Fox Red longevity...

[goku]

Hello

I am in the process of ordering an M3 but am having trouble deciding between Black (non-extended) and Fox Red (extended). My preference is Fox Red, but am worried about how well it will hold up over time as I plan on keeping this car for a while (at least 5 years).

I'm mostly worried about discoloration due to clothes, ability to get scuff marks off, etc. My nephew has Alpine White with Fox Red and claims that the driver seat appears to have slight discoloring due to his jeans.

Also, keep in mind that I have an 11 month old child who will occasionally have a need to ride in this car. Maybe I should just go with black and be done with it?

Any thoughts or comments from those who have had Fox Red for a while?

[montreal red]

all lighter colors are susceptible to a little discoloration due to clothing etc... and of course any dirt will be more obvious on a lighter colored car. however, color rubbing off from jeans or other clothing is usually easily removed. i have done it on my previous car which had a beige interior. it IS more work to maintain but fox red is a beauty...

i ended up choosing black myself just cos red on red interior looks a little too flash for my tastes

[Reedomn]

Originally Posted by montreal red

all lighter colors are susceptible to a little discoloration due to clothing etc... and of course any dirt will be more obvious on a lighter colored car. however, color rubbing off from jeans or other clothing is usually easily removed. i have done it on my previous car which had a beige interior. it IS more work to maintain but fox red is a beauty...
i ended up choosing black myself just cos red on red interior looks a little too flash for my tastes

nothing more to say!!...tons of compliments!!

[Mischievous M]

Originally Posted by goku

Hello
I'm mostly worried about discoloration due to clothes, ability to get scuff marks off, etc. My nephew has Alpine White with Fox Red and claims that the driver seat appears to have slight discoloring due to his jeans.

Also, keep in mind that I have an 11 month old child who will occasionally have a need to ride in this car. Maybe I should just go with black and be done with it?

Any thoughts or comments from those who have had Fox Red for a while?

Goku,
Congrats on your ///M order. I have an AW with Fox Red interior for exactly a year now and have got no problems with color fading. IMHO, Fox Red is exceptionally stunning with AW, Black, Melb Red and SG. I suppose it really depends on how diligent you are in maintaining your car. For example I wax my car once every three month inclusive of leather car and treatment, detailed once a month and washed once a week.

Having a child shouldn't be a deterrent as well as I take my two 6yr old nieces and 4yr old nephew out at least twice a month in the ///M. I'd say go for Fox Red if you really like it, BUT try to keep the car's interior detailed once every three months, IF NOT wiped down once a week with a nice warm moist wet cloth.

Good luck with your order and have a blast with your ///M.

[!Xoible]

go for it man!

[MMMorish]

My Corvette has red leather and it has held up well for the past 11 years that I've owned it.

I went black leather with the M3 cause I didn't want to have two cars with the same interior, but if I had to do it again, I'd probably go with the red. It truly is stunning in the M3.

[lincoln]

I'd recommend getting what you want. Trying to determine what you're going to drive 5 years from now, although a good idea, is difficult to determine. Will black hold up better? Perhaps, but if you're not getting exactly what you want... well to me, isn't worth it. I'd rather have 5 years of what I want vs. 10 years of something that I don't.

[Stunnerable]

Dude if the Vette holds up your A OKAY!

[bimmergoat]

I highly recommend treating your leather with Leatheriqe products. You can apply with your hand or the supplied pad in their kit. My red leather looks and smells better than new. I also use 303 protectant for everything else. Trust me on this one. www.autogeek.net

[GregW / Oregon]

Fox Red, FTW! Black is for whimps. I had Cinnamon for 6 years and no major issues. You may get some soiling, but good leather care will minimize it.

[dawgdog]

I have had my Fox Red extended for 7 months and it is pristine. I also have had a lot of compliments. At my skills day event last weekend one of the instructors said it was the nicest interior he had seen. No regrets - love the Fox.

[Patricius]

I've had Fox Red now for almost 8 months with zero issues. Prior to that I had an Imola Red interior on my e46 M3 for 3 years. Just make sure you are A) careful, and B) properly care for your leather).

Good luck - and pick red :P

[NugeMobile]

Patricius -- I recently bought a E90 w/red leather as well (only 500 miles into the break-in). Any specific recommendations for your leather care?

Much appreciated --

[spyderco10]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Fox Red, FTW! Black is for whimps. I had Cinnamon for 6 years and no major issues. You may get some soiling, but good leather care will minimize it.

Guess that makes me a whimp

[Patricius]

Originally Posted by NugeMobile

Patricius -- I recently bought a E90 w/red leather as well (only 500 miles into the break-in). Any specific recommendations for your leather care?

Much appreciated --

Good cleaner and conditioner is a must. I've heard Leatherique is great. I've had success with Lexol. However, neither scents really appeal to me.

One of the products that was suggested to me that I've had great results with is called Gliptone. It's not really widely used in the M3 community, but it came recommended by someone who at one point owned and operated his own mobile detailing service (e46 M3 owner, e39 M5 owner). It smells great and makes the leather look great (doesn't shine afterward).

Here's also a great write-up by a friend of mine with the Leatherique products:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showp...37&postcount=1

Happy conditioning...

Patrick

[NugeMobile]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[s4awd]

No issues. AW Ext Fox Red with Carbon Leather. You CAN'T go wrong with it. Do it. You'll love it. I actually love driving the car in the day just because I can see the interior lol.

[jamesisel]

Get Fox Red!

[mPlasticDesign]

I have had my FR for about 6mos, not very long but it looks brand new still. I use leather wipes weekly and a conditioner every 4mos. My E46 with Cinn interior (I know it's not the same color but) looked great after 40k miles and just over 3years of owning it. The guy who bought it couldn't believe how great it looked. So basically, if you take care of it, the leather will look good for years to come.

[SlammedR8]

Fox Red Ftw!!

[M3Ron]

Originally Posted by lincoln

I'd recommend getting what you want. Trying to determine what you're going to drive 5 years from now, although a good idea, is difficult to determine. Will black hold up better? Perhaps, but if you're not getting exactly what you want... well to me, isn't worth it. I'd rather have 5 years of what I want vs. 10 years of something that I don't.

So well said!

I had a Cinnamon interior on my M5 with no issues at all. I love black too but truth be told, I have tended to see more wear on the side of the seat where you slide to get in on my black interiors than my other colors (also had an Orange interior in my NSX - that was a great look!).

In the end, from my observations, I don't think there's a major wear difference between colors except white which can get pretty discolored from dirt.

I have a Jerez Black/Fox Red Extended '09 on order. Truth is, you can't go wrong with either color. They both look great. Chose what your heart tells you.

Happy choosing!

Ron

[goku]

Thanks for all the feedback. I ended up going with Fox Red...Extended!