[iamdabest1]

I've had both colors alpine white in 335xi alpine on 2011 m3 mineral white on 2013 m3.. No question the mineral white is a much nicer looking color , definitely hides the swirls better and just looks beautiful overall ,the alpine white is kinda plain and boring . Now the flip side . Mineral white will be nearly impossible to match if you scratch.
I had a scratch in my bumper and got it repainted by the best paint place I know and even he couldn't get the color to look oem.. Alpine will be easier to maintain in the long run , if I were choosing again , I'd still go for mineral white though

[shazzy04]

Mineral !

[wjones14]

I'm also deciding between these two colors, and having a hard time of it. I am really OCD when it comes to swirl marks or any blemishes, and am constantly using Meguiar's Scratch X or Fine Cut Cleaner on all my vehicles whenever I see an imperfection. So the ability to hide imperfections is important.

I've had white cars before, but never a metallic white. I'm planning on ordering an M235i in the next few weeks, and was set on Alpine White with the Coral Red leather, but recently started considering the Mineral White.

I drove to the dealership today at noon to compare the AW versus MW in the bright sunlight. I liked the MW a little better maybe because it was still most decidedly white, but also had some character to it. OTOH, the AW simply stood out because it's a pure, stark white. I liked them both in the bright sunlight.

I went back after dark to see the colors under the lights. This time the MW had a definite silver tint, though it was subtle. It was still white and not silver, but not as pure of a white as during the day. I think I liked the AW better under the lighting of the dealership.

I'm still undecided, however, and this is going to drive me crazy.

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by wjones14

I'm also deciding between these two colors, and having a hard time of it. I am really OCD when it comes to swirl marks or any blemishes, and am constantly using Meguiar's Scratch X or Fine Cut Cleaner on all my vehicles whenever I see an imperfection. So the ability to hide imperfections is important.

I've had white cars before, but never a metallic white. I'm planning on ordering an M235i in the next few weeks, and was set on Alpine White with the Coral Red leather, but recently started considering the Mineral White.

I drove to the dealership today at noon to compare the AW versus MW in the bright sunlight. I liked the MW a little better maybe because it was still most decidedly white, but also had some character to it. OTOH, the AW simply stood out because it's a pure, stark white. I liked them both in the bright sunlight.

I went back after dark to see the colors under the lights. This time the MW had a definite silver tint, though it was subtle. It was still white and not silver, but not as pure of a white as during the day. I think I liked the AW better under the lighting of the dealership.

I'm still undecided, however, and this is going to drive me crazy.

For me my end decision was Alpine. Just prefer the storm trooper stark contrast look. I have the griot's garage buffer kit and that can keep any paint 10/10 pretty much. I mean whatever the color, care necessity remains the same in my opinion, if you want to do it right. I am the same way ha ha. Also, saving $500 for kind of the same thing sounded like a good idea.

[Nuuze]

335i is alpine white and 235i is mineral white.


Then again, depending how the sun is shining it can look matte white.

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by Nuuze

335i is alpine white and 235i is mineral white.


Then again, depending how the sun is shining it can look matte white.

Definitely not mad about that lineup

[WWM3]

I have alpine, but I really like Mineral. In some lights it almost looks like a matte paint.

[brhon]

I had the same issue as well, there was an Alpine White at the dealer, I could have taken or had to wait for the MW-was worth it. Love it with the Terra interior is beautiful.

[heeeresJohnny]

^ any pictures with that terra interior? Haven't seen this combination much at all!

[Vervain]

Mineral white for sure. Just look at the pictures!

[brhon]

Originally Posted by heeeresJohnny

^ any pictures with that terra interior? Haven't seen this combination much at all!

Terra interior, love it

[cadreamn]

I saw both colors side-by-side on two 5 series and two 3 series, and did see subtle differences. To me, MW has a more metallic and somewhat matte look to it with hints of silver, while AW is more of a pure white. To that end, I imagine that MW will blend nicely with the M235i side mirror caps and wheels. I personally preferred it over the AW, and although have never had a white car I would consider MW for my next one.

[MrBimmerM235i]

Nah' bro... Alpine White is better...

[dcfella]

Another vote for Alpine White. Love the solid white look especially with my black wrapped roof and cf spoiler.

[Outrun]

Alpine White definitely looks flatter and less "dynamic" if you will. I'd go with Mineral White personally.

[AlpsRider]

Yeah, different strokes for different folks. I prefer MW, a lot of the time it looks like AW, but there are times that the lines of the car are much more defined with MW. I saw a MW M4 in my neighborhood and was sold. I think it makes the car look like a more premium expensive car. BMW doesn't allow every sport model to have this color, for instance 3 and 4 series M-Sports cant' have MW, only the M3 and M4.

[angelbones]

Soooo, in the same vein, how would you weigh the cost/benefit of Jet Black to Black Sapphire Metallic?

[huma]

MW all the way. Love how the pearl/metallic reflects in the sunlight.

AW is a flat white, which is fine if that's what you want.

It might be true that most people can't tell the difference, but there are some like me that can.

[AlpsRider]

Originally Posted by huma

MW all the way. Love how the pearl/metallic reflects in the sunlight.

I don't think MW is actually pearl, the pearl paint that was popular in the late 80's had a rainbow tint look to the paint, the BMW MW doesn't have any other colors, it has metal flakes. It sounds like I'm shaving hairs, but I think that it is an important distinction.

[Steven1077]

I picked AW because BMW's paint tends to have defects out of the factory, at least with a flat colour it doesn't notice and as already mentioned it's a lot easier to match if it gets damaged

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by iamdabest1

I've had both colors alpine white in 335xi alpine on 2011 m3 mineral white on 2013 m3.. No question the mineral white is a much nicer looking color , definitely hides the swirls better and just looks beautiful overall ,the alpine white is kinda plain and boring . Now the flip side . Mineral white will be nearly impossible to match if you scratch.
I had a scratch in my bumper and got it repainted by the best paint place I know and even he couldn't get the color to look oem.. Alpine will be easier to maintain in the long run , if I were choosing again , I'd still go for mineral white though

Half my car had to be repainted after I was rear ended. I have MW and I cannot tell its not the original paint. It matches perfectly. You have to look under the car to see the bits of over spray to ever know it was repainted.

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by angelbones

Soooo, in the same vein, how would you weigh the cost/benefit of Jet Black to Black Sapphire Metallic?

Avoid both at all costs. That is more upkeep than I could stomach. I have had two black trucks and keeping the paint looking nice was a burden.