OK OK I have a confession to make!

330Inewbie · 02-09-2006, 12:20 PM

Okay after 3 weeks of ownership, I will finally fess up and admit that I wish that I had gotten Jet Black instead of the saph black. IMO, jet black looks the absolutely best when clean. Saph black gives off the crystalized SG look in the sun. But, with that being said, I am still THRILLED with my 330.

On a side note, this should please many of you fanatics out there, I slightly regret not getting sports package. I was trying to save a few bucks, and don't take this for me not enjoying my ride because of it. But, sometimes I wonder how much more fun it would be sitting on 18" rims, with the sports seats. Plus, the upgrade is only 1600 I believe, and that is definitely worth it for the upgrading tires/rims/seats/steering wheel. Yes, I KNOW I should have listened to you guys as it is a "Must have, no brainer" option.

So is life over cuz I don't have the sports package? no, but, by human nature we want what we don't have. So sometimes I do wish I had the sports package. But, I am still uber happy with my ride.

HRC · 02-09-2006, 12:32 PM

Congrats! Yea, my experience is that jet black is more of a true deep gloos black vs. a black that has metallic in it. For the most part, people who like black will probally like just a true black better.

The zsp is really fun no doubt, but an e90 is still a great car without it! After all, it's still a BMW!

Have Fun!
Danny

Paul330d · 02-09-2006, 12:33 PM

That's why I have decided to take just about every possible option on my 330d - it really hurts when I look at the figures now, but I just know that, if I hold back now, a couple of weeks after delivery - when it's too late - I will start itching like you and want to start modding/upgrading.

shinsverk · 02-09-2006, 12:34 PM

That’s kind of funny. When I was investigating the options for my car the only one I wanted was the Sport Package. I even selected non metallic paint to keep the price down. After reading all the information on this forum I new I better start checking the boxes or I would regret it later. I was way over budget, but I did not want to look back and say I wish I would of…. I hope others can learn from both of us.

Enjoy your ride.

vladinecko · 02-09-2006, 12:37 PM

i hear you 330inewbie, if black, then jet black. i also don't get why you'd want it metallic. just like with white, why would you want sparkling white if you're getting white.

i guess there is a reason why there isn't such a thing as sparkling white...

porscheneer · 02-09-2006, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330Inewbie

Okay after 3 weeks of ownership, I will finally fess up and admit that I wish that I had gotten Jet Black instead of the saph black. IMO, jet black looks the absolutely best when clean. Saph black gives off the crystalized SG look in the sun. But, with that being said, I am still THRILLED with my 330.

I bought mine with every option possible except the Saphire black. My dealer had one jet black and one saphire side by side in the showroom under bright lights and I was sold. I would not have bought the BMW assist but he threw it in. And I actuall use it mainly to see if my flights on time or dinner reservations.

I think the only mod im doing for now is the much debated charcol filter removal and im thinking of getting multi spoke alpina, but i can find any 18 for a decent price.

My motto love the car your in !!!

eleven24 · 02-09-2006, 12:51 PM

I'm a car detailing fanatic, but still ordered Sapphire Black over Jet black for one reason: swirl marks. That, plus I was torn between black & SG.

330Inewbie · 02-09-2006, 01:00 PM

hey porsche, nice dowgrade after marriage and house.

ben1364 · 02-09-2006, 01:10 PM

I never thought I would see color options and sound systems dicussed on a forum dedicated to Bimmers or Beamers. <g>

ThreeBimm · 02-09-2006, 01:19 PM

There are a couple of things I would get differently if I were to order today. Live and learn. Next time I will get exactly what I want and worry about it later.

E90Fleet · 02-09-2006, 02:15 PM

They only offer the M Sports pack in Sapphire Black, so had to take that

kekoa · 02-09-2006, 02:16 PM

saphire black is the s3x. Very classy IMO> hehe.

ashecnc · 02-09-2006, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330Inewbie

Okay after 3 weeks of ownership, I will finally fess up and admit that I wish that I had gotten Jet Black instead of the saph black. IMO, jet black looks the absolutely best when clean. Saph black gives off the crystalized SG look in the sun. But, with that being said, I am still THRILLED with my 330.

