[Jay Ell]

Hi all,

I'm eagerly awaiting delivery of my X3 30d M Sport (expected end of May). The only thing I couldn't make my mind up on was the Carbon Black paint. The wife REALLY wanted it, as she wanted something slightly different (we have an X1 in Sapphire Black). I originally leaned towards it as it was M Sport exclusive. But I've yet to see one in the flesh, and nervous that I maybe should have gone for Sapphire again.

Anyone have this paint on the M Sport? How "blue" is it?

[daveycrocket]

I have Carbon Black on my X3 with Oyster. Coming from Sapphire black myself I, too, was a bit nervous. However I love the color combination we selected.

I worn nights and most people think my car is black. But in day it's really a very dark blue which looks great.

I bet you'll really like it too.

[faztaz]

I also like the duality of the color. At night it looks black and in the sun a dark metallic blue. The only issue I have as with any dark color car is scratches and dust will easily show.

[Kiernan]

Personally, I'd have gone for Sapphire black as it's more of a regular black.

Had a Carbon Black M3 a few years ago and whilst I loved the colour at first, over time I got a bit tired of its dual personality; on a normal Engluish day (dull, miserable) it looked black, but then in the sun, it took on more of a blue colour. Strange thing is that everyone else I know was always complimentary about it, so it may just be me. For this reason I went for good old Sapphire when ordering my current X3

Either way, your car will look great, and I'm sure you'll really get the Wow factor when you step back after a good clean (unfortunately it won't stay clean for long, but that's the same for all black cars).

Be sure to post pics when you take delivery.

[Jay Ell]

thanks for all the replies...
I think I'll like it, but I hear what Kiernan is saying too .. Unfortunately in the UK we see mostly grey days, so the blue tint may not show up as regular.
But, I had an E60 M5 in Interlagos Blue and quite enjoyed the duality of that paint.

[QTPie]

Hi

I ordered CB (only a 2.0D and sadly on 18" wheels - couldn't justify the 19") and do like it.

I originally ordered a SE in grey, but saw a CB M Sport in a dealership in Bristol - looked fantastic, especially under the lighting inside the dealership. I actuall think that CB suits the X3 more than most BMWs (looks a bit OTT on the X5 for instance)

Since it has been so abysmal in the UK since I got if (July) it rarely looks very blue! Most of he time it is just black. Looks fantastic when newly washed, not so great when dirty.

I went for aluminium exterior trim and roof rails - am really happy since it highlights some fares on an otherwise very dark car and gives some contrast.

If I was to order again, I think that I would order the same colour, although the M Sport does look fantastic in silver too (and shows the dirt less).

Photos here - http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=380 - taken on a hazy sunny day: you can see some blue.

My advice is to find a dealership with a CB X3 and go judge for yourself.

QT

[terrytnt]

I've had the 2012 X3 35i MSport in CB for 1 year and still love the color. Now, I wash it weekly and use the Zaino seal/Polish system which makes it look spectular - 'wet dripping look'. Would I buy it again for my next X3 - maybe/ maybe not - I might try sapphire

[Jay Ell]

Originally Posted by QTPie

Hi

I ordered CB (only a 2.0D and sadly on 18" wheels - couldn't justify the 19") and do like it.

I originally ordered a SE in grey, but saw a CB M Sport in a dealership in Bristol - looked fantastic, especially under the lighting inside the dealership. I actuall think that CB suits the X3 more than most BMWs (looks a bit OTT on the X5 for instance)

Since it has been so abysmal in the UK since I got if (July) it rarely looks very blue! Most of he time it is just black. Looks fantastic when newly washed, not so great when dirty.

I went for aluminium exterior trim and roof rails - am really happy since it highlights some fares on an otherwise very dark car and gives some contrast.

If I was to order again, I think that I would order the same colour, although the M Sport does look fantastic in silver too (and shows the dirt less).

Photos here - http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=380 - taken on a hazy sunny day: you can see some blue.

My advice is to find a dealership with a CB X3 and go judge for yourself.

QT

thanks for reply .. and your X3 looks lovely. Doesn't notice that it's on 18's, they look perfect for it.