Find Your BMW’s Paint Code: A Guide to Locate the Label
A BMW’s paint code is essential for anyone looking to touch up their vehicle or order a replacement part. The paint code is a unique identifier that tells the exact color and finish of your BMW’s exterior. It’s usually found on a sticker in two places: under the car’s hood or in the driver’s door jamb. Knowing where to find your BMW’s paint code can save time and ensure you get the right color match for your car. This guide will explain where to look for the BMW paint code and what to do with the information once you find it.
At a Glance
- Newer BMWs: the paint code is on the VIN sticker in the driver’s door jamb.
- Older BMWs: look for a label in the engine bay, often near the left strut tower.
- No label? A BMW dealer can look up the code from your VIN.
- Order touch up paint by the code, not by the color name.
BMW paint code location

Here is another example of the BMW paint code, which in this case, can be found on the VIN sticker on the driver’s door jamb. Finding the BMW paint color code is very easy. Use the paint code to order BMW touch-up paint.

The paint code is printed on a sticker with the VIN on the driver’s door jamb on newer BMWs. The paint code on the older BMW models is found on a sticker in the engine bay.
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How to find the BMW paint code by VIN?

You can find the BMW paint code by using the following steps:
- Locate the BMW VIN: The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-digit code found on the driver’s side doorjamb, the dashboard, or the registration document.
- Contact a BMW dealer: You can call a BMW dealership and provide them with the VIN. They will then be able to tell you the paint code for your car.
- Check the vehicle build sheet: Some BMW owners may have access to the original build sheet for their vehicle, which would include the paint code information.
- Search online: Several websites allow you to enter the VIN and retrieve information about the vehicle, including the paint code. Results vary, so confirm the code against the label on the car when you can.
If you don’t have the vehicle present but have the registration, call your local BMW dealer and ask them to look up the color code by VIN. The VIN is a 17-digit number printed on your registration.
As with most car manufacturers, BMW paint color codes can be found in several locations. On older BMWs, the most common location is the left side of the engine bay. You will find the paint code on the label near the strut tower.
FAQ
How do I find my BMW paint code?
Locate your BMW’s paint code label under the hood or in the driver’s door jamb. The most common places to find it is: on the driver’s side of the hood and near the strut towers.
Is the paint code in VIN?
No. A BMW may be on the same sticker as the VIN, but the paint code is never part of the VIN itself.
More guides: browse all of our BMW repair and troubleshooting guides.