On a side note, this should please many of you fanatics out there, I slightly regret not getting sports package. I was trying to save a few bucks, and don't take this for me not enjoying my ride because of it. But, sometimes I wonder how much more fun it would be sitting on 18" rims, with the sports seats. Plus, the upgrade is only 1600 I believe, and that is definitely worth it for the upgrading tires/rims/seats/steering wheel. Yes, I KNOW I should have listened to you guys as it is a "Must have, no brainer" option.

So is life over cuz I don't have the sports package? no, but, by human nature we want what we don't have. So sometimes I do wish I had the sports package. But, I am still uber happy with my ride.

I LOVE my jet black

jcoo085 · 02-09-2006, 02:54 PM

Jet black is a lot of work, but the results are well worth it..

england1987 · 02-09-2006, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330Inewbie

Okay after 3 weeks of ownership, I will finally fess up and admit that I wish that I had gotten Jet Black instead of the saph black. IMO, jet black looks the absolutely best when clean. Saph black gives off the crystalized SG look in the sun. But, with that being said, I am still THRILLED with my 330.

On a side note, this should please many of you fanatics out there, I slightly regret not getting sports package. I was trying to save a few bucks, and don't take this for me not enjoying my ride because of it. But, sometimes I wonder how much more fun it would be sitting on 18" rims, with the sports seats. Plus, the upgrade is only 1600 I believe, and that is definitely worth it for the upgrading tires/rims/seats/steering wheel. Yes, I KNOW I should have listened to you guys as it is a "Must have, no brainer" option.

So is life over cuz I don't have the sports package? no, but, by human nature we want what we don't have. So sometimes I do wish I had the sports package. But, I am still uber happy with my ride.

With this being my first BMW, and since it will cost enough , I wanted to get it exactly how I wanted it. premium package, Sport Package, heated seats, Sat-Navigation, parking sensors, comfort access. I didn't want to settle, so I haven't

billgti · 02-09-2006, 03:13 PM

sports package is definitely worth it imo. it's pretty good value for what you get.

regarding jet black vs sapphire black, i too had to make the same decision back in aug and i chose jet black in the end. i had the chance to see both of them side by side and to me, jet black was much darker and luscious, like a glossy black piano. sapphire black is shinier under some lighting conditions but i didn't like the fact that it looked a little "faded" next to jet black. imo the metallic in sapphire is not too noticeable and most people would just think u own a solid black car. on top of all that, sapphire is an extra $1K!

jflecha · 02-09-2006, 03:34 PM

I started out wanting to save money too and just wanted Step and SP.
After really doing some research especially here, I got PP too and the car I ended up buying also had the cold weather package.

Of course now after seeing picts of the iDrive screen and all the posts I wish I had gotten it regardless of how hard it is to operate, it just seems like navigation is becoming the standard on most middle to high end cars.

Next time.

My last car was jet black and it was beautifull but too much work.

vivekk · 02-09-2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcoo085

Jet black is a lot of work, but the results are well worth it..

Nice work jcoo. Jet black does look good when it's properly treated.
Here's a shot of my Tiag from a similar position:

330South · 02-09-2006, 04:16 PM

I am pretty happy with my order, got just about everything except for the navigation, active steering, and active cruise. Also ordered Jet Black, I thought the Sapphire Black looked dirty, Jet Black will be a pain to care for but will look awesome when clean. I went back and forth about I-drive but decided against after reading multiple magazine reviews that all say it is not good. If my wife and I really want the navigation I will buy an aftermarket system for $750, smaller screen but less than 1/2 the price. I figured the thing BMW's typically have problems with is electronics and the I-drive is just one more set of electronics waiting to break after the warranty is done (that screen is going to cost a lot to replace if it ever goes).

Taking delivery in a couple of days. :rocks:

akhbhaat · 02-09-2006, 04:20 PM

It really takes a certain type of person to own black. Any color takes work to keep clean on a frequently driven car.

