Yas Marina Blue: The Iconic Color Of BMW M Cars

BMW’s vehicle color palette features brilliant blues, but one hue stands out as the most iconic and coveted – Yas Marina Blue. This bright metallic blue shade has a storied history with the brand and is available across several models today. But what exactly is Yas Marina Blue and what BMWs can you buy with this vibrant paint job?

The quick answer: Yas Marina Blue is a bold, vibrant metallic blue paint color that BMW first used on the M3 GTR race car in 2001. Today, you can order many BMW models in this signature shade that represents performance, luxury, and the BMW Motorsport heritage.

In this article, we’ll dive into the full history behind Yas Marina Blue, look at the different BMW models it’s offered on, view photo galleries showcasing the color, and provide tips for buying a new or used BMW bathed in this iconic blue. Let’s explore the wonders of Yas Marina Blue.

History of Yas Marina Blue

Yas Marina Blue first appeared at the 2001 24 Hours Nürburgring race on the BMW M3 GTR race car. The brightly colored car stood out from the usual blacks, grays, whites, and silvers seen on the track. The M3 GTR finished 1st in its class, launching Yas Marina Blue into BMW lore.

BMW Motorsport continued using Yas Marina Blue paint jobs in following years on various M3 and M5 racing models that competed and won races around the world. Soon the color became synonymous with BMW performance.

In 2003, BMW expanded the availability of Yas Marina Blue to its first production car – the E85 Z4 Roadster. Photos of the roadster in this vibrant shade quickly attracted attention. More BMW models slowly began to offer Yas Marina Blue, especially M cars like the E46 M3.

Over the years, BMW has continued to leverage Yas Marina Blue to represent its Motorsport heritage and flag its most high-performance vehicles. Seeing a BMW bathed in this color immediately communicates sports car dynamism and racing spirit.

BMW Models Available in Yas Marina Blue

Today, Yas Marina Blue remains a popular color choice across many BMW models:

M3 and M4: As the descendants of the iconic M3 GTR race car that debuted Yas Marina Blue, the M3 and M4 are the most natural fit for this shade today. You can order the current F80 M3 and F82/F83 M4 in Yas Marina Blue, carrying on tradition.
M5: The high-performance M5 sedan can also be ordered in Yas Marina Blue, starting with the E60/E61 generation M5. Opt for it on your F90 M5 to get a one-of-a-kind color on this sports sedan.
M2: The smallest M car – the M2 coupe and M2 Competition- is available with a Yas Marina Blue paint job. It looks fantastic on the sporty, compact M2.
i8: BMW’s futuristic hybrid supercar, the i8, was offered exclusively in Yas Marina Blue for the first model year in 2014. The eye-catching color complemented the i8’s space-age design.
Z4: As the first production BMW in Yas Marina Blue, the Z4Roadster and M Roadster continued the tradition. You could order the E85, E86, and current G29 Z4 in this blue.
X3 M, X4 M, X5 M, X6 M: BMW’s high-performance SUVs under the M badge can also wear Yas Marina Blue. The bold color provides a vibrant twist on these sporty SUVs.
Individual Custom Order: Any BMW model can be custom ordered in Yas Marina Blue through the BMW Individual program. You can create a unique 1/1 car in this color.
Limited Editions: Occasional limited edition BMW models have featured Yas Marina Blue like the M6 Gran Coupe Frozen Limited Edition.

Photo Gallery: Yas Marina Blue BMWs

Seeing Yas Marina Blue on the road makes any BMW stand out. The vibrant metallic blue pops off the vehicle’s contours and gives any model a sporty, exclusive look. Here’s a photo gallery showcasing various BMWs in Yas Marina Blue:

Yas Marina Blue E92 M3 Coupe. Credit: Reddit

Yas Marina Blue F80 M3 Sedan. Credit: Pinterest

Yas Marina Blue F82 M4 Coupe. Credit: Pinterest

Yas Marina Blue G80 M3 Competition. Credit: BimmerPost

Yas Marina Blue F90 M5 Sedan. Credit: Pinterest

These photos showcase the stunning Yas Marina Blue across sedan, coupe, convertible, and SUV body styles. The color consistently provides a bright pop of blue that turns heads. On the street or auto show floor, Yas Marina Blue BMWs draw your eye in immediately.

Buying a BMW in Yas Marina Blue

If you want to purchase a new or used BMW bathed in the iconic Yas Marina Blue, here are some tips:

New BMW Inventory

Use the BMW website inventory tool to search for new models in Yas Marina Blue. You can see if any participating dealerships near you have it in stock.
Consider custom ordering the BMW model you want in Yas Marina Blue through the BMW Individual program. This ensures you get the exact configuration you want.

Used BMW Inventory

Search used car sites like AutoTrader for BMWs in Yas Marina Blue. Look nationally since it’s a rarer color.
Check enthusiast forums like BimmerPost which have for sale sections specific to BMW colors.
Join BMW enthusiast Facebook groups and ask if anyone is selling a Yas Marina Blue BMW.

Inspecting Used Models

If buying a used BMW in Yas Marina Blue, be sure to:

Carefully inspect the condition of the paint for chips, scratches, fading, or other damage.
Check that it is the factory Yas Marina Blue and not a wrap or aftermarket paint job.
Confirm the Carfax report shows no collision damage or paintwork repairs.

Avoid Aftermarket Paint Jobs

Some used BMWs may have been repainted in Yas Marina Blue by aftermarket shops. While these can look good, factory paint is higher quality. Repaints can impact resale value. Whenever possible, only buy BMWs with original Yas Marina Blue paint from the factory.

With some searching, you can find your dream BMW bathed in the exotic and iconic Yas Marina Blue. Follow these tips to track one down and ensure you get a quality factory paint job. Cruising in your Yas Marina Blue BMW will be an unforgettable experience as this color constantly garners attention.

Conclusion

Yas Marina Blue has become one of BMW’s most celebrated and coveted colors. Its rich racing heritage, stunning vibrancy, and availability across high-performance BMWs has helped cement its status as a fan favorite.

If you’re seeking a BMW bathed in this iconic shade, reference this guide to learn the history behind Yas Marina Blue, view gallery images, and get tips for buying new or used models in this vibrant color.

Whether admiring it on the street or owning it yourself, Yas Marina Blue never fails to impress. The bright metallic blue beautifully highlights BMW’s design language and perfectly communicates the competitive BMW Motorsport spirit. For BMW enthusiasts, Yas Marina Blue will continue to be the defining BMW color.