[Zim_Zimma]

My TB M4CX, more pictures can’t hurt in making a decision, right?

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by Zim_Zimma

My TB M4CX, more pictures can’t hurt in making a decision, right?

I love how TB almost looks black in some lighting. Then pops in the sun! It's like getting 2 colors in one. That is why I am going with TB b/c I couldn't decide between it and black.

[Forman63]

Originally Posted by Mac Daddy

OP here - I agree with this 100%. You need to see them in person to decide. Tanzanite comes in 3rd to me in these pictures, but I preferred it in person. They are all lovely though, no question.

I have had many blues in the past, including in my current 911 (Dark Blue Metallic, kind of between San Marino and Tanzanite). I remember trying to decide between LeMans and Interlagos on my E90 M3. Same issue 10 years on! Then I went with the lighter shade (LeMans), but I think I am going with Tanzanite this time.

I took a shot of a Marina Bay Blue X3M that same day on the showroom floor. It looked really nice too - close to San Marino.

All good blues and I would add Arctic Race Blue. It is a more subdued blue but constantly changes colors given the light during the day. It really is an elegant blue that looks great on the 4 Series

[luckylingy]

One more of my TB II M4 which shows range of blues in direct, low sunlight (untouched iPhone photo).

[Mac Daddy]

Originally Posted by luckylingy

One more of my TB II M4 which shows range of blues in direct, low sunlight (untouched iPhone photo).

Nice shot! The front looks black, but the rear quarter is unmistakably blue. This is Carbon Black on steroids.

Do you like the red calipers? I have seen all 3 colors on TB and can't decide which I like best. Either red or blue I think.

Also looks like you got shadowline delete. I would love the rear spoiler in body color, but like the black tips. Undecided on the mirror caps. What do you think?

[nyc_dude]

The easy way to decide on your favorite blue BMW ///M car color is to see it at sundown and at night under street lights. Does it still look blue enough? Tanzanite Blue and Carbon Black look too dark at night.

There are a few extra blue options like Violet Blue (F8X M3/M4) and Marina Bay Blue (M5 and X5M).

I have an Interlagos Blue E90 M3 (awesome with a little purple tint) and an Estoril Blue F30 335i (terrible).

In case you haven't figured it out yet, BMW has been limiting nice historical colors on recent F-Series and G-Series M-Sports and ///M models to force buyers into going Individual for an extra $5k+.


Cheers

[luckylingy]

Originally Posted by Mac Daddy

Nice shot! The front looks black, but the rear quarter is unmistakably blue. This is Carbon Black on steroids.

Do you like the red calipers? I have seen all 3 colors on TB and can't decide which I like best. Either red or blue I think.

Also looks like you got shadowline delete. I would love the rear spoiler in body color, but like the black tips. Undecided on the mirror caps. What do you think?

Yes, I definitely like the contrast of the red calipers against TB II. Blue calipers might have been the more obvious choice, but there's always the risk of a 'near miss' such that the blues clash rather than complement.

Yes, I went with Shadowline delete. Against such a dark paint color, I preferred a bit of brightwork (rims, exhaust tips, swapped emblems) -- not much, just enough to steer clear of Darth Vader. The mirror caps are still as much gloss black as body color, so

[playswcars]

Avus or Velvet would be my top picks if I were to custom order a G80.

[Mac Daddy]

Originally Posted by luckylingy

Yes, I definitely like the contrast of the red calipers against TB II. Blue calipers might have been the more obvious choice, but there's always the risk of a 'near miss' such that the blues clash rather than complement.

Yes, I went with Shadowline delete. Against such a dark paint color, I preferred a bit of brightwork (rims, exhaust tips, swapped emblems) -- not much, just enough to steer clear of Darth Vader. The mirror caps are still as much gloss black as body color, so

I am strongly considering removing extended shadowline from my order.
Seems like I change my mind daily!

I know what you mean with the blue calipers. Those are a close match with Portimao, but might be too light w TB.

[moonluv810]

For the life of me, I can barely tell the difference between Partimao vs San Marino.
Does San Marino have more purple hue compared to Partimao?

