[blakegoodman]

There's a pre-owned 2013 that I am looking at, but unfortunately it is not local so I can't see in person right away. Available for transfer by a local dealer.

I've heard Carbon Black is very difficult to keep up, particularly with swirl marks. I currently have a black Infiniti and hand wash it every 2-3 weeks. Is Carbon Black harder to keep up than normal black cars? For a while I was set on Titanium Silver as I've owned a black car for 5 years now, but the look of carbon black is very unique. I've read through the archives but figured I would start a thread now that people have owned their CB X3s for a few years now.

Vehicle I'm looking at...
2013 X3 28i - CB / Black Leather Nevada / Fineline wave trim
M Sport, Premium, Technology, Dynamic Handling, Cold Weather
30k miles

[mge92]

Carbon Black is a beautiful color but is so hard to keep it looking amazing. Mine even though I keep it as beautiful as I can still gets those damn swirl marks. Not sure compared to black cars since this is my first car.

[TerraLvr335i]

I'm not sure it's any harder to keep up than my past Jet Black cars, but it is tough to keep looking great - luckily I'm no longer as picky as I used to be. I love Carbon Black, though, and even when it looks mediocre, I think it looks better than pretty much any other color. Easily the favorite color of any car I've owned.

[tenman]

Get the paint corrected and coated and you'll be fine.

[terrytnt]

I've had my Carbon Black X3 35i M-Sport for 3 years and do not think it's any different than any black paint scheme (however, I've not owned any other BMW Black).

I was and sprintz my X3 about every week or two and aside from winter salt, it usually look great. I really like the unique quality for the Carbon Black and would recommend it, provided you're willing to invest the maintenance.

[nyalpine90]

detailing once a year with opti coat will keep your paint fresh. i have few pics of my carbon black in my profile album

[blakegoodman]

Thanks! One other question... I've never been a huge fan of blue cars. I know it really depends on the lighting, but would most of you say the color is black? I've seen some pictures where the car clearly looks blue, which concerns me a little. Just trying to get some first hand opinions instead of looking at pictures. Thank you.

[jmcphillips1]

in sunlight you will def be able to tell that it is a deep dark blue but in the shade or cloudy conditions or especially at night it looks Black

[JSY]

Originally Posted by blakegoodman

Thanks! One other question... I've never been a huge fan of blue cars. I know it really depends on the lighting, but would most of you say the color is black? I've seen some pictures where the car clearly looks blue, which concerns me a little. Just trying to get some first hand opinions instead of looking at pictures. Thank you.

My deep sea blue does look bluer as it is brighter outside. However, just about everyone thinks it's black at night. Anyway, if it's not night or dark, I think it now looks obviously blue.

My first X3 years ago, I had a color called Monaco Blue I think - and that was such a deep dark blue that it sometimes looked black in the sunlight. I wish they had that color back for the X3.

[atrueb]

Carbon black is actually a dark shade of blue in the sunlight. Without sun or direct light it looks quite black.

[kjoseph270]

Is Opticoat what the dealers offer too? I imagine it's way cheaper to DIY.

[TerraLvr335i]

Carbon Black is definitely a dark blue. It looks black in cloudy conditions, and in the dark, but under lights at night, or in sunlight, it's a very dark blue - great color, again, but if you hate blue, I'd try to see one in person.

[nyalpine90]

i dont think dealership offer opti coat, private detailing shop can.

its pricey but its worth it

[kjoseph270]

yeah, I've been doing research, think I may even attempt to do it, unless I can find a good detailer that isn't too expensive.

[Ryno 27]

I have a carbon black, and the majority of the time, 80%, I'd say I see blue, so if black is truly what you want, I suggest ordering such. Carbon black is a unique color to Msport vehicles, and it does look great, but as another member pointed out, blue is primarily the color seen. I personally would not order it again on my next vehicle

[blakegoodman]

Thanks all. CB looks like a beautiful color, but I don't think it's something I would like long-term. Too much blue for my liking, but that's just my personal taste. Thanks!

[nyalpine90]

i had 2004 x3 2.5 in silver metallic, 2008 e90 in alpine white, 2012 x3 alpine white,
now 2015 carbon black x3. i wanted a different color lol

def alot of work to keep it clean, i may go back to white or maybe dark grey