Paint Code Location

BMW Paint Code

Find where the paint code is located on your BMW vehicle.

Where to Find the Paint Code on a BMW

BMW vehicles have 4 known paint code locations.

Most Common

Under the Hood — Strut Tower

Open the hood and look on one of the strut towers (shock absorber mounting points). The paint code is on a black sticker with silver/white text.

Most common location. Check both driver and passenger side strut towers.

Under the Hood — Fender Edges

On the fender edges or engine wall area, slightly lower than the fender.

Alternative location if not found on strut towers.

Driver's Door Jamb

Behind the driver's door on the door frame.

Reported by Australian sources for some BMW models.

Behind Driver's Headlight

In the engine bay area behind the driver's side headlight assembly.

Less common location.

BMW Paint Code Format

Code Pattern

3 digits, sometimes with a slash and 4th digit (e.g., 300, A52, 472)

Example Codes

472275300 (Alpine White)A52299

BMW uses 3-digit codes that can be numbers only or alphanumeric. The paint color name (often in German, e.g., 'Alpinweiss' for Alpine White) is usually printed next to the code on the sticker.

BMW Paint Code Photos & Diagrams

7images showing paint code locations, labels, and diagrams

Tips for Finding Your BMW Code

Label Type:Black sticker with silver/white text

The sticker shows both the numeric code and the color name (sometimes in German)
German color names are common: Alpinweiss = Alpine White, Schwarz = Black
Check both strut towers if you don't find it on the first one
The sticker may also contain engine, transmission, and other vehicle codes

BMW Paint Code Location — Complete Guide

Finding the paint code on your BMW is the first step to ordering the correct touch up paint. The most common location for BMW vehicles is the under the hood — strut tower. This guide covers all known paint code locations, code format patterns, and helpful tips specific to BMW vehicles.

BMW uses a unique paint code format that may include letters, numbers, and special characters. The exact format helps identify not only the base color but also the specific paint formulation used at the factory. When ordering touch up paint, it's important to include the complete code — including any prefix or suffix — to ensure an exact color match.

Once you've found your BMW paint code, you can search for it on TouchUpGo to find your exact color. Every TouchUpGo kit includes factory-matched base coat, clear coat, primer, and our Correct N Clear blending solution for a professional-quality repair.

Need help? Browse our BMW touch up paint colors or visit our paint code location guide for other brands.