[VIERsr]

Originally Posted by moonluv810

For the life of me, I can barely tell the difference between Partimao vs San Marino.
Does San Marino have more purple hue compared to Partimao?

In real life they are completely different.
San Marino is darker, deeper in the shadows and brighter in the sun, similar to Marina Bay Blue (M5/M8) but more purple.
For me not only the best blue, but also the best color Bmw has ever made and in my opinion worth every single penny.

[luckylingy]

Originally Posted by VIERsr

In real life they are completely different.
San Marino is darker, deeper in the shadows and brighter in the sun, similar to Marina Bay Blue (M5/M8) but more purple.
For me not only the best blue, but also the best color Bmw has ever made and in my opinion worth every single penny.

I have to agree with you. Individual paints in general, and San Marino in particular, have a depth of color beyond what standard paints offer. San Marino is darker than Marina Bay by just enough margin to be intriguing without shouting about it. I'd have picked San Marino over Tanzanite, had the extra $3,000 been burning a hole in my pocket. (It wasn't, so I didn't.). Or if I thought I might get it past the household controller. (I wouldn't, so I didn't).

[11LMBiSTT]

SMB

[DavidXJ]

This has been an exceptionally helpful thread. All beautiful blues, which work resplendently in different ways under distinct light conditions. I've just placed a G80x order for Tanz: again, that is, since I'm currently in a 40i TBII. It's a labour of love to keep clean, as people will know; but I just think it has an elegance, regality, and composure that surpasses the other blues on offer. And while I love the images here of San Marino (and can appreciate why folks are drawn to it), in comparison to the 'don't mess' demeanour of TBII, SMB just seems a bit like it's trying too hard. Maybe its signature sporty-purply complexion is one reason why it looks much better, to my eyes, on the M4 (indeed, particularly on the previous generation, where it has been noticeably popular over here in the UK). TB is darker, yes, and less immediately attention-seeking; but it also, arguably, gives the car a more imposing presence, with the added flexibility of super sparkly flake that really allows its aura to shift when the sun comes out.

Anyway, all these blues offer fab variations and really complement (way better than any of the greys on the configurator!) the lines and hips of this new era of M3s/4s.

[KevinGS]

SMB pops so hard. I do love it.

I have TBII, and I've always liked it a lot. Purple-ish in the bright sun, deep blue in other lights, and almost black at night. The color gives the car multiple personalities.

[DS_BMW]

TBII, SMB, Estoril Blue.

[DavidXJ]

Originally Posted by DS_BMW

TBII, SMB, Estoril Blue.

Exquisite--thanks for posting these comparative pictures. Doesn't the flare on the rear arch of the Tanz car look great, as the sun hits the flake on that bulge!

And is it just me (now somewhat off topic), but don't these side-by-side pictures evidence the extent to which the G80 really is an evolution rather than a radical overhaul, despite all the initial media-melodrama over the front end..? It looks so much more like the bigger brother, rather than a distant cousin, of the F80.

Anyway, looking forward to some sunnier days this spring to make my TBII look as dynamic as it does here.

[MMOTION]

Originally Posted by KevinGS

SMB pops so hard. I do love it.

I have TBII, and I've always liked it a lot. Purple-ish in the bright sun, deep blue in other lights, and almost black at night. The color gives the car multiple personalities.

My thoughts exactly. I love SMB, especially when the paint is perfectly corrected/polished and coated. Under the sunlight, it just pops and looks amazing. However, after seeing TBII under perfect sunlight conditions and the different hues at night...those differently personalities just takes the cake. It's like having 3 different blues!

[chris s]

There's SMB, then there are the other blues!

[jpsimon]

Here are a few shots of my SMB in various lighting conditions. I don't have too many in bright sunny light, it's been pretty gloomy lately.

[fl1by]

PB has my heart... 13, 258 miles and looking forward to track season!!! SMB would be a looker. but I can grow old with driving PB daily... When you look back at your car while walking away from it, something is right, or a very bad parking lot!!

[Geektechlive]

Don't forget about Voodoo blue. ( I am biased )