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      10-13-2014, 10:14 PM   #1
KirtC
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How to Verify LeMans vs Interlagos Blue Online Before Buying?

Hi All,

Newbie here.

The gf and I are looking to buy a pre-owned E93 between the years of 2011 and 2013. We like blue for an exterior color. It appears that during those years there were two choices - Interlagos or LeMans. I've seen plenty of pictures online, but as yet, I've not seen any with the two colors side by side under the same lighting conditions. Can someone point me to some pictures where I can see both blues next to one another?

Also, it can be impossible to tell what the real color of blue is from pictures on, let's say, cars dot com. Often times the sales guys even mislabel the colors. So, is there a way for me to verify what the color is? Say off the VIN tag, for example? I think I'm leaning toward LeMans, and I want to make sure that's what it is if that's what I'm told it is.

As for interior color, I think I really like the Fox Red, but I would also be happy with the Bamboo Beige. Does anyone know if both colors were offered during the 2011-2013 time period.

Thank you,
Kirt
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      10-13-2014, 10:17 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KirtC View Post
Hi All,

Newbie here.

The gf and I are looking to buy a pre-owned E93 between the years of 2011 and 2013. We like blue for an exterior color. It appears that during those years there were two choices - Interlagos or LeMans. I've seen plenty of pictures online, but as yet, I've not seen any with the two colors side by side under the same lighting conditions. Can someone point me to some pictures where I can see both blues next to one another?

Also, it can be impossible to tell what the real color of blue is from pictures on, let's say, cars dot com. Often times the sales guys even mislabel the colors. So, is there a way for me to verify what the color is? Say off the VIN tag, for example? I think I'm leaning toward LeMans, and I want to make sure that's what it is if that's what I'm told it is.

As for interior color, I think I really like the Fox Red, but I would also be happy with the Bamboo Beige. Does anyone know if both colors were offered during the 2011-2013 time period.

Thank you,
Kirt
You can use this VIN decoder to check colors: http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

Fox Red and Bamboo Beige were both offered during that time, but both interiors are pretty rare. Most are black or silver stone.
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      10-13-2014, 11:32 PM   #3
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Have you seen either color in person? They are pretty similar but Interlagos is a darker blue, almost navy than Le Mans.

Here is an example of both:

Le Mans:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M3-Base-...US_Cars_Trucks

Interlagos:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M3-Base-...US_Cars_Trucks

Hope this helps. Most blue M3 you see will be Interlagos though. And I would definitely wait until fox red interior pops up...but like stated above most will be black (boring). Here's a nice one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M3-Base-...US_Cars_Trucks

Good luck finding the right car!
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      10-14-2014, 06:18 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spitfire9200 View Post
<snipped>

Fox Red and Bamboo Beige were both offered during that time, but both interiors are pretty rare. Most are black or silver stone.
Rare is good! (2012 E93)

The LeMans metallic really sparkles when in direct sun-light, by the way.

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      10-14-2014, 11:34 AM   #5
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As others have mentioned, the VIN would be the definitive source. Use the online VIN decoder, or call it into the dealer.


Also, you may be able to tell by the model year of the car. I believe Interlagos was an early M3 color in 2008-09. LeMans blue was then an option after that replacing Interlagos. Any early model LeMans or late model Interlagos is very rare and would indicate a custom color order.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
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      10-14-2014, 11:47 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flying Ace View Post
As others have mentioned, the VIN would be the definitive source. Use the online VIN decoder, or call it into the dealer.


Also, you may be able to tell by the model year of the car. I believe Interlagos was an early M3 color in 2008-09. LeMans blue was then an option after that replacing Interlagos. Any early model LeMans or late model Interlagos is very rare and would indicate a custom color order.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Le Mans and Interlagos were both offered until the end of the e92 model cycle. I don't know if Le Mans was introduced later or not, but I'm pretty sure Interlagos was definitely there from start to finish.

Edit - Le Mans was introduced in 2009. In 2008 Interlagos was the only blue, but from 2009 to 2013 both were available as OEM colors.

Last edited by spitfire9200; 10-14-2014 at 11:53 AM..
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      10-14-2014, 11:50 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by STooK View Post
Have you seen either color in person? They are pretty similar but Interlagos is a darker blue, almost navy than Le Mans.

Here is an example of both:

Le Mans:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M3-Base-...US_Cars_Trucks

Interlagos:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M3-Base-...US_Cars_Trucks

Hope this helps. Most blue M3 you see will be Interlagos though. And I would definitely wait until fox red interior pops up...but like stated above most will be black (boring). Here's a nice one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M3-Base-...US_Cars_Trucks

Good luck finding the right car!
Odd I always find way more Le Mans than Interlagos. That 2011 vert is way overpriced.
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      10-14-2014, 11:51 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spitfire9200 View Post
Le Mans and Interlagos were both offered until the end of the e92 model cycle. I don't know if Le Mans was introduced later or not, but I'm pretty sure Interlagos was definitely there from start to finish.
I thought LeMans was offered later. I recall Interlagos was a launch color.
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      10-14-2014, 11:54 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flying Ace View Post
I thought LeMans was offered later. I recall Interlagos was a launch color.
haha I edited it right when you replied. Le Mans was 2009 and both were available from 2009-2013. Only Interlagos on 2008.
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      10-14-2014, 12:09 PM   #10
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My 2013 is Interlagos, and it was a standard (nom-custom) order based on the winder sticker. I'm the 2nd owner.

