[FUZCO]

Originally Posted by pmanzonfotos

I was like you. I went to the lexus dealership to test drive the RC350, after being an hour there and pretty much begging for a sales person to help me, decided to leave, didnt even get to test drive the damn car. (Westminster Lexus). I test drove the M340i and never looked back to lexus after that.

The color cars I have had were mainly safe neutral colors, Black, White, Silver and Grey. For me the least amount of washing was my mineral grey 328i, but the most annoying to keep clean being my black g35 6mt.

The dealer I went to try to have me sign off with the wrong residual that was inflated 5% in my favor. When I mentioned it to the salesman, he said, "at least you would have been off in a new RC. My manager has been making a lot of mistakes lately." Little does he know it probably wouldn't have passed finance and Lexus Financial would have had the right to adjust it even if signed as is. At that point, I walked.

Nice choice with the wheels. Black wheels don't so any cars justice IMO unless you're into the drug dealer look. I would, however, consider the black kidney grill and see if BMW can ad the factory M Sport Discreet Spoiler (option 754) that's standard on the m340i, but painted in sapphire black to match the black kidney grill.

I'm going with the Sensatec too because is looks better, feels better, and wears better than the low grade Dakota leather which is practically vinyl anyway. Unless it's a high grade leather, the leatherette is a better choice. Skeptical at first, but had it in my last two Lexus' and prefer it.

[drexplode]

PB all day!

I've been a long time fan of Estoril Blue but PB is on a higher level.

[FUZCO]

So narrowed it down to either PB or Mineral grey with the black accents on both and the bicolor wheels. The gray is obviously the safer route. I really do like the blue, but a little hesitant to make the jump since I’ve always had neutral colors. Is the paint on the PB Fairly resilient? Does it show swirls more than MG? Does one hide being a little dirty better than the other? Thanks again.

[pmanzonfotos]

Originally Posted by FUZCO

So narrowed it down to either PB or Mineral grey with the black accents on both and the bicolor wheels. The gray is obviously the safer route. I really do like the blue, but a little hesitant to make the jump since I’ve always had neutral colors. Is the paint on the PB Fairly resilient? Does it show swirls more than MG? Does one hide being a little dirty better than the other? Thanks again.

the blue will show swirls more than the grey, but the blue is so mesmerizing, and it shifts colors to purple depending on the ambient light. Just get a ceramic coat on it asap to help keep the car clean longer and makes washing the car much easier. I am coming from owning a mineral grey f30 and the grey will hide the dirt much more than the blue. But when it's clean the blue walks away from the grey in wow factor.

[Mandarin Man]

Originally Posted by pmanzonfotos

the blue will show swirls more than the grey, but the blue is so mesmerizing, and it shifts colors to purple depending on the ambient light. Just get a ceramic coat on it asap to help keep the car clean longer and makes washing the car much easier. I am coming from owning a mineral grey f30 and the grey will hide the dirt much more than the blue. But when it's clean the blue walks away from the grey in wow factor.

Any recommendations on ceramic coat? I want to get it done but am hesitant as it's irreversible and I've heard so many stories of cars coming back with swirls, faded patches and so on. A clear and obvious defect might technically be covered under warranty, but I'm worried about a more 'subjective' problem - as in, there's a very slight swirl and the shop says 'they're all like that, just live with it'.

[gofast182]

Originally Posted by drexplode

PB all day!

I've been a long time fan of Estoril Blue but PB is on a higher level.

For a second I thought that was a pic of my car at the Performance Center! Mine's the same and I took PCD. Nice.

[gofast182]

Originally Posted by Mandarin Man

Any recommendations on ceramic coat? I want to get it done but am hesitant as it's irreversible and I've heard so many stories of cars coming back with swirls, faded patches and so on. A clear and obvious defect might technically be covered under warranty, but I'm worried about a more 'subjective' problem - as in, there's a very slight swirl and the shop says 'they're all like that, just live with it'.

Prep is key. My M340i came with some factory installed micro scratches on the doors, edges of the roof, and trunk lid so I am going to need to polish it. I've been debating what coating to use so I started a thread on the autogeek detailing forum and the most popular response which most people are happy with is CQuartz UK 3.0.

[premier3is]

Originally Posted by EXE46

Another one bite the dust lol, I knew the handle was familiar, welcome aboard. There are a couple former 3IS members here...

I mean, they have nothing left to offer for car enthusiasts and nobody wants ancient technology

[pmanzonfotos]

Originally Posted by Mandarin Man

Any recommendations on ceramic coat? I want to get it done but am hesitant as it's irreversible and I've heard so many stories of cars coming back with swirls, faded patches and so on. A clear and obvious defect might technically be covered under warranty, but I'm worried about a more 'subjective' problem - as in, there's a very slight swirl and the shop says 'they're all like that, just live with it'.

I would recommend a detailing shop do it for you. But like what another member said, its all in the prep work. Ceramic is a long term coat, but not irreversible. Also paint from the dealership is not immaculate as the cars are subject to multiple cleanings if on lot, and if delivered, they run it through their wash (detail) before letting you drive it off. The detailing shop will do color corrections (aka polishing and blemish removal) before applying the ceramic coat to make sure no swirl marks are present.

[Mandarin Man]

Originally Posted by gofast182

Prep is key. My M340i came with some factory installed micro scratches on the doors, edges of the roof, and trunk lid so I am going to need to polish it. I've been debating what coating to use so I started a thread on the autogeek detailing forum and the most popular response which most people are happy with is CQuartz UK 3.0.

Awesome thanks all. I've heard decent things about CQuartz so will investigate. Photos here as and when I get it done

[FUZCO]

And yes, the stock 330i M Sport is nicer looking than the M340i IMO.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by FUZCO

And yes, the stock 330i M Sport is nicer looking than the M340i IMO.

Based on what??

[FUZCO]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Based on what??

Just the cerium throws it off. The round tailpipes look more refined on the G20 as well. Just my opinion. They are both beauties.

[gofast182]

Originally Posted by FUZCO

Just the cerium throws it off. The round tailpipes look more refined on the G20 as well. Just my opinion. They are both beauties.

I'm a fan of the Cerium. If you get the 792M wheels as pictured above: the grill, air curtain ducts, mirror caps, wheel insets, badges, and exhaust finishers are all Cerium and it ties together.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by gofast182

I'm a fan of the Cerium. If you get the 792M wheels as pictured above, the grill, mirror caps, wheel insets, badges, and exhaust finishers are all Cerium and it ties together.

Agreed. The Cerium gives it a premium look without a bunch of gaudy chrome finishes.

I also like the exhaust tips on the M340 better, as they flow with the lines of the car as opposed to just a couple of small pipes sticking out the back.

I think BMW did a great job with the 330, and I think they progressed it even more with the M340 (I'm biased though )