[MadBullogna]

While working on the first wash, I noticed three sections with what I believe to be dealer installed PPF. Door cups & edge guards, (considering the cup actually says bmw on it sure it is), but then I noticed an additional section - under the trunk below the soft top and before the weather stripping on each side, but not exposed to anything I could figure out. I’m very curious about the purpose of this portion….

[IcewaterPete]

Could it be a friction point when the roof is closed?

[MadBullogna]

Originally Posted by IcewaterPete

Could it be a friction point when the roof is closed?

Hmm, didn’t see anything obvious, and don’t see where the top would even come close to them, but I’ll spend some time trying to figure out why those two small sections would warrant it. I need to call in the Scooby Doo gang, hah.

[vertigo corsa]

It looks more like the factory-installed film I have on my 20' Tacoma. They collect dirt like a magnet at the edges. Seams are barely visible after a wash in the lower rear quarterpanel, just forward of the fender flare.

[MadBullogna]

Originally Posted by vertigo corsa

It looks more like the factory-installed film I have on my 20' Tacoma. They collect dirt like a magnet at the edges. Seams are barely visible after a wash in the lower rear quarterpanel, just forward of the fender flare.

Crapola, forgot I noticed a small section near rear rocker panels too, thanks! Our Acura has door cups (look like crap after 3 years now, but it’s white, so, yea…), along with door edge guards, so that’d make sense. Still curious about under the trunk though, I’ll need to investigate to see if there’s a purpose for those. Going in for ceramic coating next week, so should probably figure out if I tell them to keep & coat over or ditch. (Wasn’t/am not planning on PPF for it, but will likely keep rear quarter panel at least, but loose door cups).

[Rcasa20]

Originally Posted by vertigo corsa

It looks more like the factory-installed film I have on my 20' Tacoma. They collect dirt like a magnet at the edges. Seams are barely visible after a wash in the lower rear quarterpanel, just forward of the fender flare.

Dirty edges are why I buy dark vehicles.

[tracer bullet]

The door cups seem like a legit spot. But on the other hand ceramic should pretty well shrug off fingernail marks. Any time I see a few collect on my Alpine White 135i I can hit them with a super find grade polishing compound and they're gone immediately, so no big deal. I also suspect that blue color will hide them well.

The door edges are interesting. Won't save you form anyone else but may save you from yourself. I suppose it depends on how much you think you need them - maybe you could put a piece of foam on the wall of your garage and skip the door protection?

Hood and bumper are pretty real places though. Same for whatever is the immediate area behind where a tire can kick stuff up. Get down really low and behind the car and look for any paint right behind anywhere that the tires stick out beyond it. It would be interesting to see a high mileage Z4 in the wild to see what spots tend to get beat up. One neat thing about the Z4 is how it has large panels in these area, but it doesn't help give a place to hide a PPF cut line like some cars can do.

[Argo]

Originally Posted by Rcasa20

Dirty edges are why I buy dark vehicles.

It's easier when the whole car looks dirty for sure.

[Rcasa20]

Originally Posted by Argo

It's easier when the whole car looks dirty for sure.

True dat!! 🤣🤣😢

[Horseman]

My M40i came with factory installed PPF in a few spots that wasn't there on my 30i.