In Ireland metallic paint is a eur1100 (us$1400) option. Therefore Jet Blk over Carbon Blk leaves $$$$ for other options. Is this cost differential typical in all regions? Do you think this price preium for Carbon Blk is justified?

 

If I could've special ordered Carbon Black here in the States, I would've. I would have paid the extra $$$ if they offerred it; that's how much I wanted Carbon Black. Now it will be available on the 550i Sport Package and the new M5 will be available with Monaco Blue. Go figure.

 

Well... even in Ireland, you don't have to pay for metallic on the higher spec cars (like 530i or 535d etc.)
Regarding if it's worth it or not...
Jet Black is harder to keep free of swirl marks etc. the metallic blacks have a bit more depth and are 'softer' to look at.
Of course, Jet Black looks great when it is kept really clean and especially when the car is new.
Personally, I like Sapphire Black as it has hints of gold that make it look warmer than Carbon Black or Jet Black.
In the end, it all down to your personal choice (and if you are willing to part with the cash).

 

It is ironic. I had wanted to special order my 550i in Indianapolis Red and was willing to pay for that option, but BMW wouldnt go for it...M5 only, they said. Sigh.........

 

First, allow me to chuckle over your title: "Black Car" in America is the generic term for reserved taxi/limousine service (vs hailable taxi cab) and virtually all are Lincoln Town Cars. So the image first conjured up was amusing.

But less amusing is the fact that they stick you for metallic black as an option! My first high-performance BMW was an 87 535 iS that was Diamant Schwartz--metallic black. It was available only on the Sport model. Today, I have the Jet Black E60 (545 sport), but ironically, looking at my avatar you can't tell, but my bike (an 07 K1200 GT--the 152 hp, 2-wheeled equivalent of a 545/550 sport) is "Graphite"...you guessed it: Metallic Black.

So, it's a marketing game, as others above have suggested. Frankly, I think the metallic black never looks sparkling clean--as only a pure black car can....for at least 30 minutes.

In sum, I wouldn't pay extra, but would surely consider a larger engine, where it comes "Free."
Cheers,
Ray Hull

 

The "flip-flop" effect of the Carbon Black is great - a real deep navy blue under certain sunlight, and in shade/night its metalic black. Love it!

I guess a lot depends on how you treat your paint; mine goes through the car wash every week because of all the company miles I do every week. During the time I have the car (3 years) the paint still looks fine on metalic cars. I have had non-metalic black cars before and they did not look good at the end of the lease - a professional polish may have brought the paint back to life, but can't be sure. If you hand wash maybe it looks better over time?

How long are you planning on keeping the car and how would you be washing it?

 

Black vs mettalic black? Ummm. No question. It sucks the big one that you get charged for the different paint :thumbsdown: (obviously anything worth having is worth paying for), but in my mind there is no choice. get the mettalic black. Tough to clean and keep clean? Ya, but oh so good when it is clean.

 

I have had both black (540) and Carbon black, on my current ride, and by far prefer the Carbon black.

I love the deep blue that you can see from different angles, certainly receive alot of comments on the color............

hey, bits a BMW, you cant go wrong no matter what you choose

k

 

In Denmark (You know we always like to complain about the exorbitant pricing in our country), the metallic paint option is 2600 eur (!) when buying.
But if you lease your car, metallic is a no-cost option...

 

Yikes!
Well, at least you have good social security.