I'm the one you'll see with the brake dust encrusted front wheels and mud splashes on the bottom of the rear fenders...because, hell, it's my daily driver, and keeping it in showroom condition every day is a waste of time and effort. All it takes is one splash from a passing truck, a nearby construction site, or a single rainy day to completely outdo your best efforts. Just use a quality wax or sealing polish and you'll never really have to worry about run of the mill road grime and dirt permanently marring the car's finish (just be sure to get rid of bird droppings, bugs, sap and whatnot ASAP). If you can tolerate the car looking bad from time to time (face it: it's just an entry level BMW anyway), but really want to appreciate it when it's actually clean, then black is the right color for you.

Way I see it: if it's not going to be clean anyway, don't worry about how it looks. And for those occassions when it is clean, might as well have the best color for it.

If nothing else, jet black takes the guesswork out of knowing when the car needs to be washed...

Oh, and another thing: metallic blacks almost always have a very dark blue hue to them in direct sunlight, and tend to look dirty (regardless of actual cleanliness) in dimmer lighting. You won't get as much visible swirling as you ultimately will with a non-metallic gloss black, but I don't think that's worth the trade offs.

kobechrome · 02-09-2006, 05:05 PM

I'll offer the other side of the spectrum... I didn't get the sports package and I don't really regret it either. It is a good deal for $1600 but I just didn't want the firmer ride (ride was firm enough with stock suspension) and didn't want to worry about the higher risk of damaging rims or the higher cost of replacing performance tires more often.

So yes - it was basically because I was cheap

But regardless - I love my car.

lux.sh · 02-09-2006, 05:16 PM

ZSP should be named ZNB. No brainer.

just kidding.

and yes, Jet black is REALLY nice color. I didn't know non-metallic black can look so sexy.
If I can ever do it again, It would be Jet black.

