Welcome to Bimmerfest -- The #1 Online Community for BMW related information! Please enjoy the discussion forums below and share your experiences with the 200,000 current, new and past BMW owners. The forums are broken out by car model and into other special interest sections such as BMW European Delivery and a special forum to voice your questions to the many BMW dealers on the site to assist our members!

Please follow the links below to help get you started!

Go Back   Bimmerfest - BMW Forums > BMW Model Discussions > 5 Series > F10 / F11 (2011 - Current)

F10 / F11 (2011 - Current)
The new chapter in the highly successful story of the BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) and wagon (F11)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-15-2013, 03:23 PM
ErnestHouse ErnestHouse is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: South Florida
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 209
Mein Auto: Non-BMW Crossover SUV
Question Is Imperial Blue as hard to keep nice looking as black?

I went and saw an imperial blue in person. From about 40 feet it may as well have been black. Is Imperial Blue as hard to keep clean as everyone who has had black says it is to keep nice looking?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-15-2013, 06:12 PM
Needsdecaf's Avatar
Needsdecaf Needsdecaf is offline
Everything's Bigger in TX
Location: The Woodlands, TX
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,543
Mein Auto: 2011 535i
Any dark color is. Even Deep Sea Blue isn't easy. Imperial, Dark Graphite, they all show dirt / swirls / water spots, etc. I don't think any of them are as bad as flat black, though.
__________________
2011 535i
Sophisto Grau / Oyster - Black Nappa, Anthracite Wood
ZAV, ZCV, ZCW, ZDA, ZDH, ZPP, ZP2, ZSP

Mods - M5 Grilles, BMWPedals Black Anodized

Heaven is where the police are British, the cooks are French, the cars are German, the lovers are Italian and it is all organised by the Swiss.

Hell is where the police are German, the cooks are English, the cars are French, the lovers are Swiss, and it is all organised by the Italians
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-15-2013, 07:48 PM
markl53's Avatar
markl53 markl53 is online now
bimmerfest Supporting Member
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,109
Mein Auto: 2011 535i
Imperial Blue is one of those very interesting colors. I've had 3 Black Sapphires and I'm thinking of IB for my 2014 535i. IB lights up quite a bit in direct sunlight, with beautiful metallic flakes. The color changes quite a bit depending on light. Though, I'm also thinking of Azurite Black -- we'll see. In any event, yes, all dark colors are harder to keep clean, but the payoff is worth it IMO, in its deep shiny appearance.
__________________
BMW-CCA
Bimmerfest Supporting Member

2011 535i AT | Black Sapphire/Cinnamon | Premium | Heated Sts | Nav | Sirius | Anthracite Hdr & Trim
Prior: 2008 335i 6MT Sedan | Black Sapphire/Terra Leather | Premium | Cold | CA | OEM Alarm
Prior: 2005 330i 6MT | Black Sapphire/Sand Leather | Premium | Cold | UGO | OEM Alarm
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-15-2013, 09:17 PM
schnell525's Avatar
schnell525 schnell525 is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Niebelungenland
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 902
Mein Auto: 2012 BMW 550xi
I've had both colors and Imperial Blue is as hard to keep looking good as black IMO. Dark Graphite Met. II looks a bit more like a dirty gray. It can hide some daily driving for a few days before it looks like it needs a wash.

Imperial Blue can get dirty just sitting in the driveway for an hour after washing and applying a good QD. I kept my mine polished with Menzerna and coated with Powerlock. It helped, but the car looked dirty fast. It's one color I'd never get again. Looks great right after a wash...but.

I'm going back to space gray or silver on the next ride. Just my opinion.
__________________
12 550xi Dark Graphite Metallic II. Convenience, Cold, Driver's Assistance, Premium Sound, Sport, BMW Apps

Previous BMWs:
11 535xi
11 328xi
08 535xi
08 335xi
07 525xi
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-15-2013, 09:29 PM
Teemo Panda's Avatar
Teemo Panda Teemo Panda is offline
* A BLUE PANDIAN SMURF *
Location: New Jersey
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 517
Send a message via Skype™ to Teemo Panda
Mein Auto: BMW F25 X3
Just to summarize,

