[Mac Daddy]

I have been daily-driving a '14 328i for the last 8 years. Almost 94k miles. It has been great - reliable and efficient. Now that my 3 kids are all driving, we need another ride. Rather than acquire something for them, I decided to pass on the 328 and upgrade to something more exciting. The privilege of being the dad!

I considered plenty of other cars, such as Macans, 718s, 911s, and particularly the M5. The M3 just makes the most sense, really by a mile - performance, practicality, and particularly value. And I really wanted a manual.

I placed a deposit at the end of November and was frankly surprised to receive an allocation in December. Week 8 build. Here is the spec:

M3 Base, 6MT
Tanzanite Blue II
Tartufo full
Carbon Fiber trim
826M Bi-Color
Executive Package
Parking Assistance Package
Extended Shadowline Trim
Shadowline lights
Ventilated seats
LED Laserlights
Blue calipers

I considered a more flashy interior color (Fiona, Kyalami, even Fjord). I really liked Fox Red on my E90. Also strongly considered the CCBs - the reduced unsprung weight, looks, and lack of brake dust all appeal. But I am uncertain about the long-term costs, and the up-front of 8 large is steep.

Two lingering minor questions:

I am strongly considering removing the extended shadowline trim with Tanzanite. The gloss black looks great with lighter colors and grays, but the rear spoiler in particular might be better as body-colored.

Also, not sure about the blue calipers. I don't love the reds, and the blacks seem too dark to me without black paint or all black wheels. The blue calipers are lighter than Tanzanite, but it doesn't seem too bad in the pics I have seen.

Anyway, thanks for reading. Comments welcome!

[SpeedyATL]

Sounds like a great build!

I love TB, but my car lives outside at the office during the day so too dark for me. I know you don't like red calipers, but they look so good with TB; that's what I would do. Heck I did them with Arctic Race Blue on my M440 CV.

[Llarry]

Congratulations -- killer color combo!

[yocubed]

Congrats.

Great spec by the way.
I personally would keep the calipers blue. Looks great with TBII. I might be a bit biased though. I also think extended trim looks best but I have never been a fan of chrome.
Here are a couple of pics of my f80 in Tanzanite with the blue calipers

Now if only an allocation would come in at my dealer[IMG]undefined[/IMG]

[Mac Daddy]

Originally Posted by SpeedyATL

Sounds like a great build!

I love TB, but my car lives outside at the office during the day so too dark for me. I know you don't like red calipers, but they look so good with TB; that's what I would do. Heck I did them with Arctic Race Blue on my M440 CV.

Originally Posted by Llarry

Congratulations -- killer color combo!

Originally Posted by yocubed

Congrats.

Great spec by the way.
I personally would keep the calipers blue. Looks great with TBII. I might be a bit biased though. I also think extended trim looks best but I have never been a fan of chrome.
Here are a couple of pics of my f80 in Tanzanite with the blue calipers

Now if only an allocation would come in at my dealer

Thanks guys!

Those pics of the blue calipers look really good. Are those OEM wheels? I am definitely leaning blue calipers.

The shadowline trim is a toss up. I would definitely prefer the dark exhaust tips over the chrome, but I am not sure I want a gloss black rear spoiler especially given I will have the non-comp chrome "M3" right under it.

[cookiesandcreaM3]

Originally Posted by yocubed

Congrats.

Great spec by the way.
I personally would keep the calipers blue. Looks great with TBII. I might be a bit biased though. I also think extended trim looks best but I have never been a fan of chrome.
Here are a couple of pics of my f80 in Tanzanite with the blue calipers

Now if only an allocation would come in at my dealer[IMG]undefined[/IMG]

The third pic of TB in the sun is jaw dropping. *chefs kiss. Does TB2 appear this way when the light hits it?

[yocubed]

Originally Posted by cookiesandcreaM3

The third pic of TB in the sun is jaw dropping. *chefs kiss. Does TB2 appear this way when the light hits it?

Yes in direct sunlight it has unbelievable depth and flake but to be fair these pics were fresh from my detailer the day it was ceramic coated with absolutely perfect sun.
Most of the time it's still dynamic but not as vibrant and then nearly black in overcast or dark.
6 years later and I still get compliments if it's clean. My favorite color I've specc'd on a vehicle.

[yocubed]

Originally Posted by Mac Daddy

Thanks guys!

Those pics of the blue calipers look really good. Are those OEM wheels? I am definitely leaning blue calipers.

The shadowline trim is a toss up. I would definitely prefer the dark exhaust tips over the chrome, but I am not sure I want a gloss black rear spoiler especially given I will have the non-comp chrome "M3" right under it.

Those are the OEM 437M bicolor wheels on the F8X gen

[Soylent]

Originally Posted by Mac Daddy

Thanks guys!

Those pics of the blue calipers look really good. Are those OEM wheels? I am definitely leaning blue calipers.

The shadowline trim is a toss up. I would definitely prefer the dark exhaust tips over the chrome, but I am not sure I want a gloss black rear spoiler especially given I will have the non-comp chrome "M3" right under it.

I would get the shadowline trim. The chrome is too frumpy. You can always get the black emblem from IND if the chrome bothers you. Can always paint the lip if you don't like the black. Definitely blue calipers.

[Mac Daddy]

Originally Posted by Soylent

I would get the shadowline trim. The chrome is too frumpy. You can always get the black emblem from IND if the chrome bothers you. Can always paint the lip if you don't like the black. Definitely blue calipers.

Very true about changing things up aftermarket if necessary. Funny that today I am back on the shadowline train. The body-colored side mirror caps (only top half or so) look a little awkward to me.

Blue calipers for sure.

[Mac Daddy]

Originally Posted by cookiesandcreaM3

The third pic of TB in the sun is jaw dropping. *chefs kiss. Does TB2 appear this way when the light hits it?

Agreed! TB looks spectacular in the right conditions, and is subtle but nice in low lighting. Check out the 3rd pic in this post, looking down on the hood.