What color will you be ordering for your 2012 3 Series F30?
Since we are still unsure as to what packages and options are going to be available to buyers, I figured it only made sense to put together a quick and easy color comparison chart to see what exterior colors were available on the F30 3 Series. While I was at it, I took and placed the colors available for the outgoing E90 3 Series so you can compare.
What color is the best one in your opinion? Is there any color you are going to miss from the outgoing E90 choices?
What color is the best one in your opinion? Is there any color you are going to miss from the outgoing E90 choices?
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October 19, 2011, 2:34 pm
I miss gray green metallic which has been gone for a while. If I had to pick from among these it would be Alpine White or Liquid Blue.
I'm a bit baffled by the number of different "blacks" that are available. I think they now have 3 different shades of black available on some cars -- Jet Black (non-metallic), Carbon Black, and Black Sapphire.
Is there any difference between metallic and non-metallic with respect to durability of the paint? Or is it purely aesthetic?
October 19, 2011, 2:43 pm
I'm sorry to see Le Mans Blue (which was also an M Sport exclusive color) go away, but I like the Estoril Blue 2.
Here's some pictures of a Z4 M in Estoril Blue next to our 335is in Le Mans Blue:
ETA: Never mind! See below, the Z4 M was actually Interlagos Blue. Pictures deleted because they're now irrelevant!
October 19, 2011, 3:43 pm
Mineral White or Liquid Blue.
October 19, 2011, 3:44 pm
October 19, 2011, 3:52 pm
I would order Vermillion Red on the F30 if it were available. Since it is not, I would probably order Alpine White. I never get tired of white.
Apart, from white, I think I would like Imperial Blue on this car. Also, the new red might be nice if it looks like the Mazda Rx-8's metallic red. I think it will.
I'm so tired of silvers and grays and versions thereof.
October 19, 2011, 3:55 pm
ETA: Apparently I don't know my Blues! The E46 M3 that we saw at the autocross was Laguna Seca Blue. It kind of looked like the new Estoril Blue 2. I will now refrain from any discussion about Blue, unless it's Le Mans Blue.
October 19, 2011, 5:14 pm
Since I had my heart set on Space Gray, I have to setlle for Mineral Gray. Although it looks kind of dark in the picture. I need to see it in person. Second choice would be Estoril Blue.
October 19, 2011, 6:12 pm
I'm curious what that mineral white looks like in person. I think I had a G35 that was somewhat similar. I think I like the pure white better, but after 2 of the same car maybe I could be up for a slight change.
October 19, 2011, 7:32 pm
I had an estoril blue 2000 M roadster and loved it. Having a hard time picturing it on an M-sport sedan. Hmmmmm.
October 19, 2011, 9:54 pm
@mr clueless, the jet black is definitely softer, it scratches easier but looks glossier than the others when clean.
October 20, 2011, 8:21 am
I wonder how the Melbourne Red compares with Imola Red.
October 20, 2011, 9:21 am
wow, that estroil blue looks almost better than the monte carlo blue
October 20, 2011, 9:29 am
I wonder why gun metal grey (sparkling graphite?) isn't offered for 3 series. I saw an E93 with that paint and grey leather, and it looked really cool.
October 20, 2011, 9:56 am
I like Mineral Gray or Imperial Blue. An out of the box choice might be Sparkling Bronze.
October 20, 2011, 2:03 pm
The E9x palette had become really narrow towards the end and needed changing--it was dominated by a small part of the spectrum between silver, grey & black. Two of the others (BW and TG) also can look silver-ish or grey-ish depending on light. And the distinct blues were blurred closer and closer together (read the forums and see how many people confuse LMB and Montego, while relatively disparate Monaco was removed).
I have no objection to any of the color per se (the more choices, the better) except that introducing something usually leads to BMWNA removing something. Look at all the distinct colors we have lost while getting more & more of the same silver/grey/black:
Barbera Red
Barrique Red
Deep Green
SGM (yes, it's another grey, but arguably different from the other greys)
Mojave (coming back as Havana?)
Sonora (replaced by Plat Beige? Yuck!)
Monaco (looking fwd to checking out Imperial)
What other choices did we lose?