The more Darker or Lighter is the car, the harder it is to keep clean, also you could see fine swirls.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06-15-2013, 09:48 PM
FastMarkA FastMarkA is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Chicago
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,164
Mein Auto: 2011 535xi
I always say get the color you like most. All colors look best when they're clean.
__________________

2008 535xi 6-speed - Blk Sapphire, ---2011 535xi - Jet Blk, Blk Dakota,
Blk Dakota, Bamboo Prem | Cold Wthr -- Aluminum | Prem | Prem 2 | Cold Wthr
Sport | iPod/USB | Nav | Sat --- -------Sport | Sport Auto | Fold Down Seats
Fold Down Seats | Htd Rear Seats -- ---Side/Top Cameras
PDC | 18" wheels | Logic7
(Good riddance!)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-15-2013, 11:09 PM
schnell525's Avatar
schnell525 schnell525 is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Niebelungenland
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 902
Mein Auto: 2012 BMW 550xi
Teemo Panda is correct. I think Imperial Blue shows swirls much more than Dark Graphite.
__________________
12 550xi Dark Graphite Metallic II. Convenience, Cold, Driver's Assistance, Premium Sound, Sport, BMW Apps

Previous BMWs:
11 535xi
11 328xi
08 535xi
08 335xi
07 525xi
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-16-2013, 04:31 AM
numbersguy numbersguy is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: El Cajon, CA
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 419
Mein Auto: 2013 535i
Dark metallics don't show dust or swirls as much as Jet Black. Weekly washing is necessary, but you won't get discouraged within an hour of washing the car like you might with JB.

Fingerprints really stand out on my car and I'm guessing IB is the same. I almost pulled the trigger for IB.
__________________
2013 535i M Sport, Citrin Black, Oyster nappa, Anthracite trim, Ceramic controls
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-16-2013, 04:32 AM
jjsC6 jjsC6 is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Houston, TX
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 901
Mein Auto: See Sig
I have owned eight black cars and every time I swear I'll never buy another. But the Imperial Blue on my 550 is really not nearly as hard to take car of as the blacks were. It may be just that BMW has better paint, I really don't know. But I have had it for 15 months now and I'd buy another Imperial Blue with no reservations at all. And yes - people tell me all the time that they like my black car.
__________________
2012 BMW 550 M-Sport
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD---Wife's car
2013 BMW 1600 GT---2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000---2012 Ducati Panigale
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-16-2013, 04:25 PM
marsb007 marsb007 is offline
Registered User
Location: Miami
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 45
Mein Auto: 2013 535i
Is Imperial Blue as hard to keep nice looking as black?

Quote:
Originally Posted by schnell525 View Post
I've had both colors and Imperial Blue is as hard to keep looking good as black IMO. Dark Graphite Met. II looks a bit more like a dirty gray. It can hide some daily driving for a few days before it looks like it needs a wash.

Imperial Blue can get dirty just sitting in the driveway for an hour after washing and applying a good QD. I kept my mine polished with Menzerna and coated with Powerlock. It helped, but the car looked dirty fast. It's one color I'd never get again. Looks great right after a wash...but.

I'm going back to space gray or silver on the next ride. Just my opinion.
I agree. I have IB/oyster interior now and it's a pain to keep clean. Every 2-3 weeks I wash, apply Menzerna Power Lock Sealant, and/or Collinite 845 wax/hybrid. Essentially I spend about 4-5 hours... Then I spend some time on the interior with Leather Master Soft cleaner...

My next one is space grey/black interior.

Don't get it unless you don't mind cleaning often!




Sent from BimmerApp mobile app
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-16-2013, 10:59 PM
qadhi79 qadhi79 is online now
Registered User
Location: Qatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 52
Mein Auto: 2010 BMW X5M
I recently sold my 535i Imperial Blue and as much as I loved the colour, it was a pain to keep it clean. Any dirt or swirls is easily noticeable and the delicate clear coat only make things worst.

I did a lot of carbon fiber mods which I believe would have looked far better on a white car.
__________________
2010 BMW X5M
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 06-17-2013, 06:10 AM
Skeet Shooter Skeet Shooter is offline
Registered User
Location: Ansonia, CT
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 7
Mein Auto: 2011 535i
Can I make a suggestion here?