I believe the biggest difference between the two colors is the metallic sparkle. Interlagos appears flat compated to LeMans. Interlagos is also a bit darker. Both are beautiful, and unique. My Interlagos ride is a head turner, especially in a world of black, silver and white cars. IMHO, you can't go wrong with either color (and if I could choose, I'd prefer LeMans).
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      10-14-2014, 12:29 PM   #11
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LeMans is a bit of a chameleon in the light... gotta like that. It is funny how in many photos the Interlagos blue and Lemans blue look the same. Was always surprised that BMW didn't offer two completely different shades, rather than two so similar blues.

LeMans on Bamboo beige FTW!

Last edited by Beemdog; 10-14-2014 at 01:12 PM..
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      10-14-2014, 01:07 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by STooK View Post
That vert looks like it has had a few reports of electrical concerns, not sure if it got worked out or still lingering. I was looking at it a few months ago, but with that issue and not being in the best of shape on closer inspection (for the money) I had to pass. I would want a realllly clean car for that price with that year and mileage.
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      10-14-2014, 10:37 PM   #13
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Thanks everyone. The link to the VIN decoder was exactly what I was looking for.

I've seen one of the colors in person. The problem is that is was a few months ago before I even started really researching things. I think based upon all the pics I've seen online that I would really like the LeMans better, but I'd like to see them side by side in the same lighting conditions - preferably in the sun.
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      10-14-2014, 11:54 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KirtC View Post
Thanks everyone. The link to the VIN decoder was exactly what I was looking for.

e problem is that is was a few months ago before I even started really researching things. I think based upon all the pics I've seen online that I would really like the LeMans better, but I'd like to see them side by side in the same lighting conditions - preferably in the sun.
I see a LOT of Lemans blue on the road more on Non-M cars since it is offered for 3 series as well. If I were you I would get Int Blue. Definately will shine more and it is paticular to M car.
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      10-16-2014, 08:40 PM   #15
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Why does it have to be so hard?!

The colors I like the best are Estoril Blue and Monte Carlo Blue, but of course, you can't get those on an M3 or an M4. I looks like LeMans is closer than Interlagos.
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      10-16-2014, 11:04 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OneSickM
Quote:
Originally Posted by KirtC View Post
Thanks everyone. The link to the VIN decoder was exactly what I was looking for.

e problem is that is was a few months ago before I even started really researching things. I think based upon all the pics I've seen online that I would really like the LeMans better, but I'd like to see them side by side in the same lighting conditions - preferably in the sun.
I see a LOT of Lemans blue on the road more on Non-M cars since it is offered for 3 series as well. If I were you I would get Int Blue. Definately will shine more and it is paticular to M car.
Hmm, I've parked my Le Mans car next to my friend's Interlagos M6 at the track in the afternoon and I don't remember his sparkling more. It's definitely lighter, but I think the flake is identical or less. The other catch is that Interlagos can look purplish in bright light (hence its nickname "blurple") whereas Le Mans changes shade of blue depending on lighting but is always unmistakably true blue. But yes, Interlagos is exclusive to M cars whereas Le Mans is also available on cars with the M Sport Package.

I don't think you've seen as much Le Mans as you think you have. I've seen maybe seen 3 Le Mans cars in that many years; most of the blue series cars are the similar Montego Blue. The 1 and 3 series cars didn't get Le Mans until 2011 when the M Sport Package became available, and then they could only order it with the M Sport Package. I also seem to remember it at least initially being a Priority 1 color on the series cars, so on top of having M Sport, the car had to be a customer order; dealers couldn't order it for showroom stock. And then it was discontinued when the F Series launched. So to get a Le Mans series car, you had to have:

- A 2011 or 2012 (or 2013 for E92)
- M Sport (rare because it wasn't available on the E series for very long)
- At least for a while, a Priority 1 order
- Le Mans Blue (blue itself is rare compared to other BMW colors, and there were also multiple blue choices, further dividing a rare color)

Finding all of the above in the same car is going to be rare. And for some reason almost every blue M3 I've seen (which is not many at all) has been Interlagos.

But OP to answer your original question, get the VIN or ask the dealer to check under the hood. The (German) name is printed on a label there.
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      10-17-2014, 11:55 PM   #17
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IB and LB are so close it doesn't matter. Because you are buying a used car focus on miles, condition and the options you want. My car is IB but if it were LB with everything else the same I would be just as happy.
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      10-19-2014, 10:04 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KirtC View Post
Why does it have to be so hard?!

The colors I like the best are Estoril Blue and Monte Carlo Blue, but of course, you can't get those on an M3 or an M4. I looks like LeMans is closer than Interlagos.
Monte carlo blue is offered as an individual option on the M3. Finding one second hand however might be pretty tough.

Santorini blue is still my favorite though...
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