How to get "official" BMW paint

[worzella]

I have found a body shop to work on my '75 2002 and they are doing rust removal and primer work, so soon the topic will turn to which color I want to paint my car. When I look at the great color chart at:

http://www.dagsites.com/2002colors.htm

let's say I want to paint it Fjord. How does the body shop obtain the official

Fjord color? Is there some unique color code for BMW Fjord that I must tell him and he can order the exact paint somewhere.... or is it more of a "Pick the closest color match that exists from PPG Auto today?"

Thanks for the education!

Randy

[john_a]

Fjord color? Is there some unique color code for BMW Fjord that I must tell him and he can order the exact paint somewhere.... or is it more of a "Pick the closest color match that exists from PPG Auto today?"

Randy

Yes, the paint code is needed to ensure the correct color is mixed.

The paint code sticker appears on the inner fender.

Fjord Blue is code 037

Below is an extensive BMW color list, you can search the text by using "cntrl F" on your keyboard & entering the name.

Whenever someone says they want "factory" paint, you have to consider the actual factory paint is not what will work best for refinish, because you are not processing the job anything like the factory.

You need to have materials for refinish process, and hopefully have a reliable supplier (local is best) that can do a good job mixing that color from the paint code. Talk to your painter, find what paint line he is comfortable with & try to determine if that is workable for your application.

Don't try to get your painter to switch brands based on something you heard is the "right stuff." Each line of paint offers a complete system, where the reducers & activators, primers, base & top all are designed to work together.

