[dskurth]

I am just about to pull the trigger on a new 2023 X3 M40i. Got all the features down that I want, 20" wheels, fantastic features except the color! Going crazy.

So the big question: Carbon Black Metallic vs Tanzanite Blue II Metallic

I so wish there was a blend between these 2 where there was the Tanzanite Blue II Metallic with black metallic rather than more blue flakes. Becomes way "too blue" in the sunshrine, but is a great color in the shade.

Then there is the Carbon Black Metallic. Too black in the shade, fantastic in the sun.

Anyone have any thoughts? It is so difficult that I even considered changing colors completely to Frozen Dark Grey

[bimbimsalabimx3]

I've been going trough this phase myself with other colors though at one point carbon black and tanzanite where on my radar. I decided that as much as I like all of the paint colors, the color shift is a bit too extreme for my taste for some of these colors like the aforementioned. I like that about those colors but not enough to want to look at it all the time if that makes sense. I guess for you, if you're keen on either of these are you going to look at your vehicle more while it's in the shade or sun? Personally I look at my vehicle mostly in the lower light times of the day so that's what helped me make my decision. Also we get a lot of cloud coverage more than in places like say Arizona which doesn't believe in clouds.

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by bimbimsalabimx3

I've been going trough this phase myself with other colors though at one point carbon black and tanzanite where on my radar. I decided that as much as I like all of the paint colors, the color shift is a bit too extreme for my taste for some of these colors like the aforementioned. I like that about those colors but not enough to want to look at it all the time if that makes sense. I guess for you, if you're keen on either of these are you going to look at your vehicle more while it's in the shade or sun? Personally I look at my vehicle mostly in the lower light times of the day so that's what helped me make my decision. Also we get a lot of cloud coverage more than in places like say Arizona which doesn't believe in clouds.

What did you end up choosing?

[ZCPM4]

I have a Carbon Black X5 and the color generally leans towards a deep navy blue. It's more obvious in the sun though, and especially when it's clean. When dirty or at night it definitely seems black. I like it though; I've had several black sapphire metallic BMWs and this was a good change. I'd say it's equally as difficult to keep clean as BSM, and will show swirls the exact same way.

Tanzanite is a really cool color as well; more on the royal blue/could lean purple side in certain light.

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by ZCPM4

I have a Carbon Black X5 and the color generally leans towards a deep navy blue. It's more obvious in the sun though, and especially when it's clean. When dirty or at night it definitely seems black. I like it though; I've had several black sapphire metallic BMWs and this was a good change. I'd say it's equally as difficult to keep clean as BSM, and will show swirls the exact same way.

Tanzanite is a really cool color as well; more on the royal blue/could lean purple side in certain light.

Thanks. Think I am going that direction. I have the graphite right now and have no problems with swirls, but then I only hand wash it, so perhaps that helps. Any dark color is hard to keep clean!

The Tanzanite is a cool color, but was just TOO blue for my taste in the sun..given I live in Los Angeles, Sun is the norm.

I have had white, black and 2 grey versions. This seems like a nice and inquire change and I added the shadowline which has a solid black thus it seem to give the appearance of more blue to the eye.

Thanks for your comments.

[bimbimsalabimx3]

Originally Posted by dskurth

What did you end up choosing?

I went with Mineral White. My previous selection was Carbon Black with Cognac interior with the 21in v-spokes. before I changed my mind.

[VikDXB]

We took delivery of 30i CB two days back.
I initially booked BSM before seeing CB in person. I went back to the dealer and changed to CB. Had to pay more as CB was only available on a trim with 20" wheels, Sensatec dash and Ambient air but it's worth. Also I was told CB is only available with M Sport package. We got few compliments about the color already!

I have seen Tanzanite X4 at the showroom. It's an amazing color undoubtedly but I don't have any regrets with CB.

[Prof. Oak]

Carbon black for myself, color looks great in person and is different from the sea of black vehicles on the road. IMO the shadowline package contrasts perfectly as well with the color as well. I flipped between BSM and CB for awhile before i settled, no regrets and knew instantly i made the right choice when i picked the car up.

[Bimmerforlife]

I’m glad I’m not the only one going back and forth between these colors. I actually want more blue than black so I’m leaning toward Tanzanite Blue. I’m in Fl so it’s always sunny. Pythonic is too light/med blue for me.

I wish we had true photos of how each color looks in bright sun and also in shade or evening hours.

[RoundelM3]

Tanzanite - my M3 is midnight blue in the shade, and this intense purplish blue with pearl undertones in the sun. Individual colors are always better than the standard offerings. However, the wife's choice of Brooklyn Grey won out, since it's her car, after all.

[zillymc]

Here's my F80 M3 in Tanzanite which I love!

[en1gma]

Went through same dilemma. Ended up choosing Tanzanite as - apart from this freakish moment where we have temperatures over 30°C in the south - the UK weather is not sunny enough to appreciate Carbon Black.

Here's my X3:

[izjamest]

I went Tanzanite too! No regrets. Beautiful color, looks especially good with the 50th Anniversary BMW badges!

[Bimmerforlife]

I’m leaning toward Tanzanite Blue with Oyster Vernasca. I’ve never had white interior so I’m concerned about dirt but I like how the front dash is black with Oyster vs 2021 was Oyster.

My 2nd choice is Brooklyn G with Mocca Brown Vernasca. BG because it’s easiest to keep clean.

[TXGrey]

Originally Posted by zillymc

Here's my F80 M3 in Tanzanite which I love!

I will never get tired of looking at those wheels… if I go X4M on next go around, I'm getting them.

Ok - thread hijack done. Carry-on!!!


PS - OP, you cannot go wrong with either… both are amazing colors. I realize that doesn't help much, but seriously… as a meticulous car owner, both will look amazing clean.

[Len90]

Originally Posted by Bimmerforlife

I’m leaning toward Tanzanite Blue with Oyster Vernasca. I’ve never had white interior so I’m concerned about dirt but I like how the front dash is black with Oyster vs 2021 was Oyster.

My 2nd choice is Brooklyn G with Mocca Brown Vernasca. BG because it’s easiest to keep clean.

I went Tanzanite on my 2022 G01 and absolutely love it. Any darker shade car is going to be tough to keep clean, but when it is clean and the sun is out my gosh it looks beautiful. I have ZERO regrets about paying extra for the Tanzanite. IMHO you can get Tanzanite with Oyster, Mocca, or Cognac. All three will look super sharp on it.

Brooklyn Grey is IMHO is just too blah and just doesn't pop in the daylight.... like I said it's only my opinion.

Carbon black: very sharp in the sunlight. If tanzanite wasn't brought forward for the LCIs then I would have gone with that color. I just like the added blue pop.

[PAS]

Just for Brooklyn Grey reference here a a few snaps in differing lights. I have an 'Enigmatic Black' Mini too which is basically Carbon Black. My friend has a Tanzanite X5 which is really nice. When all super clean and sunny day would probably go Tanzanite, General dull UK days - Brooklyn.

[VikDXB]

When Carbon Black is literally black!
Shot on iPhone during mid-afternoon.

[Mike_OGm2]

Tanzanite for sure. My buddy has a carbon black and wishes he went with my color choice.

[VikDXB]

Carbon Black.

[E’s ride]

Carbon black…..