Best colour for E90?

colin99 · 09-04-2007, 10:41 AM

I realise that everyone will have their own opinion . . . but I'm after some advice on replacing a Saphire Black E90.

I've had the car for a year and am getting totally fed up with the maintenance - my 2 year old son just has to touch the paintwork to leave scratches. I've had a couple of black cars before this and don't remember them being anything like as bad.

The trouble is, I'm not taken with any of the standard E90 colours. Silver would be the safe bet but it's a bit dull - better in Msport trim, though. The only other colours I like are sparkling graphite (sometimes, in the right light) or Le Mans Blue. (Love the new C class in silver-grey and I'm sure the new A4 will have a great colour choice).

I'm really like to hear from anyone who has changed from black to something else and whether or not they were happy with their choice.

creepy coupe · 09-04-2007, 10:48 AM

I'm into blue cars at the mo, I've done the silver's and grey's, and fancied a change, now that manufacturers use water based paints,I would agree there very soft, I only have to rub mine with blue paper from a roll to scratch it.

silverbmwz3 · 09-04-2007, 10:48 AM

I had black E46 and got black e90. It is a double edged sword - IMHO it looks the best but also hardest to keep looking good.

Have you 'protected' the paint with decent wax? It will only go so far I know... but worth doing and helps keep it clean.

Is the car used heavily? If it isn't I'd say it should be possible to keep it in good shape however if it gets average or above average miles you are probably going to struggle to keep it the way it sounds like you like to.

Your best bet as you say is probably silver. I suspect le mans blue or grey would do better but still relatively dark. I think it is a compromise you have to make if you like black cars..... I was determined not to have another black car but couldn't resist when it came to the crunch as I didn't like any of the other colours more.

- Paul - · 09-04-2007, 11:13 AM

Sparkling Graphite is a great colour - on the very odd day we get nice weather, it has a slightly purple tinge to it. Sounds weird but looks great.

E92Fan · 09-04-2007, 11:16 AM

How about Carbon Black? It'll be an additional cost for the special colour (it's a BMW colour but only available on the M cars I think..) but it looks fabulous - sometimes black, sometimes really dark blue. The finish on my brother's car was really good - no orange peel effect. Much better than my sapphire black maddeningly!

silverbmwz3 · 09-04-2007, 11:19 AM

Can you get carbon black on all e90s? Or is it "individual" ? Love that colour...but suspect will have same issues with being kept clean.

E92Fan · 09-04-2007, 11:27 AM

Carbon Black is classed as an 'Individual' paint - mega amount of money but it does look great. Have to say I would have had it if my car wasn't an ex-demo. To be honest, I don't think it is that difficult to keep clean - my brother's car was pretty much immaculate all the time, but he didn't spend night and day cleaning it. Perhaps once every other week, with a full-on Swissvax every two months?

Bimmer335i07 · 09-04-2007, 11:30 AM

I would have to say Barbera Red!

Z4 Beemer · 09-04-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

I'm into blue cars at the mo, I've done the silver's and grey's, and fancied a change, now that manufacturers use water based paints,I would agree there very soft, I only have to rub mine with blue paper from a roll to scratch it.

I too am a fan of blue cars. The MINI was Indi blue (with white roof), the Z4 was Maldives blue and the E92 had to be Montego blue. I think Montego is about the most vibrant shade of blue I have had.

I do like silvery/grey colours such as Sparkling Graphite, but think you need good sunlight to really show them off.

dxb335d · 09-04-2007, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer

I too am a fan of blue cars. The MINI was Indi blue (with white roof), the Z4 was Maldives blue and the E92 had to be Montego blue. I think Montego is about the most vibrant shade of blue I have had.

I do like silvery/grey colours such as Sparkling Graphite, but think you need good sunlight to really show them off.

ive never seen a pic of yours gordon, can you post a pic please buddy!

I always get confused between montego and le mans

Carlos

Z4 Beemer · 09-04-2007, 11:51 AM

There are 6 pics in my garage:

Here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/bpgara...garage&id=4929

I must get round to taking some more when we get a bit of sun (after she has been cleaned first)

dxb335d · 09-04-2007, 12:20 PM

looks nice Gordan, i do like that colour.. it seem brighter than le-mans

Carlos

Z4 Beemer · 09-04-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

looks nice Gordan, i do like that colour.. it seem brighter than le-mans

Carlos

Thanks Carlas

I think Montego has a bit more of a deeper/purple look than Le Mans.

G.

silverbmwz3 · 09-04-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92Fan

Carbon Black is classed as an 'Individual' paint - mega amount of money but it does look great. Have to say I would have had it if my car wasn't an ex-demo. To be honest, I don't think it is that difficult to keep clean - my brother's car was pretty much immaculate all the time, but he didn't spend night and day cleaning it. Perhaps once every other week, with a full-on Swissvax every two months?

That's pretty much all I do with my sapphire black, I see the two as being similar to maintain really, perhaps the carbon black has a slight edge. If you are prepared to do this, and put in a bit of polishing every now and then it shouldn't be a big deal, again dependent on how many miles/how dirty you get it.

