Exterior Color Choices

carnuts3 · 03-07-2006, 03:02 PM

I am disappointed in the exterior color choices available for all BMW models, expecially the 3 series. For years, each time the new model year comes around, I look to see the new color choices offered and always end up disappointed. Color, especially the exterior color of a car is very important, IMO. This is an area where BMW needs to improve - the competition offers much nicer color choices that significantly enhance the look of their cars.

Anyone else have the same issue? Comments?

ItalyBMW325 · 03-07-2006, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnuts3

I am disappointed in the exterior color choices available for all BMW models, expecially the 3 series. For years, each time the new model year comes around, I look to see the new color choices offered and always end up disappointed. Color, especially the exterior color of a car is very important, IMO. This is an area where BMW needs to improve - the competition offers much nicer color choices that significantly enhance the look of their cars.

Anyone else have the same issue? Comments?

I dont have a problem with there color selection and when I "shoped" other brands I didnt see a ny color that I would say "oh wow I wish BMW had that color".

Give some examples of colors you feel BMW is lacking??

selm · 03-07-2006, 03:07 PM

They need to bring back Stahlblau.

ItalyBMW325 · 03-07-2006, 03:18 PM

I just dont see it --

Acura offers only 4 colors - blue, silver, black and anthracite (probably close to graphite)

Infiniti offers 8 colors - Sand was the only color BMW does not offer. I think all manufactuars offer the same shades just different names..

Oz · 03-07-2006, 03:21 PM

What kind of colors would you want them to have? I thought they pretty much had everything covered...

I think what we should be concerned about is the quality of BMW paint compared to other companies such as Audi, Infiniti, Lexus, etc

RGB · 03-07-2006, 03:59 PM

In my opinion, it´s not the number of colours, but the choice of them.
Too many grey, blacks, and dark colours; and very few merry and sporty ones.
For me -I am a professional painter- the E90 palette looks designed for cars driven by hired chauffeurs.
Recently I have been looking at the Lexus IS and Audi A3, A4 colours and its selection is much better for my liking.

wac77 · 03-07-2006, 04:08 PM

I agree. There may be enough choices, but some of them are not as good as those from the competition. Particularly, I would like to see a good dark/metallic red. Acura TL and Lexus IS both offer good looking ones. BMW's Barrique is more brownish and IMHO not an acceptable alternative.

BenMW · 03-07-2006, 04:10 PM

Black or silver are the two colors i stick to on my cars...but I would agree that BMW has the colors covered pretty well...and the E92 is supposed to come out with an additional color or 2 as options.

ksfrogman · 03-07-2006, 04:21 PM

The BMW Color Palette seems to be fairly conservative, which presumably may have to do with the potential buyer market targeted.

What additional colors or types of colors would you like to see offered for the e90?

LEDZEP · 03-07-2006, 04:45 PM

I think the color choices for the E90 are very good - especially after September.

HoosBMW · 03-07-2006, 04:46 PM

I WISH THEY HAD SILVER GREY METALIC!!!!

Laplacian · 03-07-2006, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoosBMW

I WISH THEY HAD SILVER GREY METALIC!!!!

+1

Especially considering how they had on the E46.
But I'm glad I ended up with TiAg, the absolute lowest maintenance color ever.

Laplacian · 03-07-2006, 05:22 PM

Only MB and Jag have better colors. MB actually offers quite a few colors, for those who want shades of blue, green, purple, etc. But those are too funky and too...well...girlie for me. They are nice, though. Same for Jaguar. Audi, Lexus, and Infinity have about the same selection as BMW but the shades aren't as nice.

Actually, considering what a conservative color collection they offer, BMW really does have the best shades of these conservative colors. I'd rather not have it at all than see any mediocre gold/sand color as an option.

D.D. · 03-07-2006, 05:26 PM

Jaguarer XK 8 colors...

F30Toad · 03-07-2006, 05:58 PM

I definitely think BMW has headed away from some of the bolder colors of the past. The current pallet on all vehicles save some M colors is very conservative. The metallic greens and reds are bland on all models. I wish for the return of a blue that is dark but does not look black. They also need a good pearl white of some kind imo.

JSpira · 03-07-2006, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Toad

I definitely think BMW has headed away from some of the bolder colors of the past. The current pallet on all vehicles save some M colors is very conservative. The metallic greens and reds are bland on all models. I wish for the return of a blue that is dark but does not look black. They also need a good pearl white of some kind imo.

