[Torquey]

I present to you 3M Gloss Blue Raspberry! Got a little bored with the factory Mineral Grey. Ever since I saw an M6 in San Marino Blue, I was in awe... and this is he closest thing I came across for an F3x owner on a budget to match that color. Had the door jambs done too, so it won't look too obvious . Got inspired by the following two links...

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1634699

https://www.facebook.com/27542222598...1010088757582/

Put a new set of wheels too, more details here: New wheels 'n tires

[KRS_SN]

thats the sweetest thing ive seen in a while. good job. how much poorer are you.

[Torquey]

Originally Posted by KRS_SN

thats the sweetest thing ive seen in a while. good job. how much poorer are you.

Thanks so much

To wrap the entire car was a little over $2k. I must've gotten quotes from 10-15 different local wrap shops and they ranged between $2k to $4k and above.

[washufiddyfo]

Looks great. Going from an estoril blue m235 to the grey GT had me always thinking about a wrap or new paint job, but it's been tough to justify so far.

I can understand with a full re-spray how the price can vary so much depending on prep, number of coats, etc but this is a seemingly fixed-cost product with one layer. How did the different shops justify their cost? Was the labor rate that much higher or were they trying to do more prep work before the wrap went on?

[Torquey]

Originally Posted by washufiddyfo

Looks great. Going from an estoril blue m235 to the grey GT had me always thinking about a wrap or new paint job, but it's been tough to justify so far.

I can understand with a full re-spray how the price can vary so much depending on prep, number of coats, etc but this is a seemingly fixed-cost product with one layer. How did the different shops justify their cost? Was the labor rate that much higher or were they trying to do more prep work before the wrap went on?

TY.... and that is a very good question! There is not a lot of initial prepping for wraps that I'm aware of, other than a thorough wash and may be some clay bar action. Some do take off both bumpers, all light fixtures etc., which could add to the cost. From my observation, the higher quotes came mostly from shops with fancier showrooms, some located in nicer part of town etc.

I obviously went with a business that was on the lower end of the pricing spectrum... headed by a guy who is trying to make a name for himself. Their set up is basic and I had to drive 30 minutes to get there... which I didn't mind at all.

[cfm56d7b]

Your car is amazing and a testament to a new reality: San Marino Blue can be now easily ordered from a non BMW source.

I just made a note of 3M Gloss Blue Raspberry.

[Torquey]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Your car is amazing and a testament to a new reality: San Marino Blue can be now easily ordered from a non BMW source.

I just made a note of 3M Gloss Blue Raspberry.

Haha, thanks man.. although I wouldn't go quite that far. I've always been a fan of blue BMWs with black leather interior, but never owned one in stock configuration. Lemans, Estoril, Interlagos, Deep Sea, Tanzanite are all very nice... but San Marino is the most striking IMO.

The owner of the F87/M2 link that I posted actually took 3M sample cards to the dealership and put against a San Marino Blue car. Apparently he found Gloss Blue Raspberry to be the closest in terms of shade. The real paint of course has metallic flakes that make it sparkle and stand out way more. My thought behind it was to have something unique, but not excessively like a Matte or Chrome finish... where it screams out of being a wrap.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by Torquey

Haha, thanks man.. although I wouldn't go quite that far. I've always been a fan of blue BMWs with black leather interior, but never owned one in stock configuration. Lemans, Estoril, Interlagos, Deep Sea, Tanzanite are all very nice... but San Marino is the most striking IMO.

The owner of the F87/M2 link that I posted actually took 3M sample cards to the dealership and put against a San Marino Blue car. Apparently he found Gloss Blue Raspberry to be the closest in terms of shade. The real paint of course has metallic flakes that make it sparkle and stand out way more. My thought behind it was to have something unique, but not excessively like a Matte or Chrome finish... where it screams out of being a wrap.

Again - for sharing the details. I have always been a fan of SMB. X4MC is on my shopping list. I don't think SMB is an option and even if I managed to convinced BWW NA to paint it in SMB, it would require me to issue 20-year personal bonds.

By the way, this is the car which convinced me that SMB has few equals.

https://www.6post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1105215

[Torquey]

Shot right after sunset. Still rocking the "lifted" look! Eibach Pro-kit on stand by... looking for a deal on Koni Special Actives to get it done together.

[smrtypants44]

Love the color, just wish the shine was deeper/closer to paint.

[Torquey]

Originally Posted by smrtypants44

Love the color, just wish the shine was deeper/closer to paint.

Thanks! Yes I know exactly what you mean. One of the first things I noticed about it was how the reflections of things on it were somewhat "dulled out" and not as crisp as real paint. I wonder if some of that is because the vinyl is always heated and stretched numerous times, in order for a proper installation. I have been thinking about a layer of ceramic coating to protect and enhance it a little more.

At the end of the day it is $2-3k vs. a LOT more for a factory quality paint job

[washufiddyfo]

Torquey Did you happen to mount the wheels before you did the wrap? If so, do you have any pics? I was entertaining the idea of having my winter setup powdercoated in some shade of bronze but wasn't sure how it would come out.

[Torquey]

Originally Posted by washufiddyfo

Torquey Did you happen to mount the wheels before you did the wrap? If so, do you have any pics? I was entertaining the idea of having my winter setup powdercoated in some shade of bronze but wasn't sure how it would come out.

Unfortunately no... the wrap was done a few days before the wheels were mounted. However if I were to pick new wheels when it was still grey... it probably would've been silver/black.

You can always try one of these pics in photoshop

[FaRKle!]

Originally Posted by Torquey

Shot right after sunset. Still rocking the "lifted" look! Eibach Pro-kit on stand by... looking for a deal on Koni Special Actives to get it done together.

F34 is such a heavy car. Bilstein B6/8 would probably be a better fit than Koni SAs.

[Torquey]

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

F34 is such a heavy car. Bilstein B6/8 would probably be a better fit than Koni SAs.

Funny that you mention that... I actually have a set of B8s along with 05-22 Eibachs and F80 rear bump stops (per your review) sitting in the garage. I was planning to put these on but then started having second thoughts after reading about the general harshness of the B8s. This is my commuter & family mobile (~50 miles per day), so trying not to lose too much of the comfort.

[Torquey]

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

F34 is such a heavy car. Bilstein B6/8 would probably be a better fit than Koni SAs.

Took your advice and installed the Bilstein B8s with Eibach 05-22 xDrive springs & F80 rear bump stops. Very pleased with the amount of drop and most importantly driving dynamics.

[shivty]

My e90 is also wrapped in this color. The color is incredible in person. Couldn't be happier