Often MB, Audi and Lexus have offered more choices and a more diversified palette. One example of a different and eye-catching color would be MB's Cuprite. Check it out in person--pics don't do it justice but here's a taste
October 20, 2011, 5:50 pm
its ok. looks like a brownish barbera red, imo the barbera red could have been a little lighter, in the rain it would look brown. for some reason i get the feeling that the strict color choices are by design, almost that BMW has already chosen what color "you should have".
October 20, 2011, 6:02 pm
October 21, 2011, 9:36 am
Many of the colors BMW no longer offers did not sell well. Of course the grays did but the new grays look about like the old grays to me.
I wish BMW would offer more reds and blues on the F30. A nice gold that doesn't look too beige or too brown would also be a welcome addition.
I like brownish colors on cars now but used to hate it. I still can't imagine buying one because of the poor resale. If you look at used cars, the browns and greens sell for much less than other colors.
October 21, 2011, 10:17 am
I will miss my Montego blue, but may have to replace it with Estoril blue. I might go for the Melbourne red if it comes with the M Sport.
October 21, 2011, 2:28 pm
Why did they take away space grey
I love my SG
October 21, 2011, 2:43 pm
Le Mans Blue* (replaced by Estoril Blue 2*)
*exclusively available with the M Sport Package
October 21, 2011, 2:58 pm
Le Mans Blue* (replaced by Estoril Blue 2*)
*exclusively available with the M Sport Package
Personally I think it's a shame that LMB is gone. And Estoril isn't even close so it doesn't really constitute a replacement.
Imperial could be close to Monaco so I'm not all that upset about Monaco being removed.
October 21, 2011, 5:16 pm
Wish they'd come back with a brighter red. Seems that Melbourne Red Metallic is (for now) it. Anybody know the difference between that and Crimson Red (brighter, lighter, darker)?
October 21, 2011, 7:41 pm
Based on the roll-out broadcast, as of now, it's Glacier Silver, Jet Black or Mineral Grey.
October 22, 2011, 8:54 am
what no boston green???????
October 22, 2011, 11:43 am
October 22, 2011, 11:46 am
October 22, 2011, 12:07 pm
October 22, 2011, 3:47 pm
Havanna Metallic
October 22, 2011, 5:23 pm
I'm really disappointed in this palette. There are only two actual "Colors", Light Blue and Candy Red. Everything else is Light or Dark. No mid tones at all. One choice of Red, two extremes of Blue (except for M-Sport). Imperial Blue is practically black. So two "color" choices? A light blue and a candy red? This is strange.
More shocking to me is the lack of Space Gray???? It fits nicely between TIAG/Glacier Silver and Mineral Gray.
Glacier Silver has a blue hint to it, Mineral Gray too dark. I'm baffled as to why Space Gray isn't offered. Its a perfect balance of not too light or too dark. It stays clean. Its aggressive and has more character then other grays.
Missing:
Space Gray
Medium Blue such as Deep Sea
Green Color
Add a deeper red back in and you have a complete palette. I don't think anyone would miss Platinum Bronze. The Brown is nice on a Mini or SUV, but not so much in a sports sedan.
I can't get excited about any of these colors. But I'd settle on Glacier Silver or Estoril Blue.
More choices. Not less.
October 25, 2011, 12:33 pm
I'm a big fan of Alpine White (and Imola Red). I'm shocked that TiAg is gone, but I guess Glacier Silver replaces it. Space gray was a nice color, I'm wondering how well Mineral gray is going to work (like bredi, I thought it was a good mid-gray). The colors that I see making an early exit are Sparkling Bronze and Havanna. Both colors look like they'd be better suited for interior colors (obviously not shiny though). I'd think Alpine or Mineral White with havanna or an older X3 interior color tabacco would be excellent.
October 25, 2011, 12:54 pm
I haven't seen a lot of brown BMW's in and around Chicago? However I feel like they're trying, like it or not, to force one version or another of brown [Havana Brown, Sparkling Bronze and now Dark Oyster] on us. I considered Space Gray or some varient to be the default color that worked with all of BMW's interior color combinations.
October 29, 2011, 7:39 pm
Black Sapphire Metallic for me. But I am biased, that is the color of my E90. If I get a F30 I was going to get black sapphire again or alpine white. Since that color is gone it would be a hard decision between black sapphire and imperial blue. I want to see the mineral grey in person though.
October 29, 2011, 11:44 pm
Color's not a big thing with me. Just keep on making good cars.
