Reduced Options

[radiodanno]

I've spent the weekend perving at minty fresh W124's. THEN comparing them against the more contemporary options I have like W210 and even the E39, I've come to realise just how every car that came after 1997 is, effectively, the same. Minimal colour palette, minimal interior options etc.

Having never bought a new Merc/BMW etc - are the options really that limited now?

It seems I seldom see two 124s with the same spec - but everything since seems very similar.

How much can you actually decide upon nowadays?

[wemorgan]

The latest SLK has 10 shades of white, grey, black plus 2 colours, red and blue.
So I guess to answer your question, not very much.

[Max M4X WW]

I was bored, looking at X5's last night on the BMW site. These are the colours I was offered..

[radiodanno]

WOW.

Can you really not pay (even hand over fist) to have another colour from another model (same manufacturer) put on?

It's not very exciting, is it?! I can picture the classic car rally's in 40 years - a sea of silver and black.

[ShaunTheSheep]

You can have a crazy number of colours on your BMW, they just don't list 'em.

On the "extras" option sheet there's a colour i'd imagine is called something like "burnt ochre". Would look awesome IMNSHO.

Best optional extra on an F10? Has to be the flag holder for the front wing http://www.etk.cc/bmw/EN/search/selectCar/F10/Lim/...

[Debaser]

radiodanno said:

WOW.

Can you really not pay (even hand over fist) to have another colour from another model (same manufacturer) put on?

It's not very exciting, is it?! I can picture the classic car rally's in 40 years - a sea of silver and black.

I thought BMW Individual would paint your car whatever colour you want (and keep some in case it's needed for any future repairs)?

[Lozw86]

The standard, less costly or cost free options are quite limited yes.. and this is what most people go for. That's why there is limited range in the used market. If you are willing to pay you can have just about any exterior colour you like. Similarly with interiors and leather, you pay for the "Individual" trim levels that you are unlikely to see on your neighbours car

[zeduffman]

£2000 will get you a decent wrap. I'd plump for one of those instead. Go for silver or black paint option and then it'll be easier to resell. Plus the wrap will protect the paint

[Robertos88]

You would think that, but was called by a Audi informing me that my choice of estoril blue was no longer available. Neither would any Audi exclusive colours. I'm stuck with a selection of silvers, blacks and whites. What on earth is going on ?

[Troubleatmill]

zeduffman said:

Plus the wrap will protect the paint

Thee are a lot of threads on this forum about vinyl wraps destroying the lacquer when removed.

[zeduffman]

Troubleatmill said:

Thee are a lot of threads on this forum about vinyl wraps destroying the lacquer when removed.

Best sell it quickly then!

[247RPM]

The Nissan Juke has white/black/grey/red and maybe a dark blue. Yawn, I think people are very wary of resale values when considering colour choice.

[DocArbathnot]

Often you visit a forecourt and it's like walking into a black and white movie. German brands seem worse at this.
(blame the buying public)