I wanted a Carbon Black 535d at one stage... lovely.

BC4J · 09-04-2007, 03:04 PM

I went with Ruby Black, which is a fantastic colour

It is an Individual colour, so extra money but well worth it. Download the Individual brochure from http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle...ndividual.html to have a look. I've also put some pics of my car on this forum: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71552. My previous car was blue, this one is no more hassle to clean, though the crap winter weather will be the real test...

booforty · 09-04-2007, 03:11 PM

YELLOW!!!

Ulrikgm · 09-04-2007, 03:17 PM

If you are getting M-sport Le Mans Blue is super nice. Sparkling G. is also very nice and has less orange peel than black (solid or metallic).

Ulrik

ChrisMWard · 09-04-2007, 04:11 PM

Had a Saphire Black 330d and while it was great when it was clean it was a sod to keep it that way. TiAg was the easiest colour to keep clean, did 40K miles in a year in my 320d and hardly washed it.

Having a bit of a go with blue cars as well at the moment, the 335d is Le Mans the 120d is Sydney and my sons MG is trophy Blue, so it's easy to spot our house.

Regards

Chris

mjh93sa · 09-04-2007, 04:15 PM

Silver!

The whole family has gone silver in the last few days

colin99 · 09-04-2007, 05:15 PM

Ok, thanks for all the advice. Thinking seriously about an Msport model in either TiAg or Le mans.

Regards
Colin

GAO · 09-04-2007, 05:19 PM

I have an Arctic metallic 335d and just love the colour. It is so easy to keep clean and always looks great - light blue on sunny days and grey on overcast ones.

hmi1750 · 09-04-2007, 08:08 PM

Le Mans is the way forward, Looks like various shades of indigo and deep blue in the sun.