October 30, 2011, 8:07 am
Estoril Blue 2, if I were to buy one.
October 30, 2011, 8:10 am
With regard to that CLS 550: not a nurse's car at all. The tail light looks like an ulcer open to the bone--a bedsore.
October 30, 2011, 2:09 pm
Imperial Blue for me, all the while wishing Tasman Green were still available.
October 30, 2011, 3:42 pm
I can't remember when Space Grey hasn't been orderable on a BMW so that was a surprise, as for my preferred choice from the new range I am drawn to both of the browns or maybe Mineral Grey.
October 30, 2011, 11:28 pm
Build me a mineral white. RIP space gray, though.
October 31, 2011, 3:11 am
I had been thinking Black Sapphire Metallic for a log time, but that Melbourne Red Metallic is looking really sharp - especially on the Sport line with the red stitching on the steering wheel and black seats with red stitching. (although my dashboard will be the optional silver with black highlights - hate the hideous red strip across the dash in the pictures)
October 31, 2011, 8:09 am
Message to BMW, are you listening? Bring back Space Gray-!!
October 31, 2011, 10:54 am
October 31, 2011, 12:32 pm
No montego blue. Enough said. I get so many compliments on that color. Estoril Blue is close...but I have to pay big $$ to get it because of the M sport package. The previous blues were way better...montego, deep sea blue, Le Mans
October 31, 2011, 1:23 pm
I have LeMans Blue right now and really like it, but the old Estoril Blue was probably my all-time favorite BMW color. I'm looking forward to seeing Estoril Blue 2 to see what it looks like. If it is close, I would probably go for that on my next one. The Imperial Blue also looks interesting.
November 2, 2011, 1:07 pm
Glacier Silver, Alpine White or Mineral Grey. Have to see them in person.
November 15, 2011, 1:11 pm
I have a jet black e92, which I chose since I'm meticulous about my paint and because it was cheaper than the metallic colors by $550. This color shows swirls and scratches in the clear coat more than any other color, but if you maintain your paint correctly it can look stunning.
But now that I have a kid, I may have to go with black sapphire and an extra two doors...
November 18, 2011, 7:32 pm
As long as they offer Alpine White, I will buy that color. My Dad's Z4 is painted that and my Corvette is GM's version of that type of a color. White (when pure) is one of the most beautiful colors on a car.
November 19, 2011, 5:43 pm
What color is the best one in your opinion? Is there any color you are going to miss from the outgoing E90 choices?
November 25, 2011, 2:12 pm
I really like mineral grey. Would have went with Space grey, but mineral grey is really nice from the pictures i have seen
November 25, 2011, 4:57 pm
I'm loving the pictures of Mineral Grey. Unlike many on here (and otherwise), I've never been a fan of Space Grey. Definitely going to be Mineral Grey for me!
November 25, 2011, 8:07 pm
November 25, 2011, 8:36 pm
Havana metallic could be cool. Have to see it in person.
December 3, 2011, 12:57 pm
@mr_clueless
Carbon black is not really black (unless you see it in the dark) Carbon black looks like carbon paper. More blue or purple depending on the light.
December 3, 2011, 12:59 pm
Mineral Grey FTW
December 3, 2011, 8:03 pm
December 3, 2011, 8:30 pm
December 3, 2011, 8:45 pm
I love my SG
December 8, 2011, 11:49 pm
I prefer Deep Sea Blue to Imperial Blue but am thrilled to see the return of Estoril Blue over Le Mans Blue.
Here's my not-so-secret wish for the next M3: Bring back Dakar Yellow.
December 22, 2011, 1:11 am
I prefer Deep Sea Blue to Imperial Blue but am thrilled to see the return of Estoril Blue over Le Mans Blue.
Here's my not-so-secret wish for the next M3: Bring back Dakar Yellow.
1) deep sea (I have it on my F10 but I understand they are not offering it on the F30, I wonder why) this is a very nice color :thumb up:
2) Imperial blue is also very nice on the F10s and no doubt will look exquisite on the F30. So again :thumb up:
3) Estoril blue looks sharp on the F30 m-sport. It looks like an exact match of the M5 too. Hence I give it :thumb up: :thumb up: :thumb up:
Now for the ugly duckling:
4) Liquid blue is extremely ugly. There are pictures on the net and they are horrible. I rate this as: :tsp: &
If I was in the market for this car I would definitely stay on the dark side. This car seems like it will look best in the darker, rather than lighter shades. I think mineral grey looks particularly sharp on the base and sport models.
