[X3M40i_Nev]

Originally Posted by lochview

Yeah, thanks Nev. I like the idea of having the cerium bits on the wheels coated in a dark gunmetal or black finish while leaving the polished pieces to create a contrast.

I will then get them ceramic coated as part of that treatment either with GTechniq C5 or Kamikaze Stance at the retailer to try and maintain the finish as long as possible.

Next year, I'm also contemplating swapping the tyres out for the X3M Michelin PS4S to get better grip and have the stock 21" tyres as a spare set. Seen that these tyres should work as others have done them here.

Thanks for the mats recommendation, that's swung it for me!

I'm thinking though of a better 3rd party mat for the boot than the BMW version as it looks very much of an afterthought than one that was truly made for the car... any thoughts on this?

No worries, and good shout on the X3M tyres.
The OEM Boot liner is crap mate, so go aftermarket I reckon.
Slides around and doesn’t have much of a lip

[lochview]

Originally Posted by X3M40i_Nev

No worries, and good shout on the X3M tyres.
The OEM Boot liner is crap mate, so go aftermarket I reckon.
Slides around and doesn’t have much of a lip

MPerf mats purchased, along the the MPerf key case.

Will wait till the car is delivered and get bootliner in future...

[Mike72uk]

Originally Posted by lochview

Yeah, thanks Nev. I like the idea of having the cerium bits on the wheels coated in a dark gunmetal or black finish while leaving the polished pieces to create a contrast.

I will then get them ceramic coated as part of that treatment either with GTechniq C5 or Kamikaze Stance at the retailer to try and maintain the finish as long as possible.

Next year, I'm also contemplating swapping the tyres out for the X3M Michelin PS4S to get better grip and have the stock 21" tyres as a spare set. Seen that these tyres should work as others have done them here.

Thanks for the mats recommendation, that's swung it for me!

I'm thinking though of a better 3rd party mat for the boot than the BMW version as it looks very much of an afterthought than one that was truly made for the car... any thoughts on this?

Originally Posted by lochview

Yeah, thanks Nev. I like the idea of having the cerium bits on the wheels coated in a dark gunmetal or black finish while leaving the polished pieces to create a contrast.

I will then get them ceramic coated as part of that treatment either with GTechniq C5 or Kamikaze Stance at the retailer to try and maintain the finish as long as possible.

Next year, I'm also contemplating swapping the tyres out for the X3M Michelin PS4S to get better grip and have the stock 21" tyres as a spare set. Seen that these tyres should work as others have done them here.

Thanks for the mats recommendation, that's swung it for me!

I'm thinking though of a better 3rd party mat for the boot than the BMW version as it looks very much of an afterthought than one that was truly made for the car... any thoughts on this?

I like the M Perfomance mats....definitely want those for mine. Oh and the free floating wheel centres (ala Rolls Royce) so that the centre BMW rounded is always right way up . Like you say, I think you can get better boot liners than the OEM one - the 3D Maxpider one looks great but struggling to find UK suppliers.

[lochview]

Hi All,

Finally got my car back today after having it Ceramic coated with GTechniq CSU Black & Exo inside and out as well as being de-badged and having the mirror caps sprayed BMW Jet Black.

I haven't really had a chance to fully photograph and review the car but see the attached photos that I managed to snap this morning after collection.

I will review it and then post my thoughts thereafter. I hope you like the teaser photos!

[X3M40i_Nev]

Awesome mate, looks stunning, even the teasers 👍

[chicagofan00]

Looking good! 👍🏻

[Blacktemplar]

Originally Posted by T16ole

Wow, great spec.

It’s a bit like mine, though you’ve got a few extra options.

I’d consider the carbon black, they swirl by just looking at them. My step fathers 7-series is covered in swirl marks from the factory.

What's folks' experience with Carbon Black and/or Sapphire Black? I've been offered a really well-specced stock M40i in SBM (which I think has a grey fleck rather than blue with the CB) but I'm paranoid about swirls as it is on my EBII, never mind on a black car.

I had an Alfa many moons ago that was a blue/black metallic like the CB but it was a b*gger to keep clean and showed up every micro-scratch in the (admittedly rare) sun.

My preferred colour scheme is Phytonic/Oyster but I really like the 'gangsta' look on the black X3's.

I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not sure......

[verysideways]

I've got phytonic with oyster, and 11k miles in if I had to order again I'd choose the same again - love it.

[rajp]

I have Oyster (have always chosen light interiors in my cars and white exterior) and love it. Made an exception this time with the X3M40i with going with Sapphire Black as wife wanted any other colour other then white. I do think the X3 looks great in white.

[Blacktemplar]

Originally Posted by verysideways

I've got phytonic with oyster, and 11k miles in if I had to order again I'd choose the same again - love it.

Looks fantastic, particularly with the ambient lighting. It really is a classic combo. My F31 is EBII/Oyster and in spite of 3 years’ abuse by sticky dirty grandchildren, with the lightest of cleaning regimes the seats still look good. Dakota/Vernasca may have its critics in relation to Merino, but as I’m sure you’ll know in a family wagon it’s eminently practical.

May even de-badge like you’ve done.....