BMW Black Sapphire Metallic: A Sleek Finish
BMW offers an array of dark, dramatic exterior paint colors, but few have the allure of Black Sapphire Metallic. With a rich, deep black finish that seems to swallow all light, Black Sapphire turns heads and makes a serious style statement. But is this iconic paint color right for your BMW?
This complete guide will cover everything you need to know about BMW’s deep, dark Black Sapphire Metallic paint:
- The history of Black Sapphire Metallic and how it was developed
- What BMW models offer Black Sapphire Metallic paint
- Real world photos showing Black Sapphire BMWs in different lighting
- Comparisons between Black Sapphire and similar black BMW paint colors
- Advice for choosing the right exterior and interior colors to complement Black Sapphire
- Pros and cons of selecting this striking paint for your BMW
After reading this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to decide if the bold, sophisticated Black Sapphire Metallic is the perfect choice to give your BMW serious curb appeal.
A Brief History of Black Sapphire Metallic
Black Sapphire Metallic first debuted on BMW models in 2003, making it a relatively new addition to BMW’s exterior color palette. However, it quickly became a popular selection due to its deep, dark tone that gave BMWs a distinctive look on the road.
The color was developed specifically to provide an intense black option that still showed hints of color. While black is always a top choice for luxury vehicles like BMWs, the automaker wanted to provide customers with a more unique take on black than a typical solid black finish.
The addition of blue undertones gives Black Sapphire Metallic more visual interest and depth than a flat black color. As the name suggests, there is a subtle sapphire blue that becomes apparent when the paint reflects light. The blue accentuates the richness of the black color.
Over its 20 year history, Black Sapphire Metallic has appeared as an exterior paint choice across many BMW models from 3 Series to 7 Series, demonstrating its versatility and appeal. As customer demand grows, it continues to be offered on more and more BMW vehicles.
What Models Offer Black Sapphire Metallic Paint?
While it originated on sedans, Black Sapphire paint can now be found across BMW’s current lineup from sports cars to SUVs:
- 3 Series: The 3 Series compact luxury sedan and wagon frequently offer Black Sapphire Metallic, including the latest G20/G21 generation.
- 4 Series: The sporty 4 Series coupe and convertible models have made Black Sapphire a popular color choice.
- 5 Series: BMW’s midsize 5 Series executive sedan features Black Sapphire as a color option on new models.
- 7 Series: The BMW full-size luxury sedan includes Black Sapphire Metallic even on the latest G70 generation 7 Series.
- 8 Series: The flashy BMW 8 Series luxury coupe and convertible turn even more heads in dark Sapphire.
- X5: BMW’s popular mid-size luxury X5 SUV offers Black Sapphire paint.
- X6: The sportier BMW X6 SUV coupe also has Black Sapphire available.
- X7: BMW’s full-size luxury SUV, the X7, can be ordered with Black Sapphire Metallic exterior paint.
- 2 Series: The sporty BMW 2 Series coupe and convertible models offer this dark paint shade.
- Z4: BMW’s Z4 roadster includes the color as an option for more visual drama.
In addition to sedans, coupes, and SUVs, Black Sapphire Metallic can also be chosen for BMW’s high performance M models including the M3, M4, M5, and M8 if you want to make these already head-turning vehicles even more eye-catching.
New 2023 models like the 7 Series have expanded Black Sapphire availability, showing that BMW considers it a paint color that lifts the sophistication and curb appeal of their vehicles.
Real World Photos of Black Sapphire Metallic BMWs
It’s one thing to read about an exterior paint color, but photos can give you a much better sense of how Black Sapphire Metallic truly looks in real world conditions.
Let’s take a look at examples of Black Sapphire on different BMW models and in different lighting scenarios:
Black Sapphire Metallic on a F30 BMW 3 Series Sedan
In open shade, the deep blackness of the paint is on full display, living up to the color’s intense name. Only under very close inspection do the hints of blue appear.
BMW X5 SUV in Black Sapphire Metallic
In direct sunlight, you can see some of the metallic flake and sapphire undertone emerge in this full body shot of an X5. The overall color remains extremely dark.
Low angle view of Black Sapphire Metallic BMW M4
From low angles where the paint reflects more light, the blue tint in the Black Sapphire finish becomes more evident. But the effect is still subtle, retaining the inky black appearance.
BMW 8 Series Convertible shot in Black Sapphire Metallic
Proof that Black Sapphire works equally well on coupes as it does on sedans and SUVs. The color gives the 8 Series an aggressive, muscular look from front to back.
As you can see from these real world photos, BMW’s Black Sapphire Metallic walks a fine line between intense black and showing just enough color and visual complexity to add interest. In most lighting, it will appear as a deep black with dark blue only visible in certain angles and conditions.
