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?

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.

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.

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.

Just to summarize,

The more Darker or Lighter is the car, the harder it is to keep clean, also you could see fine swirls.

I always say get the color you like most. All colors look best when they're clean.

Teemo Panda is correct. I think Imperial Blue shows swirls much more than Dark Graphite.

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.

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.

Originally Posted by schnell525

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!




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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.

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.

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.

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.

Uhh, dude, some guy's leaning on your car.

Someone go kick his a$$.

Originally Posted by K-A

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

Originally Posted by The X Men

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...

The perspective on that 5/3 pic is hilarious...it looks like the 5 is towing a (very vicious) toy or something.