Bmw 3 Series: Finding Your Paint Code

BMW paint codes can be difficult to find, as they are hidden somewhere on the car. The codes are typically three-digit codes, but there are some four and five-digit exceptions. They are usually printed on a sticker or plate and can be found in several locations, including under the hood, in the door jamb, on the firewall, on the radiator support, in the trunk, or under the bonnet. If you cannot locate the paint code, you can contact a local BMW dealer with your VIN number or registration, and they will be able to provide the colour code.

Check the driver's door jam or door shut/frame

To find the paint code on a BMW 3 Series, one of the most common places to check is the driver's door jam or door shut/frame. This is because BMW, like most car manufacturers, places its paint code in several locations, including the driver's door jam.

The paint code is usually found on a plaque, sticker, or information plate inside the driver's door or door jam. It may be on the same sticker as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), but the paint code is never part of the VIN. The VIN is a 17-digit code, and while it can be used to look up your car's paint code, it cannot tell you what colour your car is.

The paint code is typically located in the middle left of the information plate and is placed before a forward slash, with other digits following the slash that are not part of the colour code. The colour code is usually three digits, although there are some four and five-digit exceptions.

If you cannot find the paint code in the driver's door jam, it may be located in other places, such as under the hood, in the glove box, on the firewall, on the radiator support, or in the trunk.

Look under the hood

To find the paint code of a BMW 3 Series, one of the best places to look is under the hood. BMW paint code stickers can be found in a variety of places under the hood. The most popular location under the bonnet is on the suspension top or strut tower, usually on the driver's side. The paint code is typically a three-digit code, but there are some four and five-digit exceptions.

If you cannot find the paint code sticker under the hood, don't panic. The location can vary depending on the model, so you may need to scout around. The paint code sticker could also be located in the door shut or frame of the vehicle, usually on the driver's side door. The code is usually in the middle left of the information plate.

If you still cannot locate the paint code, you can try contacting a local BMW dealer's parts or service department with your registration or VIN number. They will be able to confirm the colour from the manufacturer's database. Alternatively, you can try looking for BMW forums online to see if anyone has a similar model with a matching colour.

Check the VIN number

If you can't find the paint code on your BMW 3 Series, you can still determine the colour code if you have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-digit code that can be found in several places, including:

• On the driver's side door jamb
• On the dashboard
• On the registration document or insurance card
• On the vehicle itself, in various locations, such as on the door frame or under the bonnet

Once you have the VIN number, there are several ways to find the paint code:

• Contact your local BMW dealer and provide them with the VIN. They can look up the paint code for your car.
• Check the vehicle build sheet. Some BMW owners may have access to the original build sheet, which includes paint code information.
• Search online. Several websites allow you to enter the VIN and retrieve information about the vehicle, including the paint code. For example, BMWVIN.com or BMWDecoder.com.

It's important to note that if you've purchased your BMW 3 Series used, it's possible that the car is no longer painted in the original colour. In this case, you may need to contact the previous owners or seek expert help to determine the correct paint code.

Check the firewall, radiator support, or trunk

BMW colour codes can typically be found on the firewall, radiator support, door jamb, or in the trunk. The paint code is usually a three-digit number, although there are some four and five-digit exceptions. The code may be followed by a forward slash and additional digits, which are not part of the colour code.

The firewall is a common location for the paint code sticker. On BMWs, this is usually on the passenger side firewall, in front of the radiator. The firewall is the wall that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment. It is typically located directly behind the engine.

The radiator support is another possible location for the paint code sticker. This is the structure that holds the radiator in place. It is typically located in front of the radiator, between the radiator and the grille or bumper.

The paint code sticker may also be found in the trunk, usually under the trunk deck. The trunk is the rear compartment of the vehicle, used for storing cargo.

It is important to note that the location of the paint code can vary depending on the year and model of the BMW 3 Series. If you are unable to locate the paint code in these areas, try checking other locations such as the driver's door jamb, the passenger shock tower, or the hood. Additionally, you can refer to the owner's manual or contact BMW with your vehicle's information to obtain the correct paint code.

Contact a local BMW dealer

If you are unable to find the paint colour code sticker on your BMW 3 Series, you can still determine the colour code if you have your BMW's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-digit code found in a variety of locations on your car and in the official paperwork for your car. Common locations for the BMW paint code include the firewall, the radiator support, the driver's door jamb, the strut tower on the left side of the engine bay, the trunk, and under the hood.

Once you have the VIN number, contact your local BMW dealer and provide them with the VIN. They will be able to look up your car and tell you what the colour code is. You can call a BMW dealership or, if you don't have the vehicle present but have the registration, call your local BMW dealer and ask them to look up the colour code by VIN. The VIN is a 17-digit number printed on your registration.

If you are unable to find the paint code or need help understanding what it means, you can also contact ERA Paints by calling 971-770-2372 or sending an email to CustomerService@ERAPaints.com. Their team is available from 8:00 am till 2:00 pm PST.

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