MSM paint fade?

[loomstate]

I'm noticing MSM model 3s that are a few years old - the color looks different, not a sparkly/bluish, and doesn't look as good, quite frankly. However I see newer MSM model 3's and it looks great. Did Tesla start using a different paint recently or does MSM age poorly? I'm currently considering MSM, White, or Blue. I think they all look great, but I love MSM with the black fittings/aero wheels. Thanks!

Example of great color MSM: Pic of your Model 3.......RIGHT NOW! [model 3 pictures thread]

Example of the faded MSM? Tesla Model 3, 2 Years & 50K Miles: What Does Car And Driver Think?

 

[Mikecm1]

Pretty sure it’s just a matter of being detailed or not.

 

[joebruin77]

Pretty sure it’s just a matter of being detailed or not.

Agreed. Any car's paint will look dull after a few years if the paint is not washed, decontaminated, polished, and protected on a regular basis. If you love the MSM paint color, I say go for it and have the car ceramic coated shortly after delivery. As long as you wash and maintain the car's exterior, it should look great for the entire time you own it.

 

[Jiver]

I have two MSM cars, a 2018 M3 and a 2020 MY. The color looks great when it is freshly washed. After 5 to 7 days it will start looking more like dirt than MSM. Wash it again and it looks new. That's my experience, anyway. I use ONR Wash & Wax. I have not had the cars detailed nor have I done any extra waxing myself and I think that paint still looks factory new immediately after washing. My only complaint about the color is that it does not stay clean. Maybe if I actually took the time to properly wax the cars they would maintain their clean appearance longer.

 

[loomstate]

I have two MSM cars, a 2018 M3 and a 2020 MY. The color looks great when it is freshly washed. After 5 to 7 days it will start looking more like dirt than MSM. Wash it again and it looks new. That's my experience, anyway. I use ONR Wash & Wax. I have not had the cars detailed nor have I done any extra waxing myself and I think that paint still looks factory new immediately after washing. My only complaint about the color is that it does not stay clean. Maybe if I actually took the time to properly wax the cars they would maintain their clean appearance longer.

dang, i was buying MSM specifically because i thought it looked good when dirty lol

 

[JssonB]

dang, i was buying MSM specifically because i thought it looked good when dirty lol

With all dark colors, they cloud when dirty, even the Blue. My M3 MSM does require a bit more washing than my white M3. White tends to hide that dusty haze better.

 

[nate704]

All cars and colors look dull and hazy (not shiny) when dirty, especially after driving through the rain/snow. So, don't drive on rainy days and dust/spot clean it after every drive multiple times a day.
I'm a car detail guy with OCD. LOL

Car paint colors: which color is easiest to care for?

Most people don't understand the difference car paint colors can make in the amount of work and effort needed to maintain your cars beauty and value.

www.best-auto-detailing-tips.com

 

[ODWms]

Silver is the easiest to look clean when it’s dirty IMO. But that’s me coming from all black cars for years, so maybe I’d think that about anything that’s lighter. Lol!