Xpel wrap
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
2014 E63 AMG S
Xpel wrap
With all the highway driving I do and the salt rocks from the Utah winter, I'm debating whether or not to use some Xpel PPF for my 2014 steel gray E63.
I'm thinking a full front vs. total car with Xpel Ultimate vs. total car with Xpel Stealth. Thoughts? Your experience with Xpel film?
I'm thinking a full front vs. total car with Xpel Ultimate vs. total car with Xpel Stealth. Thoughts? Your experience with Xpel film?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 378
Likes: 29
From: San Francisco, CA
no MBs at the moment :(
I have it. Full front, mirrors, full rear bumper, rocker panels.
Can't see it all (good installer is more important than brand of wrap). Does it work? Hard to know for a fact unless i covered exactly half my front and compared. No visible damage yet.
Can't see it all (good installer is more important than brand of wrap). Does it work? Hard to know for a fact unless i covered exactly half my front and compared. No visible damage yet.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 27
From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
Same here. Xpel is self healing and therefore it is hard to tell how well it is working. But looking at my 2 other cars without Xpel and the wagon with Xpel, it is working well.
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 203
Likes: 11
From: United States
04 E55
We have used xpel ultimate in the past full wraps on a few cars. On the wagon we went with a full wrap of expel stealth. Its all about the installer and I take the car through the automated car wash nearly daily! The ultimate has amazing healing properties and I would say the stealth has very good healing properties but their is a difference.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
2014 E63 AMG S
How do you care for Xpel? Do you wax or seal it like you would normal paint? I've read on the Xpel site that they have a proprietary sealant but I wasn't sure if that was just marketing BS or really the best way to care for it.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 378
Likes: 29
From: San Francisco, CA
no MBs at the moment :(
I put Opticoat Pro ceramic coating on top of my Xpel Ultimate (and rest of the paint, of course)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
Had it on my CL 63...
Wont be without it again. Agree that installer is more important than brand.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 811
Likes: 5
From: Calgary, Canada
'10 F150 FX4 SCrew. '14 S212S
Here is stealth on a Diamond white wagon. Got it done the week I picked it up.
More pics here:
http://www.beyond.ca/life-lessons-co...s/39305.html/3
More pics here:
http://www.beyond.ca/life-lessons-co...s/39305.html/3
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
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
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 203
Likes: 11
From: United States
04 E55
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 390
Likes: 27
From: Queens,New York
E63s
Here is stealth on a Diamond white wagon. Got it done the week I picked it up.
More pics here:
http://www.beyond.ca/life-lessons-co...s/39305.html/3
More pics here:
http://www.beyond.ca/life-lessons-co...s/39305.html/3
Also did you wrap the headlights and tail lights ?
My car is a CPO , the full hood is clear wrapped and front bumper , that's it , the hood is still good but the bumper needs to be redone , Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 378
Likes: 29
From: San Francisco, CA
no MBs at the moment :(
No no, absolutely put wrap on first, then ceramic coating. Hydrophobic properties of the ceramic coating may cause the wrap to not adhere properly. Also, your wrap then stays exposed to the elements (can dry out, etc) so you'd have to keep waxing/maintaining it.
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 203
Likes: 11
From: United States
04 E55
Pretty interesting, I know from the marine world that waxing and buffing of wraps is a big no-no. Very interesting that you sealed the wrap. Our installer that did not have a very strong opinion on expel's open sealer.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 378
Likes: 29
From: San Francisco, CA
no MBs at the moment :(
I don't know about Xpel's sealer specifically, but last year, I did a lot of research on wraps and ceramic coatings because it was my first time ever getting either one. Every top detailer on Car-specific forums and detailing forums agreed that you wrap first, then apply ceramic coating. The guy I ended up using also said the same thing without me asking.
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 203
Likes: 11
From: United States
04 E55
Xpel's own FAQ states not to put any coating on before wrapping.
http://www.xpel.com/paint-protection...questions-faq/
http://www.xpel.com/paint-protection...questions-faq/
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 185
From: Chicago
E63 SL55 996TT C5Z06
With all the highway driving I do and the salt rocks from the Utah winter, I'm debating whether or not to use some Xpel PPF for my 2014 steel gray E63.
I'm thinking a full front vs. total car with Xpel Ultimate vs. total car with Xpel Stealth. Thoughts? Your experience with Xpel film?
I'm thinking a full front vs. total car with Xpel Ultimate vs. total car with Xpel Stealth. Thoughts? Your experience with Xpel film?
i'm in downtown chicago oand garage park the car but felt i needed this added protection due to our winter, ice, salt, and pot holed streets and grimy roads totallybeat on the paint
There is zero color or shine differences between the Xpel covered areas and non-covered areas on mine in steel grey which i was concerned about.
