Find the BMW paint reference before choosing a colour from a screen. Two cars that both look silver or black can use different formulas, and a factory reference will not describe a later respray.
Where to start looking
BMW UK says newer models may carry the body-paint colour code on the driver’s or passenger’s door frame. Open the doors and inspect the labels without removing or damaging them. The position and information vary, so use the handbook for your exact model and year if the label is not obvious.
For an older BMW or a missing label, check the model-specific owner information or ask a BMW Centre to confirm the original body colour using the vehicle details. Do not treat the VIN, tyre-pressure label or a trim code as the paint code.
Read the whole reference
Take a clear photograph of the complete label and a closer one of the colour field. Copy the reference exactly, including any letters and suffixes shown. Keep the colour name as supporting information rather than relying on it alone.
| Information | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Paint code or colour reference | Identifies a factory paint formula or reference. |
| Colour name | A useful cross-check; names can vary by market or catalogue. |
| VIN | Identifies the vehicle; a manufacturer can use it to check records. |
| Wheel or trim finish | May be a different colour from the body; confirm separately. |
If two references appear to disagree, send both with their source. Do not choose the one that looks closest on your phone.
Can I order BMW paint by registration?
You can use our paint-by-registration ordering page to supply the vehicle details. The registration check confirms vehicle information; our team identifies the paint afterwards. It is not an instant confirmation of an exact factory paint code.
Add a known code where you have one and tell us about a replacement bumper, repaired panel, colour change or specialist finish. A factory record is a starting point for the original colour, not proof of the paint currently on every panel.
Check the colour before repairing the car
- Order using the confirmed reference and choose the format for the size of the repair.
- Mix or shake the paint as instructed. Make a separate test with the required primer, colour and lacquer sequence.
- Let the test dry as directed, then compare beside the panel in daylight and from several angles.
- If the colour or effect is wrong, stop and send us the label and test photographs before painting the vehicle.
Metallic, pearl and BMW Individual finishes deserve particular care. Small brush repairs can reflect light differently from a sprayed panel. Ask before ordering for matt or satin finishes.
Choose the paint format
A fine-tip pen or brush bottle suits suitable small chips or narrow scratches. A colour aerosol and lacquer pack is for a suitable prepared spray repair. Paint does not fix a dent, active rust or failing lacquer.
Browse the BMW paint range once the colour is confirmed, or use photo help if you need us to interpret the information.
Browse BMW colours by paint code
Once you have the reference, browse our BMW paint colours and open the matching colour listing to compare available formats. Retain the complete code and any factory colour name when checking a listing; similar names do not prove two formulas are the same.
Photographs that help us check a BMW label
- One clear photograph of the whole label, with the relevant colour field readable.
- A close-up of the paint reference without cropping away its field name.
- A separate picture of the panel or part being repaired, with a note about known previous paintwork.
Keep a VIN or other personal vehicle information out of public posts. Send any information the team requests through our contact page.
Products for this job
- Fine-tip touch-up pen — control for small isolated chips.
- Colour-matched touch-up bottle — brush application to suitable local colour loss.
- Colour aerosol and clear lacquer — basecoat aerosol with the named clear lacquer; primer is separate.
Choose the products that suit the damage and coating system. Pack contents vary; compare the current paint packs before ordering.
Find my car paintAsk about my repairCommon questions
Is the BMW VIN the paint code?
No. A VIN identifies the car. A manufacturer can use it to check the factory paint record, but it is not itself a colour formula.
Can I choose BMW paint from a colour name alone?
Send the code as well wherever possible. A name or screen swatch is not enough to confirm a match, especially after earlier repairs.
Does the body code identify my alloy wheel colour?
Not necessarily. Wheel and trim finishes may use separate references; confirm the part you are repairing.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
Updated 9 November 2026. Follow the instructions supplied with each product; coating systems and drying conditions vary.
