PPF film you would want to have a ceramic coating on top of everything for the best results. Strap yourself for $3k to do both.
