Battle of the Greys: BMW's M3 in Mineral vs. Mercedes-Benz's CLS in Steel [PHOTOS]

[SaMaster14]

Hey guys... so this is probably stressing me out way more than it should be, but my dad just picked up a '16 loaded CLS400 in Steel Grey Metallic. I currently have a '15 BMW M3 in Mineral Grey. The colors are VERY similar... so, with both cars pretty clean, I found some sunlight (and some shade) in my neighborhood and snapped some photos of the cars together.

My consensus: the BMW Mineral is a tad lighter and more 'grey' while the Mercedes Steel is a liiiiiitle bit darker and 'bluer' in the LIGHT.
That being said... it is VERY difficult to tell the difference when the cars are in the shade.

Then again... in some of the photos, depending on light, it's actually the Steel Grey that looks lighter than the Mineral Grey ... I will stick with the consensus that the Mercedes Steel is more 'blue' while the BMW Mineral is more 'grey'

Let me know what you think and which grey you like better!... otherwise, just enjoy the photos


I have to say, I'm biased and LOVE my Mineral... but the Steel Grey really does bring out the lines on the CLS!

[Also, if this belongs in a different forum, such as "General Automotive (non-BMW) Talk + Photos/Videos," "M3 / M4 Photos and Videos," or "M3/4 versus..." can a mod please move it?
I posted here since Mineral Grey is a BMW color that is NOT an ///M exclusive, there is a BMW involved so it's not non-BMW related, and that other than in price (somewhat), these cars aren't really apples to apples competitors]


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[SaMaster14]

My friend also just sent me pics of his Singapore Grey M5... Which is almost a mix between the two. Darker than the Steel Grey, but bluer than the Mineral

[paliknight]

where did you get your M stripes on your kidney grill done? Sorry to be off topic but it looks great and kept distracting me. The ones posted on here dont look like that.

[HyeWarrior]

Love the M3

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by paliknight

where did you get your M stripes on your kidney grill done? Sorry to be off topic but it looks great and kept distracting me. The ones posted on here dont look like that.

Thanks! I ordered the full painted grill from iND Distribution. They aren't stickers or vinyl

[Blksnowflake]

MB is clearly blueish while the M3 is clearly blackish....In this context I like the MG.

And I have to say your combination with and SO interior and the lighting outside makes the car a stunner.

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by Blksnowflake

MB is clearly blueish while the M3 is clearly blackish....In this context I like the MG.

And I have to say your combination with and SO interior and the lighting outside makes the car a stunner.

Thank you!

And yes, in the sun with the cars next to each other, there is a clear difference, the Steel Grey is very blue.

In the shade though, the mineral grey tends to give off a blue hue as well and there are certain times when the cars look very similar in color.

[IEDEI]

everything about the M3 looked great until i saw those el-cheapo ebay multi-colour M stripes on the front grille *face in palm*

[dmboone25]

The F80 in gray =

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

everything about the M3 looked great until i saw those el-cheapo ebay multi-colour M stripes on the front grille *face in palm*

It's a fully painted grill from iND Distribution. Obviously it's a photo, so you can't exactly tell, but you don't have to act like a dick. I've gotten nothing but compliments when people aren't behind a keyboard

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

It's a full painted grill. Obviously it's a photo, so you can't exactly tell, but you don't have to act like a dick. I've gotten nothing but compliments when people aren't behind a keyboard

I actually like the stripes on the grill - I think it's a small but noticeable thing to those who are "in the know" so to speak.

The car is beautiful and sinister at the same time - the color really suits the lines and those unfuckingbelievably awesome rear flares.

We are considering adding an F80 to the stable in the next year or two, and your combo has my vote for how we would spec out the color combo. You just can't beat it.

[JTO24]

Nice comparison! OP, is your car lowered at all?

[trey100]

My opinion but the M3 is much better looking and definitely meaner. I also like the stripes!

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by JTO24

Nice comparison! OP, is your car lowered at all?

Thank you! And no, it's stock height.

[Lt1camaro]

Sorry for the thread highjack, but do you know where I could get those tri color ///M grill stickers?

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by Lt1camaro

Sorry for the thread highjack, but do you know where I could get those tri color ///M grill stickers?

Not stickers. Fully painted grill from iND Distribution

[swanson]

The CLS is my favorite benz. Looks great.

[Xtabi]

Thanks for posting the pics. Both cars look very nice. I must say that I am overwhelmingly partial to the MG F80 though!

I too have the stripes on the grill of my M3. I also absolutely love them. They give some slight color, along with the brake calipers. That coupled with the SO seats you can't go wrong!

Thanks again for posting!

[Squddie]

MG wins big time. I think that MG on a current BMW Sedan or Coupe is hard to beat.

It didn't come out that great on my E89 I think, on the smaller car it would be better to be a bit flashier and/or lighter.

The BMW color obviously has much large metal particles in it. There is more of a shimmering effect and a strong color change depending on light. The Mercedes color is flatter in direct comparison.

[major one]

bmw's mg is boss. benzo's steel grey has too much purple in it. the only proper grey from benzo is its "designo graphite" colour. special order. of course.

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by major one

bmw's mg is boss. benzo's steel grey has too much purple in it. the only proper grey from benzo is its "designo graphite" colour. special order. of course.

Like this? My dad had the SL550 in designo matte grey before the CLS.

[major one]

well i wasn't thinking the matte finish when i wrote my response. rather this.