How Black Sapphire Compares to Other Black BMW Paints
To decide if Black Sapphire Metallic is right for your BMW, it helps to understand how it fits in alongside the other black paint options:
Jet Black – This is BMW’s standard solid black color. It’s a neutral black without any metallic or pearl effect. Jet Black provides a clean, classic look. But for some, the lack of any tones can seem flat.
Black Sapphire Metallic – As illustrated in the photos above, the addition of blue undertones gives Black Sapphire more depth and visual intrigue than basic black. In general lighting though, it still appears basically black.
Frozen Black Metallic – A specialty color with a matte finish, Frozen Black has a flatter, less reflective surface. It trades the depth of Black Sapphire for a more modern matte style.
Individual Tanzanite Blue Metallic – With heavy blue tones, this custom-order color from BMW Individual leans more blue than black. It provides brighter, cooler contrast to the warm black tones of Sapphire.
Individual Frozen Brilliant White Metallic – A custom very light grey that mimics a frosted glass appearance. It provides more lightness while retaining a modern matte finish.
Compared to true black and other extremely dark greys, Black Sapphire Metallic strikes a careful balance between the classic black look and showing off just enough color to add visual interest. For many BMW owners, it’s the ideal middle ground between basic black and more flashy specialty colors.
Choosing Exterior and Interior Colors
Black Sapphire Metallic is versatile enough to work well with a range of exterior accents and interior colors. Here are some of our top combinations:
- Black exterior trim pieces – Staying monochromatic with black exterior accents plays up the pure black look. Black kidney grilles, window surrounds, and wheels let the Sapphire paint take the spotlight.
- Silver or chrome accents – Alternatively, silver exterior elements provide eye-catching contrast against the dark paint. Chrome grille, wheels, and trim deftly balance out the blackness.
- Red brake calipers – Painting brake calipers in a bright contrasting shade like red is an aggressive but popular styling choice that works extremely well with Black Sapphire’s moody vibe.
- Black interior – All black everything! A fully black interior extends the dark, sophisticated aesthetic inside the cabin. Black leather seats, dash, carpeting are a classic combo.
- Oyster or beige interior – For balance, an interior in a lighter neutral shade prevents the cabin from feeling too dark. Off-white or beige seats and surfaces offset the Sapphire paint outside.
- Blue interior – If you want to carry over the blue undertones of the exterior, coordinating with a blue interior in a similar cool tone is a smart play. Blue seats, stitching and trim reflect Sapphire’s colors.
The most important rule is to avoid pairing warm, earthy tones with Black Sapphire. Black, white, silver, and light cool shades will always complement this paint best. Go for harmonious colors or bold contrasts depending on your personal style.
Is Black Sapphire Metallic Right For You?
Before selecting Black Sapphire Metallic or any exterior color, weigh the unique pros and cons of this dark paint choice:
Pros:
- Makes a bold styling statement and turns heads
- Provides a deep, intense black finish
- Blue undertones add visual interest compared to basic black
- Color is versatile across sedan, coupe and SUV models
- Works well with a variety of exterior and interior color combinations
- Easier to keep clean than lighter colored vehicles
Cons:
- Fingerprints, dust and dirt show more easily compared to lighter paints
- Requires more frequent washing and maintenance to keep looking clean
- Dark color absorbs heat, can make the cabin hotter in sunny climates
- Not as easily customized with wraps or aftermarket parts
- Resale value generally lower than conservative colors like black, white, silver, grey
For buyers who want their BMW to make a serious style statement, Black Sapphire Metallic offers one of the most head-turning black options from BMW. The color projects confidence, attitude and sophistication.
The only trade-off is the required maintenance to keep the paint looking flawless. Weekly washing is strongly advised along with regular waxing and polishing. Garage parking is also a must to minimize dust buildup on the slippery black paint.
But for BMW enthusiasts who revel in dark, brooding colors, Black Sapphire Metallic provides an ideal way to own black while still displaying a splash of color and visual personality. If you love sinister, mysterious looking cars, look no further than this deep metallic black paint.
Conclusion
Black Sapphire Metallic captures the timeless allure of black and infuses it with just enough blue accenting to give BMWs serious curb appeal. This guide provided everything you need to know about the history of this iconic color along with real world examples showcasing its tone and what models offer it.
By weighing the considerations around styling, maintenance, and resale value, you can decide if Black Sapphire Metallic is the right choice to give your new BMW the attitude and personality you’re looking for. Few colors make as dramatic impact, especially on performance BMWs like the M3, M4 and M8.
If you seek a black exterior paint that makes bystanders take notice at stoplights, Black Sapphire Metallic is arguably one of the top options thanks to its ideal balance of classic black tones infused with brighter undertones. Consider it the best of both worlds – the sophisticated allure of black combined with added visual flair.