Also for washing, while i ypically get it hand washed it is OK to run it through a gas station car wash if needed which i've done a couple times and doesnt damage the wrap.
the installer i used in chicago did a very good job. the only questionable area i saw after the install was the "Biturbo" badge area where my installer just cut around that and if you look very closely at that "Biturbo" badge area you can see where it was cut out and the lines. i heard some installers remove the badge or something to avoid that... but its not a big deal to me and you really dont see it especially on a dark steel grey colored car like mine.
here's a pic....
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 181
Likes: 1
From: Santa Barbara
2015 e63 wagon, tuned B5 S4, 1970 BMW 2002, Toureg(wife's)
Funny I came across this post now. Just had crystal serum with exo put on yesterday. As he was finishing the one step polish I was looking at the front of the car and there were a few rock chips. Starting talking about xpel and turns out he does that too. So he did not apply the CSblack to anywhere the film was gong to be applied. Same reason as was previously stated. But the CS definitely does not go on the xpel wrap. Why bother ceramic coating your existing "coating". Coming fri to finish wrapping the front. Also did the rim faces only. He wanted to do the entire wheel and inner barrels and calipers, but passed this time. Wanted to find out if there is any detriment to applying a cermanic coating to the calipers?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 378
Likes: 29
From: San Francisco, CA
no MBs at the moment :(
Funny I came across this post now. Just had crystal serum with exo put on yesterday. As he was finishing the one step polish I was looking at the front of the car and there were a few rock chips. Starting talking about xpel and turns out he does that too. So he did not apply the CSblack to anywhere the film was gong to be applied. Same reason as was previously stated. But the CS definitely does not go on the xpel wrap. Why bother ceramic coating your existing "coating". Coming fri to finish wrapping the front. Also did the rim faces only. He wanted to do the entire wheel and inner barrels and calipers, but passed this time. Wanted to find out if there is any detriment to applying a cermanic coating to the calipers?
1) ceramic coating is like a hydrophobic wax that keeps your car shiny, easier to clean and some protection against stuff like bird poop. The wrap is for protection against rocks. So, you can put the coating on the wrap.
2) yes, you can put ceramic coating on the calipers, but each brand has a caliper-specific formula that you need to apply. These will be able to handle higher temps generated by your brakes.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 378
Likes: 29
From: San Francisco, CA
no MBs at the moment :(
If someone else hits you, then they'll have to cover the cost of replacement assuming you've kept your receipts or can otherwise prove what you have.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 65
From: Hotlanta
AMG
funmy you should ask. My car just got hit lightly while at the dealership. Your own insurance company will generally only cover it if you report it to them as a modification. They may increase your premium by a couple of bucks.
If someone else hits you, then they'll have to cover the cost of replacement assuming you've kept your receipts or can otherwise prove what you have.
If someone else hits you, then they'll have to cover the cost of replacement assuming you've kept your receipts or can otherwise prove what you have.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 181
Likes: 1
From: Santa Barbara
2015 e63 wagon, tuned B5 S4, 1970 BMW 2002, Toureg(wife's)
To answer your two questions:
1) ceramic coating is like a hydrophobic wax that keeps your car shiny, easier to clean and some protection against stuff like bird poop. The wrap is for protection against rocks. So, you can put the coating on the wrap.
2) yes, you can put ceramic coating on the calipers, but each brand has a caliper-specific formula that you need to apply. These will be able to handle higher temps generated by your brakes.
1) ceramic coating is like a hydrophobic wax that keeps your car shiny, easier to clean and some protection against stuff like bird poop. The wrap is for protection against rocks. So, you can put the coating on the wrap.
2) yes, you can put ceramic coating on the calipers, but each brand has a caliper-specific formula that you need to apply. These will be able to handle higher temps generated by your brakes.
Last edited by HKJay; Jan 18, 2017 at 11:06 AM.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 181
Likes: 1
From: Santa Barbara
2015 e63 wagon, tuned B5 S4, 1970 BMW 2002, Toureg(wife's)
I had to fight for diminished value about a year ago after getting hit on both right side doors and rear quarter panel. Took almost 8 months and finally I accepted their 2nd offer with no lawyers involved. Always felt like I took a little less than I should of. Just wondering how much you got for yours. You can pm if you want.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 378
Likes: 29
From: San Francisco, CA
no MBs at the moment :(
I had to fight for diminished value about a year ago after getting hit on both right side doors and rear quarter panel. Took almost 8 months and finally I accepted their 2nd offer with no lawyers involved. Always felt like I took a little less than I should of. Just wondering how much you got for yours. You can pm if you want.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 181
Likes: 1
From: Santa Barbara
2015 e63 wagon, tuned B5 S4, 1970 BMW 2002, Toureg(wife's)
I had to deal with the other drivers state farm insurance. They offered 2500 after pursuing them for 2 to 3 months. Said no. Payment calculators told me closer to 10k. After almost 8 months from the accident, they came back with 6k and I took it. Was a total pain in the as* calling them every week or two. They also told me to return a certified document saying this matter was closed and I would not pursue anymore. But the check cleared and I never signed and returned the document.
