Anyone regret having Frozen Matte paint? Deciding on Space Gray or Frozen Gray

[GP20]

I'm about to order an F80 M3. I don't like any of the standard color option for the F80 and I'm going to pay extra for the individual color.

Right now I own a Space Gray Z4M coupe (which I will never sell) and I love Space Gray. To me, that's the perfect shade of gray; not too light, not too dark, not too blue-ish, not too purple-ish. Dark enough to show the depth, and light enough to still show the lines.

Then I'm thinking, if I'm already paying extra, why not go all out and get the Frozen Gray? My biggest concern is maintenance and minor damages like paint chips and door dings. I will drive the M3 for at least 4 years, and maybe keep it even longer.

I really would appreciate if those who have the Frozen paint could give me some advice!


Oh and here's my Space Gray E86M

[Sassicaia]

Ill make it easy for you...you cant order your F8x in Frozen grey. I went direct to BMW individual and it was denied along with Frozen Dark Silver, and Frozen Dark Blue. I ended up ordering Frozen Silver.

[Never Convicted]

...but on the bright side, you'll have $8k for booze, drugs, and strippers. Sassicaia crushes dreams. I help you build them.

[M3 Piotr]

I have to concur with the above. I tried Frozen Grey too, but no luck.

I'm on my second Frozen BMW. I love the paint and I think it is easier to maintain than glossy paint.

[GP20]

Originally Posted by Sassicaia

Ill make it easy for you...you cant order your F8x in Frozen grey. I went direct to BMW individual and it was denied along with Frozen Dark Silver, and Frozen Dark Blue. I ended up ordering Frozen Silver.

How long ago was that? My sales just informed me today that BMW OK'd my either Space Gray or Frozen Gray request and show me the pricing ($3500 for Space Gray & $5000 for Frozen Gray). He showed me the emails from BMW Canada.

[GP20]

Originally Posted by M3 Piotr

I have to concur with the above. I tried Frozen Grey too, but no luck.

I'm on my second Frozen BMW. I love the paint and I think it is easier to maintain than glossy paint.

Just curious why you say it's easier to maintain than glossy paint?

Does Frozen paint show swirl marks?

[Sassicaia]

Originally Posted by GP20

How long ago was that? My sales just informed me today that BMW OK'd my either Space Gray or Frozen Gray request and show me the pricing ($3500 for Space Gray & $5000 for Frozen Gray). He showed me the emails from BMW Canada.

That was August 2015. If it ends up going through let me know! Id be torn but might switch from frozen silver to frozen grey.

[SMV_M4]

Originally Posted by M3 Piotr

I have to concur with the above. I tried Frozen Grey too, but no luck.

I'm on my second Frozen BMW. I love the paint and I think it is easier to maintain than glossy paint.

Haha yes, please elaborate. I've heard nothing but horror stories when it comes to maintaining frozen paint as only the slighest contact with tree sap or bug guts can cause an instant and permanent change in finish.

[mjcecil]

Originally Posted by GP20

I'm about to order an F80 M3. I don't like any of the standard color option for the F80 and I'm going to pay extra for the individual color.

Right now I own a Space Gray Z4M coupe (which I will never sell) and I love Space Gray. To me, that's the perfect shade of gray; not too light, not too dark, not too blue-ish, not too purple-ish. Dark enough to show the depth, and light enough to still show the lines.

Then I'm thinking, if I'm already paying extra, why not go all out and get the Frozen Gray? My biggest concern is maintenance and minor damages like paint chips and door dings. I will drive the M3 for at least 4 years, and maybe keep it even longer.

I really would appreciate if those who have the Frozen paint could give me some advice!


Oh and here's my Space Gray E86M

Between the two, frozen.

I hate to dissent on the love of Space Grey. I had a Space Grey E60 M5 and I liked it at first. As a dirt-hider it is excellent. And, like was said, not to dark, not too light. And it's that same quality that caused me to stray from my love.

By the end of my ownership, I was, frankly, just plain BORED with the color. It didn't matter whether the car was dirty or freshly detailed. It looked exactly the same... blah. The only thing that made it aesthetically special and recognizable as a performance car were the three stripes on the back, an unexpectedly high number of poo-chutes, and some very hit-or-miss wheels.

This is why I eventually went with Mineral Grey on my F80. It's a pretty good looking car in its own right when it's not been washed, but when you get that sucker clean and the paint is shiny, it is truly a stunning car. And paired with the black 19's, it's just... severe.

The darker grey highlights every crease and curve on the body. It's like a curvy girl in a corset. I just... can't... stop... looking... at... her!

-Mark

[W///]

Frozen Grey if you can get it. No point in having 2 cars in the same color IMO

[YolkyPalky]

Space Gray is awesome. I can't believe it was dropped from the color lineup for the F80, I thought it was kind of a permanent staple in the stable of M colors.