02-09-2006, 12:20 PM	#1
330Inewbie Private 7 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: arlington, va iTrader: (0)	OK OK I have a confession to make! Okay after 3 weeks of ownership, I will finally fess up and admit that I wish that I had gotten Jet Black instead of the saph black. IMO, jet black looks the absolutely best when clean. Saph black gives off the crystalized SG look in the sun. But, with that being said, I am still THRILLED with my 330. On a side note, this should please many of you fanatics out there, I slightly regret not getting sports package. I was trying to save a few bucks, and don't take this for me not enjoying my ride because of it. But, sometimes I wonder how much more fun it would be sitting on 18" rims, with the sports seats. Plus, the upgrade is only 1600 I believe, and that is definitely worth it for the upgrading tires/rims/seats/steering wheel. Yes, I KNOW I should have listened to you guys as it is a "Must have, no brainer" option. So is life over cuz I don't have the sports package? no, but, by human nature we want what we don't have. So sometimes I do wish I had the sports package. But, I am still uber happy with my ride. __________________ 06 330i, saph black, beige, auto, comfort access, bmw assist/bluetooth, fold down rear seats, sat prep, picked up 1/21/06.
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02-09-2006, 12:32 PM	#2
HRC MAUI BUILT 485 Rep 7,781 Posts Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NORCAL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2002 E46 325i [0.00] 2012 E70 35i [0.00]	Congrats! Yea, my experience is that jet black is more of a true deep gloos black vs. a black that has metallic in it. For the most part, people who like black will probally like just a true black better. The zsp is really fun no doubt, but an e90 is still a great car without it! After all, it's still a BMW! Have Fun! Danny __________________ Arctic/Blk Leather/Alum.Trim/MT/ZSP/Sunshades/Blk Lines/M3 Illuminated Knob/Alcantara Performance Wheel/M-E-Brake Handle/Euro Fog Switch/Koni Yellows/H&R Sport Springs/19" VMR V718's w/PS2 Tires/M-Tech Body Kit/Carbon Fiber Spoiler/Bimmian Interior Bulbs/OEM Eye Glass Tray/SSK/Alcantara Boot/Split Armrest/OEM Dual Rear Power Outlets/Rear Ashtray Delete/OEM Alum. Pedals/Osram 6000K/Brex Rings/LED Side Markers/BMS Power Box
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02-09-2006, 12:33 PM	#3
Paul330d Torque junky 115 Rep 1,688 Posts Drives: Remapped e90 330d Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: France (UK expat) iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330d [0.00] 2005 Fiat Panda 4x4 [0.00]	That's why I have decided to take just about every possible option on my 330d - it really hurts when I look at the figures now, but I just know that, if I hold back now, a couple of weeks after delivery - when it's too late - I will start itching like you and want to start modding/upgrading. __________________ www.greenkeepers.fr - spécialiste des tondeuses à gazon hélicoïdales atco qualcast ransomes lawnflite
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02-09-2006, 12:34 PM	#4
shinsverk Private First Class 13 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 325i 06 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wahpeton, ND iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00] 2005 Grand Cherokee [0.00]	That’s kind of funny. When I was investigating the options for my car the only one I wanted was the Sport Package. I even selected non metallic paint to keep the price down. After reading all the information on this forum I new I better start checking the boxes or I would regret it later. I was way over budget, but I did not want to look back and say I wish I would of…. I hope others can learn from both of us. Enjoy your ride. __________________ 325i - E90 Arctic,Black/Alum,Prem,Sprt,Cold,X,CA,SnShad.In my hand 2/15/06
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02-09-2006, 12:37 PM	#5
vladinecko Brigadier General 277 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	i hear you 330inewbie, if black, then jet black. i also don't get why you'd want it metallic. just like with white, why would you want sparkling white if you're getting white. i guess there is a reason why there isn't such a thing as sparkling white... __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
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02-09-2006, 12:51 PM	#7
eleven24 Foppa! 29 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Furlong, PA iTrader: (0)	I'm a car detailing fanatic, but still ordered Sapphire Black over Jet black for one reason: swirl marks. That, plus I was torn between black & SG. __________________ 2018 X5 xDrive35i past: 96 323ic \| 00 328i \| 06 330xi \| 11 Q5 \| 14 Touraeg \| 17 Q7 ~ 2011-2017: my era of darkness
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02-09-2006, 01:00 PM	#8
330Inewbie Private 7 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: arlington, va iTrader: (0)	hey porsche, nice dowgrade after marriage and house. __________________ 06 330i, saph black, beige, auto, comfort access, bmw assist/bluetooth, fold down rear seats, sat prep, picked up 1/21/06.
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02-09-2006, 01:10 PM	#9
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	I never thought I would see color options and sound systems dicussed on a forum dedicated to Bimmers or Beamers. <g>
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02-09-2006, 01:19 PM	#10
ThreeBimm Private First Class 13 Rep 177 Posts Drives: 325 xi Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	There are a couple of things I would get differently if I were to order today. Live and learn. Next time I will get exactly what I want and worry about it later.
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02-09-2006, 02:15 PM	#11
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	They only offer the M Sports pack in Sapphire Black, so had to take that __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please.
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02-09-2006, 02:16 PM	#12
kekoa Private First Class 14 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 06 e90 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: La Leezy iTrader: (0)	saphire black is the s3x. Very classy IMO> hehe.