I have IB on my 535i and, dirt isnt the issue so much, its the road dust and fine particulates as well as Pollen... Those really make the car look dirty. However I got into a pretty good habit that will keep your car looking pretty clean if you do this.

Please no one flame me for pointing out a product here, but... I'm very happy with the Meguires Quick Detailer spray... Its not that expensive at all, and I keep a small cleaning kit in my trunk with some microfiber cloths. When a little road dust builds up on the surfaces and I don't have the time to wash my car, I whip that out with my micro fiber towl and clean it off... 10 minutes max and my car is shining like it was just washed.

Just my 2 cents, but it makes my car look good all the time.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-17-2013, 10:35 AM
harrisfb harrisfb is offline
Registered User
Location: Philadelphia, PA
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 83
Mein Auto: 2012 550i MSport 6MT
I can confirm that IB picks up swirls and shows water spots quite easily. It is difficult to keep clean, but it looks great when it is.
__________________

2012 550i MSport 6MT - Dinan S3 - Imperial Blue Metalic/Everest Gray - 20" 373M Wheels
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 06-17-2013, 08:10 PM
AggieKnight's Avatar
AggieKnight AggieKnight is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Atlanta, GA
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,261
Mein Auto: 550 M-Sport
Hard to keep clean, but so worth it.

Imperial Blue is an epic color.

This is from the Blue Ridge Parkway this weekend.

First pic is me and my car. Second pic is my bud's M3 (Jurez Black) vs my imperial blue 5'er.


Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1525.jpg
Views:	111
Size:	102.0 KB
ID:	382443   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1552.jpg
Views:	114
Size:	145.6 KB
ID:	382444  
__________________
WARNING: Author not responsible for the readers failure to recognize sarcasm.
Yield, I can has picture?
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 06-17-2013, 08:40 PM
K-A's Avatar
K-A K-A is online now
Dark Knight
Location: U.S
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,808
Mein Auto: '13 BMW 535i M Sport
Uhh, dude, some guy's leaning on your car.

Someone go kick his a$$.

__________________
'13 F10 BMW 535i ///M Sport : Jet Black/Black-Anthracite : Premium & Technology Packages/Sport Auto Trans/Camera/Park Distance Control/Heated Seats/Tinted Windows/Blacked Out Markers/Performance Spoiler.

Ex M-B's: '11/'10/'06 E350's w/ AMG Sport Package, '02 S500 w/ Every Option.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old Yesterday, 05:36 AM
The X Men The X Men is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: MA
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,487
Mein Auto: 2012 535xi 2012 X3 35i
Quote:
Originally Posted by K-A View Post
Uhh, dude, some guy's leaning on your car.

Someone go kick his a$$.

I hope he doesnt have studs in the back pockets of his jeans, I hate it when that happens
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old Yesterday, 09:29 AM
AggieKnight's Avatar
AggieKnight AggieKnight is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Atlanta, GA
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,261
Mein Auto: 550 M-Sport
Quote:
Originally Posted by The X Men View Post
I hope he doesnt have studs in the back pockets of his jeans, I hate it when that happens
Ha. No studs (thank goodness). Wifey made me get in the pic...
__________________
WARNING: Author not responsible for the readers failure to recognize sarcasm.
Yield, I can has picture?
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old Yesterday, 09:45 AM
Keyser Soze's Avatar
Keyser Soze Keyser Soze is offline
just like that, he's gone
Location: Northern California
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,112
Mein Auto: 330i and 535i
The perspective on that 5/3 pic is hilarious...it looks like the 5 is towing a (very vicious) toy or something.
__________________

2013 F10 535i M-Sport (Picked up 9/14 from Santa Barbara!) (Sophisto Grau, 6-speed MT, M5 Grille/Trunk Lip, more to come)
2002 E46 330i Sport (Jet Black, 5-speed MT, H&R/Koni Sports, Meyle HD Control Arms, Powerflex FCAB's, Hotchkis sways...and more)
2001 E46 330Ci (Sold) : (

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Forum Navigation
Go Back   Bimmerfest - BMW Forums > BMW Model Discussions > 5 Series > F10 / F11 (2011 - Current)
Today's Posts Search
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:45 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2001-2011 performanceIX, Inc. All Rights Reserved .: guidelines .:. privacy .:. terms