Jerez Black vs. Space Gray

[m3heaven]

*EDIT* Getting Jet Black, thanks guy!!!

[1sikbmr]

Black usually shows imperfections more than any other color... And i just love space grey

[aznclickster]

+1 for space grey

[Prince_of_Persia]

If you are just deciding between those two, I would get the Gray one, it won't show dirt that much. I had a black 330xi and I basically had to wash it everyday until I got tired of doing it lol. But if I were you, I would go for Alpine White or Mineral White. I think White is the best colour for BMWs. But again, this is just my opinion.

[dmw16]

Black cars are hard to keep clean and show swirls and other imperfections more than other colors.

Between those two I'd go for the gray. But in my opinion Alpine White is the best BMW color.

[Joonsup]

It's harder to maintain darker colored cars which is why as soon as you get your car, you should lay down a nice coat of wax or sealant so that it is easier to maintain the paint and keep it swirl free longer..but not before you clay your car

[jms_w]

It depends. Since you asked about swirl marks, you're obviously concerned with how your paint looks. Next question is, how much time do you have on your hands? I used to own an orient blue E46 and while it looked super when detailed, I spent alot of time doing it. 2 kids later, I have no time for that so space gray was it. And I gotta tell ya, it's a whole lot easier to take care of as it's really difficult to see swirls. Good luck with your decision.

[Erhan]

Darker the color, more swirls you'll see.

[nimbusjim]

I've had Black Sapphire Metallic (330) and Jerez Black (E90 M3). Both are difficult to keep clean and smudge-free. But I think black/dark blue is the most stunning color when clean.

I know it's thought that gray colors don't show dirt as well; but the dirt's still there... so is that like saying that your car looks dirty in the first place?

[1sikbmr]

Originally Posted by nimbusjim

I've had Black Sapphire Metallic (330) and Jerez Black (E90 M3). Both are difficult to keep clean and smudge-free. But I think black/dark blue is the most stunning color when clean.

I know it's thought that gray colors don't show dirt as well; but the dirt's still there... so is that like saying that your car looks dirty in the first place?

By saying it doesnt show dirt they mean that you dont have to run around your car every second with detailer and a microfiber towel to clean every single spot because they are hard to see at a glance meaning less of a headache trying to keep a car looking clean. Gray cars always look clean...

[ucsdsig]

Owning a black car is a love hate relationship. When clean, hard to beat the looks of a black car. But keeping the exterior in pristine condition requires a lot of work.

I doubt I'll get another black car as a daily driver. But I'd definitely consider one for a weekend car.

[m3heaven]

I guess I should also mention that I do plan on hand washing my car at least every 2 weeks.

My concern is if the jet black paint is so soft that even if I hand wash it it gets swirls or scratches.

[IND-Distribution]

BMW paint in general has gone far downhill, but I would agree that going for grey is your best bet if ease of maintenance is a concern. Black cars sure can look mean though, when they're done right!

[Miami M3]

I was down to choosing between the same two colors and ultimately chose jet black. While it's definitely going to be more work to maintain over the course of ownership, for me it's worth it given how much better it looks clean. Just my 2 cents.

[mr_yogi]

space grey gets my vote. my first choice was melbourne red, but wife doesn't want another red whip. so we agreed on space grey. then le mans blue came into our lives and there was no question. but grey is def hot! regarding the white, white cars have been boring and bland to me for as long as i can remember. i can't think of one car that looks good in white. that, of course, is just IMO.

[Untouchable]

Jet Black requires more care, but nothing sexier than a clean black car. You will get swirls, but it's not a big a deal as most people make it out to be.

[saeedg48]

... space gray.. trust

[sameh]

I have a jet black. I didn't ask for this color in particular but the dealer had 2 jet blacks when I bought my car; one with ZCP and another without. I could have waited and ordered whatever color I wanted but I just couldn't. I test drove my car one day and the next day I was buying my car. I didn't hate the jet black but I wasn't a big fan either. Now after 9 months and 16K miles. I don't really like my JB. Very hard to keep clean especially for a DD. I would wash it and 2 days later it looks like it was never washed.
It looks quit elegant clean and shiny but boy does it take work to keep it that way.

[kaykay]

Space Grey all day.

Jet black will get swirls after the first car wash since it's a non-metallic, flat black.

Get Jerez Black if anything

[jcaptain]

I love Jet Black, but I am biased. It looks spectacular when clean. I hand wash it every week as I find the detailing to be therapeutic (I am sure that many on here would call me crazy for making this statement - oh well). It does need to be kept clean, however, in order to continue looking good. There were a few dealer-installed swirls on my particular E90, but they are not that noticeable.

If you plan on cleaning it weekly (every other week would be a stretch for a daily driver) then it comes down to which color you prefer between the space grey and the jet black. Otherwise, I would lean towards the less-maintenance required space grey - a phenomenal color on these vehicles.

[joelk]

+1 for Space Gray

My current 135i has metallic black and I'll never do black again. It's impossible to keep clean unless you are devoted to it. I'm ordering SG and don't consider it a compromise at all. Love the color!

[Sedan_Clan]

Space Gray is just a better color IMHO. Any color will show swirls if the car washing process is flawed. I drove by an AW coupe the other day that had HORRIBLE swirl marks. I was like....whoaaaa!!! They were so bad that it almost made the car look matte.