BMW Touch Up Paint: The Complete Colour and Paint Code Guide

Need to sort out a scratch, chip, or scuff on your BMW and not sure which colour of touch up paint to buy? You’re in the right place!

BMW uses hundreds of different paint finishes across different models and years, and it’s not always easy to know which one your car actually has. Even colours that look identical can have completely different formulas, and ordering the wrong match can make a repair stand out more than the damage itself.

So to help you find the right match for your car, we’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know about BMW touch up paint, including where to find your BMW paint code, the most common BMW codes and finishes, and how to order the right BMW paint with Chipex.

Where to Find Your BMW Paint Code

Now that you know what you’re looking for, the next step is finding the sticker itself. On most BMWs, the paint code is easy enough to locate once you know the usual hiding spots. Here are the most common places, depending on the model and age of your car.

Check the Driver’s Door Jamb First

For most modern BMWs, the easiest place to start is the driver’s door opening.

To check, open the door and look for the vehicle information sticker around the door jamb area. The paint code is often listed near the lower part of the label and may appear next to wording such as “Paint”, “Paint No.”, or as a short three-character code before a slash. For example, you might see something like 475/0, where 475 is the paint code you actually need.

Look Under the Bonnet on Older BMWs

If you cannot find the code in the door jamb, the next place to check is under the bonnet.

Many older BMWs, along with some 5 Series, 7 Series, and X models, place the paint label somewhere in the engine bay. Common locations include the strut tower, behind the driver’s-side headlight, or near the front edge of the engine bay. Some BMWs hide it in awkward spots, so a torch may be helpful.

Check the Boot on Some Models

On some BMWs, the paint code sticker may also be hiding in the boot area, often near the spare wheel well or tucked behind the inner trim. This isn’t common, but it’s still worth a quick look if you can’t find it in the door jamb or engine bay.

If the Sticker Is Missing or Worn

If the label has faded, peeled away, or become impossible to read, don’t panic. A BMW dealer parts department can usually identify the original factory paint details using the VIN.

Just bear in mind that the VIN itself is not the paint code, but it does help the dealer pull up the original factory build information so they can confirm the correct colour.

A Note on MINI Models

Although MINI sits under the BMW Group umbrella, the paint code layout is often different. Typically, the sticker can be found near the front wing, and in many cases, may only be visible once the bonnet is raised.

3 Practical Tips for Interpreting Your BMW Colour Code

Once you’ve found your code, the next step is to make sure you read it correctly. Here are three practical tips for interpreting your BMW colour code.

Tip #1: Ignore the Number After the Slash

If your sticker shows two numbers separated by a slash, such as 475/0, the paint code is normally the first part only.

In this example, 475 is the code you need when ordering BMW touch up paint. The number after the slash is an internal reference number and isn’t something you need to enter.

Tip #2: Don’t Rely on the Colour Name Alone

One of the easiest ways to end up with the wrong paint colour is ordering by colour name alone.

Take Alpine White as an example. BMW has used Alpine White I, II and III across different years, each with a different paint code that looks slightly different. So even if two cars are described as “Alpine White”, they still may need different touch up paint.

This is why it’s important to always order by the BMW paint code, not just the colour name.

Tip #3: Don’t Panic if the Name Is in German

BMW labels sometimes show German colour names alongside English ones, which can make things look more confusing than they really are.

For example, you might see “Alpinweiss” instead of Alpine White or “Mineralgrau” instead of Mineral Grey. Do not worry, it’s usually the same paint, just listed in German.

When in doubt, ignore the wording and trust the code. That is the detail that matters most.

Common BMW UK Paint Codes and Colours

BMW has one of the most recognisable colour palettes on UK roads. The following table highlights popular BMW colours, their paint codes, and a few details that may help you avoid ordering the wrong match.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive. BMW has used hundreds of different colours over the years, including standard finishes, BMW Individual paints, and market-specific shades. If you don’t see your code, you can easily check it through the Chipex BMW paint lookup.

Special BMW Paint Colours and Finishes

If your BMW has an Individual finish, an M-exclusive colour, a Frozen paint, or a newer premium metallic, it’s worth taking a little extra care before ordering touch up paint. Here are a few things worth knowing before you order.

BMW Individual Colours and M Car Finishes

BMW’s Individual programme gives buyers access to bespoke factory colours outside the standard range, often seen on M cars, special orders, and high-spec models. Because these paints are rarer, the codes can be less familiar and may sometimes relate to very specific model years or build specifications. That makes ordering by colour name alone especially risky.

If your BMW has an Individual or M-exclusive finish, always confirm the colour using the factory paint code or registration number when ordering from Chipex.

BMW i (EV) Models and Modern Paint Finishes

BMW i models, including the i4, i5, i7, and iX, can also feature more premium metallic and modern paint options. While many can be matched by model and paint code, some newer finishes are less familiar than traditional BMW colours.

As with any BMW, it is worth double-checking the match before ordering, especially if the finish looks unusual or premium compared with standard paint options.

A Few Final Things Worth Knowing Before You Order

By this stage, you should have your BMW paint code and a good idea of the colour you need. Before you place your order, though, it’s worth bearing the following tips in mind.

Older BMW Paint Can Change Over Time

Over time, BMW paint can fade, oxidise, or shift slightly in appearance, especially on older silvers, reds, and heavily weathered finishes. So even if your BMW touch up paint is mixed to the original factory specification, it can still sometimes look slightly different against surrounding paint that has dulled or faded over the years.

To give repairs on older BMWs the best chance of blending in, it’s worth cleaning and polishing the surrounding area before getting started.

Some Repairs Are Easier to Blend Than Others

Small chips and scratches can often blend in very neatly with the correct BMW touch up paint, especially when the paint code is correct and the damage is kept localised. Larger scrapes, repainted panels, or heavily aged paintwork, however, can be more difficult to match perfectly.

That doesn’t mean a repair is impossible. It just means expectations may need to be a little different. For small stone chips, light scratches, and bumper marks, touch up paint is often a very effective DIY fix. But if the damage is larger, runs across multiple panels, or sits on an older resprayed area, it may be worth testing the match carefully first or getting professional advice before touching in a large section.

For more guidance on blending BMW touch up paint, you may find the following articles helpful: How to Blend Car Touch-Up Paint and How to Complete BMW Scratch Repair in 6 Simple Steps.

Always Follow the Application Instructions to a T

Even with the correct BMW paint code, the final result still depends on how the paint is applied.

When using Chipex at home, it is always worth following the instructions closely rather than treating it like a standard brush-on touch up job. The preparation, blending stage, and finishing process all help the repair sit more naturally against the surrounding paint.

For the best results, especially on metallics and more noticeable areas, take a few minutes to read the full Chipex instructions before getting started.

Find the Right BMW Touch Up Paint in Minutes

Once you’ve found your BMW paint code, the hard part is usually done. From there, it’s simply a case of finding the right match and getting the repair underway.

When you’re ready to get started, Chipex gives you everything you need to repair chips, scratches, and scuffs at home. Find your perfect BMW paint match today and see how easy it is to achieve a flawless finish!