Unlikely they will come out with a white variant. In Germany, not only won't you see white cars very often (white and red are very unpopular) but white would be referred to as Kühlschrankweiß!

acd483 · 03-07-2006, 06:37 PM

In my opinion, BMW is pretty conservative on the colors...nothing adventuresome and the "unique" ones like "barrique" suck. You have to go way upscale to get something nice like the M5's "interlagos blue" or "indianapolis red." The "electric red" of the 3 is too garish for me.

Otherwise I think Porsche has great colors, Mercedes also...very classy pallette. Look to the Italians if you want great color...too bad they don't sell Alfa here yet.

BKsBimmer · 03-07-2006, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acd483

In my opinion, BMW is pretty conservative on the colors...nothing adventuresome and the "unique" ones like "barrique" suck. You have to go way upscale to get something nice like the M5's "interlagos blue" or "indianapolis red." The "electric red" of the 3 is too garish for me.

Otherwise I think Porsche has great colors, Mercedes also...very classy pallette. Look to the Italians if you want great color...too bad they don't sell Alfa here yet.

I agree. I would like to see more daring colors on BMW cars. Whatever happened to the color Phoenix Yellow as seen on the M3. I saw one yesterday and it was AWESOME. Check it out below.

HoosBMW · 03-07-2006, 07:21 PM

you liked that m3 color....eh....i thought it looked like diarea green...

BKsBimmer · 03-07-2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoosBMW

you liked that m3 color....eh....i thought it looked like diarea green...

Yeah man I absolutely LOVE the way it captures the sunlight and turns crystal metalic ... it's AWESOME.

:rocks:

fragra · 03-07-2006, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoosBMW

I WISH THEY HAD SILVER GREY METALIC!!!!

There is a bit of a gap between the light greys (TiAg or Arctic) and darker greys (Sparkling Graphite).

Maybe we'll see something for 2007. Silver Grey would do just fine. Or my personal fave - Stratus Grey.

carnuts3 · 03-07-2006, 08:35 PM

I agree with many of the comments above relative to the lack of good color choices. I think that Audi and Infiniti, for example, have better choices - not more choices, just better choices of the same colors. For example, when I picked the color for my 330i, I wanted something in the silver or gray family and felt that I settled for Artic. If I bought a car from the competition, I know that I would have been more satisfied with my color choice. Just line up the color choices for the A-4 and G35 against the comparable BMW color - they are RICHER and more VIBRANT than the BMW choices. Some examples : Audi - Quartz Gray - vs. Artic; Infiniti - Garnet fire Red - vs. Barrique. Finally, I would agree that if I had to catagorize the BMW colors I would call them dull - not conservative.