December 27, 2011, 2:51 pm
Hopefully they are discontinuing the ridiculous practice of limiting color choices when selecting the (M) sport package. For the cost of the M-SP (nearly $4k on the outgoing E90) they should allow any color choice plus add a couple of bonus m-sport only colors.
Do you still need to order the “package” or do you get the necessary bits if you select the sport “line”? Or can you get the "line" and the "package"?
December 27, 2011, 3:14 pm
Regarding M Sport exterior color choices, you may be able to see what's coming to the USA by going to the link: http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle...isualizer.html
Happy Holidays
December 27, 2011, 3:15 pm
Colors never 'go away' or are 'limited' - BMW Individual will paint a car whatever color you want for $5000
December 27, 2011, 4:06 pm
December 27, 2011, 5:20 pm
December 27, 2011, 5:39 pm
does 5000 get you hand painted, or is it still done by robots?
December 27, 2011, 5:43 pm
Dunno. Prob robots and you still end up with the dreaded orange peel. I haven't had the chance to see one in real life yet.
Supposedly BMW Individual are the ones who built all the E46 M3 GTR Straßeversions and CSLs so they do the top quality work on the assembly
December 27, 2011, 6:47 pm
thats bull****...5000 and the same process? smh prob takes the guy 20min to mix a new paint lol
December 27, 2011, 9:08 pm
You're basically paying to have a rare color, e.g. I know a guy in NJ that has a Dakar E46 ZHP vert
December 28, 2011, 12:07 am
Supposedly BMW Individual are the ones who built all the E46 M3 GTR Straßeversions and CSLs so they do the top quality work on the assembly
AFAIK BMW Individual handles cosmetics and interior accessories (such as the recent "frozen" M3 limited editions), not the mechanicals of something like the M3 CSL. But Individual is a unit of BMW M GmbH so when it comes to custom M cars, yeah, the lines blur a bit.
March 14, 2012, 8:26 am
I plan to buy an F30 as soon as the xDrive is available. Since my last 3 cars have been Silver, due to lack of any other decent colors, I'm sick and tired of that color. So, looking at all the current selections, I'll hold my nose and probably go with the Liquid Blue Metallic which looks to be kind of a silvery, light "steel" blue..just wish they had a Champagne, Beige or something like that in the new Series.
March 16, 2012, 8:54 pm
Montego Blue. Love it.
March 24, 2012, 10:50 pm
- BMW Individual paint work (including special-order paint requiring the car to come off the line) is indeed done by hand, not by robots.
- The degree of orange peel is no accident of the paint formulation or process, it is intentional.
The waterborne paint isn't an issue; they readily achieve a mirror finish on Rolls Royces by a double-clearcoat piano process with the same waterborne product used on BMWs. A perfect gloss finish reveals every last surface imperfection. A measure of orange peel, on the other hand, serves to camouflage tiny irregularities, yielding cost savings at least twice (by my reckoning): Fewer cars rejected in QC at the factory for paint imperfections and less-expensive collision repairs down the line, by virtue of not having to match a mirror finish.
Both according to the top painter at the Port Jersey BMW VDC who, having been trained in Germany on multiple BMW painting technologies and techniques including the latest Frozen (matte) finishes, is in a position to know.So there you have it.
March 25, 2012, 7:33 am
March 25, 2012, 8:13 am
Although I loved brown on AW, I had some of a shock when I saw red on silver... very nice. But... hey I am a cheap prick and would take 0$ AW again.
March 25, 2012, 2:16 pm
[QUOTE=Saintor;6725827]Although I loved brown on AW, I had some of a shock when I saw red on silver... very nice. But... hey I am a cheap prick and would take 0$ AW again.
We will go with Melbourne Red/Black Leather. Our 2009 was Crimson Red/Black Leather & our 2006 330i was Black/Black Leather . We loved our 2006, but keeping a Black Bimmer clean was tough , even in San Diego where the weather is generally mild. We have enjoyed the Crimson Red , and look forward to the Melbourne Red. We found the Red Bimmer was much easiser to keep clean.