I never got into the "frozen" color thing. Once it gets a little dirty, especially a gray frozen color, to me it just looks like a primered car that hasn't been painted yet. Anyway that's just my opinion obv, some guys love the frozen paint, I just think it's a fad that has already come and gone.

If you don't like Mineral Gray and are prepared to pay for individual, I would go Space Gray all the way, it's just sad that a previous staple color like Space Gray has to be "individual" now.

[MRCUR]

Originally Posted by SMV_M4

Haha yes, please elaborate. I've heard nothing but horror stories when it comes to maintaining frozen paint as only the slighest contact with tree sap or bug guts can cause an instant and permanent change in finish.

You hand wash the car and never have to polish it. Absolutely easier.

"Instant" is a bit drastic. There is a clear coat on the car just like anything else. Heck, BMW even says they design it so you can take it through an automated car wash!

[Dinh335]

to each their own,...and no disrespect meant to those that have it...but .. I feel frozen paint is going out of style... I'd stick with a "above freezing' individual color, and space grey would be cool.

(I have a 2002 Matte "frozen" Black Honda 919, so I can comment )

Cheers

[///Machiavelli]

There is always xpel stealth to protect the frozen paint

[Lups]

Originally Posted by Never Convicted

...but on the bright side, you'll have $8k for booze, drugs, and strippers. Sassicaia crushes dreams. I help you build them.

You forgot to mention that booze, drugs and strippers will make you happier than a frozen paint.

[dunny247]

Had 3 frozen cars and all are easier to wash. The bird poo and tree sap are the same issue with any other finish. If you leave it on there too long it's gonna mess up any paint finish. Had e92 m3 frozen grey easiest colour of them all to keep clean.
But as mentioned didn't think it was an option on f80. As for the matte finish being out of fashion my car turns heads every day but that could just be coz it's an m3 ? But most people are positive about the paint finish. Most say it's different and give the thumbs up.

[Mr.D]

OP you and I have similar taste...I too had a Z4m coupe in space gray.

To answer your original question, I ordered a Frozen Black M3 and love the look. With that being said, it's a PITA to maintain.

The car has gone to the body shop twice since I took my second delivery in 06/15 (after an epic ED trip) on warranty related matters as the paint started flaking off along edges and corners of the bodywork.

If you are anal like I am about scratches, paint chips, etc I recommend the following:

1. Either cover your entire car in a chip guard film or
2. Order a colour in a regular paint finish

Here's a photo to help you determine if the extra headache is worth it!

[AIRPOWER]

Just my opinion but I think frozen Grey would look like primer. People would be like, I wonder what color he is going to paint that car.

[Rick Hunter]

No, GP20... Do not deviate from Space Grey! You got the approval from BMW.

If you want to try a frozen colour, then XPel Stealth it. After a few years when you get bored of the frozen, peel it off and you've got your beloved Space Grey again.

Besides... Matte film still allows you to wash your car like you normally do.

[TAL2GK]

Originally Posted by mjcecil

This is why I eventually went with Mineral Grey on my F80. It's a pretty good looking car in its own right when it's not been washed, but when you get that sucker clean and the paint is shiny, it is truly a stunning car. And paired with the black 19's, it's just... severe.

The darker grey highlights every crease and curve on the body. It's like a curvy girl in a corset. I just... can't... stop... looking... at... her!

-Mark

This is good perspective for me. I have had my Sterling Grey Z4 for 13 years and it is a great color for hiding imperfections. I wouldn't say that I'm bored of it, but from a change-of-pace side of things I've 75% convinced myself to pony up the large coin to do individual San Marino Blue (or perhaps Le Mans, Monte Carlo, or Avus).

That other 25% lives at Mineral Grey, because Sterling has been so good to me. I haven't seen any of these colors in person, though, despite touring my local dealer, so I don't know how different Sterling is from Mineral nor how different the blues are that I listed.

[Sassicaia]

Originally Posted by Mr.D

OP you and I have similar taste...I too had a Z4m coupe in space gray.

To answer your original question, I ordered a Frozen Black M3 and love the look. With that being said, it's a PITA to maintain.

The car has gone to the body shop twice since I took my second delivery in 06/15 (after an epic ED trip) on warranty related matters as the paint started flaking off along edges and corners of the bodywork.

If you are anal like I am about scratches, paint chips, etc I recommend the following:

1. Either cover your entire car in a chip guard film or
2. Order a colour in a regular paint finish

Here's a photo to help you determine if the extra headache is worth it!

Given I have never heard of those type of warranty issues from other frozen paint owners I'd have to assume those issues are associated to a defect rather then the fact it's associated to the paint having a frozen finish.

[paliknight]

Frozen black ftw