09-04-2007, 10:41 AM	#1
colin99 New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: E90 Saphire Black Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Newcastle iTrader: (0)	Best colour for E90? I realise that everyone will have their own opinion . . . but I'm after some advice on replacing a Saphire Black E90. I've had the car for a year and am getting totally fed up with the maintenance - my 2 year old son just has to touch the paintwork to leave scratches. I've had a couple of black cars before this and don't remember them being anything like as bad. The trouble is, I'm not taken with any of the standard E90 colours. Silver would be the safe bet but it's a bit dull - better in Msport trim, though. The only other colours I like are sparkling graphite (sometimes, in the right light) or Le Mans Blue. (Love the new C class in silver-grey and I'm sure the new A4 will have a great colour choice). I'm really like to hear from anyone who has changed from black to something else and whether or not they were happy with their choice.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-04-2007, 10:48 AM	#2
creepy coupe Lieutenant General 1831 Rep 13,043 Posts Drives: BMW M340I G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW 435d [0.00] 2009 335i [0.00]	I'm into blue cars at the mo, I've done the silver's and grey's, and fancied a change, now that manufacturers use water based paints,I would agree there very soft, I only have to rub mine with blue paper from a roll to scratch it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 10:48 AM	#3
silverbmwz3 Colonel 55 Rep 2,022 Posts Drives: X5 g05 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Buckinghamshire, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 325 ci SE conv ... [0.00]	I had black E46 and got black e90. It is a double edged sword - IMHO it looks the best but also hardest to keep looking good. Have you 'protected' the paint with decent wax? It will only go so far I know... but worth doing and helps keep it clean. Is the car used heavily? If it isn't I'd say it should be possible to keep it in good shape however if it gets average or above average miles you are probably going to struggle to keep it the way it sounds like you like to. Your best bet as you say is probably silver. I suspect le mans blue or grey would do better but still relatively dark. I think it is a compromise you have to make if you like black cars..... I was determined not to have another black car but couldn't resist when it came to the crunch as I didn't like any of the other colours more. __________________ Current: E90 335d (May 2007) \| Black/Black \| Prof Hifi \| Prof Nav \| 6FL \| Fully Electric Seats \| Xenons \| Folding Mirrors \| PDC Previous: 325ci Conv. Black/Black with lots of ACS Previous: z3 3.0 Silver with Black&Red Leather
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 11:13 AM	#4
- Paul - Major General 787 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	Sparkling Graphite is a great colour - on the very odd day we get nice weather, it has a slightly purple tinge to it. Sounds weird but looks great. __________________ My Photos
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 11:16 AM	#5
E92Fan Moderator 344 Rep 5,493 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: . iTrader: (0)	How about Carbon Black? It'll be an additional cost for the special colour (it's a BMW colour but only available on the M cars I think..) but it looks fabulous - sometimes black, sometimes really dark blue. The finish on my brother's car was really good - no orange peel effect. Much better than my sapphire black maddeningly!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 11:19 AM	#6
silverbmwz3 Colonel 55 Rep 2,022 Posts Drives: X5 g05 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Buckinghamshire, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 325 ci SE conv ... [0.00]	Can you get carbon black on all e90s? Or is it "individual" ? Love that colour...but suspect will have same issues with being kept clean. __________________ Current: E90 335d (May 2007) \| Black/Black \| Prof Hifi \| Prof Nav \| 6FL \| Fully Electric Seats \| Xenons \| Folding Mirrors \| PDC Previous: 325ci Conv. Black/Black with lots of ACS Previous: z3 3.0 Silver with Black&Red Leather
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 11:27 AM	#7
E92Fan Moderator 344 Rep 5,493 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Carbon Black is classed as an 'Individual' paint - mega amount of money but it does look great. Have to say I would have had it if my car wasn't an ex-demo. To be honest, I don't think it is that difficult to keep clean - my brother's car was pretty much immaculate all the time, but he didn't spend night and day cleaning it. Perhaps once every other week, with a full-on Swissvax every two months?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 11:30 AM	#8
Bimmer335i07 BK Employee of the month! / Moderator 661 Rep 15,795 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Sedan Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ... iTrader: (9) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	I would have to say Barbera Red! __________________ Sponsored by: Pics of the ---> Barbera Beast <--- Martino Auto Concepts (Like them on Facebook MAC) Factory Trained & Authorized by BMW of North America Matt@Camber-Toe (Like them on Facebook Camber-Toe) LuxAngelEyes (Like them on Facebook LuxAngelEyes) LTBMW (Like them on Facebook LTBMW) OEMconcepts (Like them on Facebook OEMconcepts)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 11:51 AM	#11
Z4 Beemer Colonel 86 Rep 2,353 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 sDrive 23i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E92 [0.00] 2004 Z4 2.2i [8.00]	There are 6 pics in my garage: Here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/bpgara...garage&id=4929 I must get round to taking some more when we get a bit of sun (after she has been cleaned first) __________________ E89 Z4 sDrive 23i... for the more discerning driver
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 12:20 PM	#12
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 1041 Rep 29,344 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	looks nice Gordan, i do like that colour.. it seem brighter than le-mans Carlos __________________ 997.2 GT3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 03:04 PM	#15
BC4J Captain 61 Rep 793 Posts Drives: F30 328i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Berkshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 335d [0.00]	I went with Ruby Black, which is a fantastic colour It is an Individual colour, so extra money but well worth it. Download the Individual brochure from http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle...ndividual.html to have a look. I've also put some pics of my car on this forum: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71552. My previous car was blue, this one is no more hassle to clean, though the crap winter weather will be the real test... __________________ Behold! F30 328i M-Sport - Tanzanite Blue with Opal White Leather
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 03:11 PM	#16
booforty Major General 366 Rep 8,809 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	YELLOW!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 03:17 PM	#17
Ulrikgm Private 11 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 525d E61 LCI msport Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denmark iTrader: (0)	If you are getting M-sport Le Mans Blue is super nice. Sparkling G. is also very nice and has less orange peel than black (solid or metallic). Ulrik
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 04:11 PM	#18
ChrisMWard Captain 15 Rep 686 Posts Drives: E93 320d M Sport, E81 116d SE Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Epsom UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 120d SE [0.00] 2007 335d A M Sport [0.00] 1998 M3 Evo [0.00] 2002 330d Sport [0.00] 2004 330d Sport [0.00]	Had a Saphire Black 330d and while it was great when it was clean it was a sod to keep it that way. TiAg was the easiest colour to keep clean, did 40K miles in a year in my 320d and hardly washed it. Having a bit of a go with blue cars as well at the moment, the 335d is Le Mans the 120d is Sydney and my sons MG is trophy Blue, so it's easy to spot our house. Regards Chris __________________ Previously: 2007 335D MSport E90 Le Mans Blue, 2004 330D A Sport Silver Grey, 2002 330D A Sport Saphire Black, 2001 320D SE Touring Titanium Silver, 1998 M3 Evo Techno Violet, 1996 328i Sport Montreal Blue, 1994 325i Coupe Red, 1989 325i Sport 2 door Dolphin Grey,1986 325i SE 4 door Lachs
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 04:15 PM	#19
mjh93sa Major General 150 Rep 5,080 Posts Drives: 530d Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Gloucestershire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW M135i [10.00] 2011 Mini Countryma ... [5.50]	Silver! The whole family has gone silver in the last few days __________________ Gone: Fiesta - Focus - E46 320dSE - E91 330dMSport - E82 135iMSport - R55 JCW Clubman - M135i Now: 530d
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 05:15 PM	#20
colin99 New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: E90 Saphire Black Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Newcastle iTrader: (0)	Ok, thanks for all the advice. Thinking seriously about an Msport model in either TiAg or Le mans. Regards Colin
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 05:19 PM	#21
GAO New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: e92 335d Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southport iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335d [0.00]	I have an Arctic metallic 335d and just love the colour. It is so easy to keep clean and always looks great - light blue on sunny days and grey on overcast ones.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2007, 08:08 PM	#22
hmi1750 Major 25 Rep 1,130 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	Le Mans is the way forward, Looks like various shades of indigo and deep blue in the sun.
	Appreciate 0 Quote