03-07-2006, 03:02 PM	#1
carnuts3 Lieutenant 13 Rep 407 Posts Drives: 2008 535i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Exterior Color Choices I am disappointed in the exterior color choices available for all BMW models, expecially the 3 series. For years, each time the new model year comes around, I look to see the new color choices offered and always end up disappointed. Color, especially the exterior color of a car is very important, IMO. This is an area where BMW needs to improve - the competition offers much nicer color choices that significantly enhance the look of their cars. Anyone else have the same issue? Comments?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-07-2006, 03:07 PM	#3
selm Fight On! 8 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: SD, CA iTrader: (0)	They need to bring back Stahlblau.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 03:18 PM	#4
ItalyBMW325 Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 256 Posts Drives: BMW 325i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Italy iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I just dont see it -- Acura offers only 4 colors - blue, silver, black and anthracite (probably close to graphite) Infiniti offers 8 colors - Sand was the only color BMW does not offer. I think all manufactuars offer the same shades just different names..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 03:21 PM	#5
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	What kind of colors would you want them to have? I thought they pretty much had everything covered... I think what we should be concerned about is the quality of BMW paint compared to other companies such as Audi, Infiniti, Lexus, etc __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 03:59 PM	#6
RGB Private First Class 8 Rep 178 Posts Drives: 325i Auto.Active Steering Join Date: May 2005 Location: Sevilla Spain iTrader: (0)	In my opinion, it´s not the number of colours, but the choice of them. Too many grey, blacks, and dark colours; and very few merry and sporty ones. For me -I am a professional painter- the E90 palette looks designed for cars driven by hired chauffeurs. Recently I have been looking at the Lexus IS and Audi A3, A4 colours and its selection is much better for my liking.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 04:08 PM	#7
wac77 Private First Class 15 Rep 152 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW 330i Xdrive Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Port Washington, NY iTrader: (0)	I agree. There may be enough choices, but some of them are not as good as those from the competition. Particularly, I would like to see a good dark/metallic red. Acura TL and Lexus IS both offer good looking ones. BMW's Barrique is more brownish and IMHO not an acceptable alternative. __________________ 2023 330i Xdrive, phytonic blue/ tacora
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 04:10 PM	#8
BenMW Major 53 Rep 1,393 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dallas + Chicago(Lake Forest) iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 330i coupe [0.00] 2002 325ci [0.00]	Black or silver are the two colors i stick to on my cars...but I would agree that BMW has the colors covered pretty well...and the E92 is supposed to come out with an additional color or 2 as options. __________________ Retired: e46 cabrio, E36 Cabrio, 02' 525i, 325Ci 02' Style 189 335i sport Wheels for sale PM Me BIG CHANGES COMING SOON- Can anyone help me make a sig pic?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 04:21 PM	#9
ksfrogman Major General 570 Rep 6,750 Posts Drives: E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	The BMW Color Palette seems to be fairly conservative, which presumably may have to do with the potential buyer market targeted. What additional colors or types of colors would you like to see offered for the e90? __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 04:45 PM	#10
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 417 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	I think the color choices for the E90 are very good - especially after September. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 04:46 PM	#11
HoosBMW A ROOM WITH A MOOSE! 24 Rep 420 Posts Drives: waiting on the replacement Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335I [0.00] 2006 330I [0.00]	I WISH THEY HAD SILVER GREY METALIC!!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 05:22 PM	#13
Laplacian Private First Class 14 Rep 182 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Only MB and Jag have better colors. MB actually offers quite a few colors, for those who want shades of blue, green, purple, etc. But those are too funky and too...well...girlie for me. They are nice, though. Same for Jaguar. Audi, Lexus, and Infinity have about the same selection as BMW but the shades aren't as nice. Actually, considering what a conservative color collection they offer, BMW really does have the best shades of these conservative colors. I'd rather not have it at all than see any mediocre gold/sand color as an option. __________________ 2006 BMW 330i \| TiAg \| Gray - burl \| Sport \| Prem \| Steptronic \| AS
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 05:26 PM	#14
D.D. Private First Class 5 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 330 xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Jaguarer XK 8 colors...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 05:58 PM	#15
F30Toad Lieutenant 26 Rep 521 Posts Drives: 2019 Genesis G70 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	I definitely think BMW has headed away from some of the bolder colors of the past. The current pallet on all vehicles save some M colors is very conservative. The metallic greens and reds are bland on all models. I wish for the return of a blue that is dark but does not look black. They also need a good pearl white of some kind imo.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 06:37 PM	#17
acd483 Private 56 Rep 81 Posts Drives: two feet Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: chicago iTrader: (0)	In my opinion, BMW is pretty conservative on the colors...nothing adventuresome and the "unique" ones like "barrique" suck. You have to go way upscale to get something nice like the M5's "interlagos blue" or "indianapolis red." The "electric red" of the 3 is too garish for me. Otherwise I think Porsche has great colors, Mercedes also...very classy pallette. Look to the Italians if you want great color...too bad they don't sell Alfa here yet.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 07:21 PM	#19
HoosBMW A ROOM WITH A MOOSE! 24 Rep 420 Posts Drives: waiting on the replacement Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335I [0.00] 2006 330I [0.00]	you liked that m3 color....eh....i thought it looked like diarea green...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2006, 08:35 PM	#22
carnuts3 Lieutenant 13 Rep 407 Posts Drives: 2008 535i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	I agree with many of the comments above relative to the lack of good color choices. I think that Audi and Infiniti, for example, have better choices - not more choices, just better choices of the same colors. For example, when I picked the color for my 330i, I wanted something in the silver or gray family and felt that I settled for Artic. If I bought a car from the competition, I know that I would have been more satisfied with my color choice. Just line up the color choices for the A-4 and G35 against the comparable BMW color - they are RICHER and more VIBRANT than the BMW choices. Some examples : Audi - Quartz Gray - vs. Artic; Infiniti - Garnet fire Red - vs. Barrique. Finally, I would agree that if I had to catagorize the BMW colors I would call them dull - not conservative.
	Appreciate 0 Quote