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02-09-2006, 02:54 PM	#14
jcoo085 Lieutenant 43 Rep 463 Posts Drives: E90 320d Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stuttgart, Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 320d [0.00]	Jet black is a lot of work, but the results are well worth it.. __________________ E90 320d - Black Ext/Fluid Grey Int \| Steptronic \| Business Navigation \| PDC \| Sunroof \| Alarm Exterior Pictures \| Interior Pictures \| Video
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02-09-2006, 03:13 PM	#16
billgti Lieutenant 26 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 06 BMW 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	sports package is definitely worth it imo. it's pretty good value for what you get. regarding jet black vs sapphire black, i too had to make the same decision back in aug and i chose jet black in the end. i had the chance to see both of them side by side and to me, jet black was much darker and luscious, like a glossy black piano. sapphire black is shinier under some lighting conditions but i didn't like the fact that it looked a little "faded" next to jet black. imo the metallic in sapphire is not too noticeable and most people would just think u own a solid black car. on top of all that, sapphire is an extra $1K!
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02-09-2006, 03:34 PM	#17
jflecha Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 205 Posts Drives: E90 06 330i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: The Garden State iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330I [0.00]	I started out wanting to save money too and just wanted Step and SP. After really doing some research especially here, I got PP too and the car I ended up buying also had the cold weather package. Of course now after seeing picts of the iDrive screen and all the posts I wish I had gotten it regardless of how hard it is to operate, it just seems like navigation is becoming the standard on most middle to high end cars. Next time. My last car was jet black and it was beautifull but too much work. __________________ Tit-Silver 330i/STEP/SP/PP/CWP
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02-09-2006, 04:16 PM	#19
330South Enlisted Member 1 Rep 31 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I am pretty happy with my order, got just about everything except for the navigation, active steering, and active cruise. Also ordered Jet Black, I thought the Sapphire Black looked dirty, Jet Black will be a pain to care for but will look awesome when clean. I went back and forth about I-drive but decided against after reading multiple magazine reviews that all say it is not good. If my wife and I really want the navigation I will buy an aftermarket system for $750, smaller screen but less than 1/2 the price. I figured the thing BMW's typically have problems with is electronics and the I-drive is just one more set of electronics waiting to break after the warranty is done (that screen is going to cost a lot to replace if it ever goes). Taking delivery in a couple of days. :rocks: __________________ 330i Jet Black-Gray Interior, Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Comfort Access, Sirius
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02-09-2006, 04:20 PM	#20
akhbhaat Captain 181 Rep 883 Posts Drives: ///M318ti Type-R Turbo S Join Date: May 2005 Location: T1 run-off iTrader: (0)	It really takes a certain type of person to own black. Any color takes work to keep clean on a frequently driven car. I'm the one you'll see with the brake dust encrusted front wheels and mud splashes on the bottom of the rear fenders...because, hell, it's my daily driver, and keeping it in showroom condition every day is a waste of time and effort. All it takes is one splash from a passing truck, a nearby construction site, or a single rainy day to completely outdo your best efforts. Just use a quality wax or sealing polish and you'll never really have to worry about run of the mill road grime and dirt permanently marring the car's finish (just be sure to get rid of bird droppings, bugs, sap and whatnot ASAP). If you can tolerate the car looking bad from time to time (face it: it's just an entry level BMW anyway), but really want to appreciate it when it's actually clean, then black is the right color for you. Way I see it: if it's not going to be clean anyway, don't worry about how it looks. And for those occassions when it is clean, might as well have the best color for it. If nothing else, jet black takes the guesswork out of knowing when the car needs to be washed... Oh, and another thing: metallic blacks almost always have a very dark blue hue to them in direct sunlight, and tend to look dirty (regardless of actual cleanliness) in dimmer lighting. You won't get as much visible swirling as you ultimately will with a non-metallic gloss black, but I don't think that's worth the trade offs.
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02-09-2006, 05:05 PM	#21
kobechrome Captain 38 Rep 699 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 335xi Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ashburn, VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 335xi Sport [0.00] 2013 Lexus RX 350 [0.00] 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	I'll offer the other side of the spectrum... I didn't get the sports package and I don't really regret it either. It is a good deal for $1600 but I just didn't want the firmer ride (ride was firm enough with stock suspension) and didn't want to worry about the higher risk of damaging rims or the higher cost of replacing performance tires more often. So yes - it was basically because I was cheap But regardless - I love my car. __________________
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02-09-2006, 05:16 PM	#22
lux.sh missing two turbos. 577 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [0.00]	ZSP should be named ZNB. No brainer. just kidding. and yes, Jet black is REALLY nice color. I didn't know non-metallic black can look so sexy. If I can ever do it again, It would be Jet black. __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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