000 Primer Primer Standard Grey 51 91 9 061 780

001 Nevada Nevada Standard Brown

002 Colorado Colorado Standard Orange

003 Condorgelb Condor Yellow Standard Yellow

004 Manila Manila Standard Ivory

005 Tampico Tampico Standard Beige

006 Sahara Sahara Standard Beige

007 Hellelfenbein (Taxi) Light Ivory Standard Ivory 51 91 1 819 299

008 Ceylon Ceylon Metallic Gold

009 Sienabraun Siena Brown Metallic Brown

012 Sierrabeige Sierra Beige Standard Brown

013 Topasbraun Topas Brown Metallic Brown

016 Iberischrot Iberian Red Standard Red

018 Rubinrot Ruby Red Metallic Red

020 Korall Coral Standard Red

021 Malaga Malaga Standard Maroon

022 Inka Inka Standard Orange

023 Granada Granada Standard Red

024 Verona Verona Standard Red

025 Granatrot Granat Red Metallic Red

027 Madeira Madeira Standard Maroon

028 Phonix Phonix Standard Orange

031 Rot Red Metallic Red

035 Granatrot Garnet Red Metallic Red

036 Riviera Riviera Standard Blue

037 Fjord Fjord Blue Metallic Blue

039 Pacific Pacific Blue Standard Blue

040 Nachtblau midnight Blue Metallic Blue

041 Atlantikblau Atlantic Blue Standard Blue

042 Baikal Baikal Blue Metallic Blue

044 Pastellblau Pastel Blue Standard Blue

045 Arctisblau Arctic Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 851 635

052 Hennarot Henna Red Standard Red 51 91 1 866 579

053 Bordeauxrot Bordeaux Red Standard Red

054 Ozeanblau Ocean Blue Standard Blue

055 Anthrazitgrau Anthracite Grey Metallic Grey

056 Derby Derby Standard Grey

057 Polaris Polaris Silver Metallic Silver

058 Bristol Bristol Standard Blue

059 Caribe Caribe Standard Blue

060 Polaris Polaris Metallic Silver 51 91 1 851 625

062 Schilfgrun Reed Green Standard Green

063 Amazonitgrun Amazon Green Metallic Green

064 Turmalingrun Tourmaline Green Metallic Green

065 Turkis Turquoise Green Metallic Green

066 Florida Florida Standard Green

068 Tundra Tundra Metallic Green

070 Golf Golf Standard Yellow

071 Agave Agave Green Standard Green

072 Taiga Taiga Metallic Green

073 Turf Pine Green Standard Green

075 Resedagruen Reseda Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 848 491

076 Amazonasgrun Amazon Green Standard Green

078 Jadegrun Jade Green Standard Green

079 Mintgrun Mint Green Standard Green

083 Polizeweiss Police White Standard White 51 91 1 237 902

084 Blau Blue Metallic Blue

085 Chamonix Chamonix White Standard White 51 91 1 813 067

086 Schwarz Black Standard Black 51 91 1 813 070

087 Graphit Graphite Metallic Black 51 91 1 866 583

094 Hellminzegruen Light Mint Green Standard Green

097 Minzegruen Mint Green Standard Green

115 Dolmitgrau Dolmit Grey Metallic Grey

121 Mattschwartz Black Matte Standard Black

127 Madison Madison Metallic Silver

128 Gazellenbeige Gazelle Beige Standard Beige 51 91 1 930 081

136 Alaskablau Alaska Blue Metallic Blue

137 Perlmutt Mother of Pearl Metallic White

138 Zinnoberrot Cinnabar Red Standard Red 51 91 1 930 082

139 Bronzitbeig Bronze Beige Metallic Beige 51 91 1 907 208

140 Biskayablau Biscay Blue Standard Blue

141 Zederngrun Cedar Green Standard Green

142 Sepiabraun Sepia Brown Standard Brown

143 Kaschmir Cashmere Metallic Beige 51 91 1 872 270

146 Alpinweiss Alpine White Standard White 51 91 1 880 835

147 Safaribeige Safari Beige Standard Beige 51 91 1 880 834

148 Koronagelb Korona Yellow Standard Yellow

149 Saphirblau Sapphire Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 880 839

151 Ascotgrau Ascot Grey Metallic Grey 51 91 1 880 837

152 Zypressengrun Cypress Green Metallic Green

153 Olivgrun Olive Green Metallic Green

154 Brasilbraun Brazil Brown Metallic Brown

155 Karneolrot Karnal Red Metallic Red

157 Kastanienrot Chestnut Red Metallic Red

162 Klassischschwartz Classic Black Metallic Black

170 Bahamabeige Bahamas Beige Metallic Beige 51 91 1 907 209

171 Opal Opal Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 900 736

172 Karminrot Carmine Red Standard Red 51 91 1 930 083

173 Lapisblau Lapis Blue Standard Blue 51 91 1 907 222

174 Bajarot Baja Red Metallic Red

176 Saturnblau Saturn Blue Standard Blue 51 91 1 930 084

177 Achatgruen Agate Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 907 210

178 Balticblau Baltic Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 900 737

179 Acaiagrun Acaia Green Standard Green

180 Basaltblau Basalt Blue Standard Blue

181 Diamantschwarz Diamond Black Metallic Black 51 91 1 930 070

182 Smaragdgruen Emerald Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 935 047

183 Carribbeanblau Carribbean Blue Metallic Blue

184 Delphin Dolphin Metallic Grey 51 91 1 907 211

185 Cosmosblau Cosmos Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 930 068

186 Diamantgrau Diamond Grey Metallic Grey

187 Savannabeige Savanna Beige Standard Beige

188 Platanengrun Platana Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 930 069

189 Cirrusblau Cirrus Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 935 057

194 Pustagrun Pubta Green Standard Green 51 91 1 907 225

196 Zobelbraun Sable Brown Metallic Brown 51 91 1 930 071

198 Royalblau Royal Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 935 067

199 Burgundrot Burgundy Red Metallic Red 51 91 1 907 212

203 Lachssilber Salmon Silver Metallic Silver 51 91 1 935 037

204 Columbiansilber Columbian Silver Metallic Silver

205 Malachitgruen Malachite Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 935 077

207 Atlantisblau Atlantic Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 973 945

212 Nerzbraun Mink Brown Metallic Brown 51 91 1 935 087

214 Burgundrot II Burgundy Red II Metallic Red

218 Alpinweiss II Alpine White Standard White 51 91 9 102 478

219 Luxorbeige Luxor Beige Metallic Brown 51 91 1 935 097

222 Marrakeschrot Marrakesh Red Standard Red

224 Weinrot Vine Red Standard Red 51 91 1 973 947

225 Bermudablau Bermuda Blue Metallic Blue

228 Onyxschwarz Onyx Black Metallic Black

229 Sebringgrau Sebring Grey Metallic Grey 51 91 1 052 113

231 Mineralblau Mineral Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 973 948

232 Stratosgrau Stratos Grey Metallic Grey

235 Brilliantsilber Brilliant Silver Metallic Silver

237 Granitsilber Granite Silver Metallic Silver 51 91 1 052 069

239 Tabakbraun Tobacco Brown Metallic Brown

241 Titanblau Titanic Blue Metallic Blue

243 Nogarosilber Blue Silver Metallic Silver 51 91 1 052 112

244 Sterlingsilber Sterling Silver Metallic Silver 51 91 9 061 827

246 Topazrot-violett Topas Red-Violet Metallic Red

247 Barbadosgrun Barbados Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 155

249 Perlgruen Pearl Green Metallic Green

250 Macaoblau Macao Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 111

251 Toskanagrun Toskana Green Metallic Green

252 Calypsorot Calypso Red Metallic Red 51 91 9 061 834

253 Pur Blau Pure Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 102

255 Neonblau Neon Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 136

256 Tobagoblau Tobago Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 156

257 Toprot Top Red Standard Red 51 91 9 061 673

259 Brokatrot Brocade Red Metallic Red 51 91 1 052 074

260 Magic Violett Magic Violet Metallic Purple 51 91 1 052 098

262 Neongruen Neon Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 137

263 Dunkelblau Dark Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 186

264 Fungelb fun yellow Standard Yellow 51 91 9 061 672

265 Weissalu White Aluminum Metallic White 51 91 2 323 168

266 Lagunengruen Lagoon Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 054

267 Dakar Gelb II Dakar Yellow Standard Yellow 51 91 1 052 199

269 Arctisgrau Artic Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 250

270 Konigblau King Blue Metallic Blue

271 Urgruen Primal Green Metallic Green 51 91 9 061 670

273 Islandgrun Island Green Metallic Green 51 91 9 061 855

274 Mugellorot Mugello Red Standard Red 51 91 1 052 195

275 Bostongruen Boston Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 214

276 Avusblau Avus Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 146

278 Traumschwartz Dream Black Metallic Black 51 91 9 061 671

280 Gletscherblau Glacier Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 9 061 848

281 Sienarot Sienna Red Metallic Red 51 91 1 052 222

282 Samanabgeige Samana Beige Metallic Beige 51 91 1 052 254

283 Daytonaviolett Daytona Violet Metallic Purple 51 91 1 052 147

286 Cordobarot Cordoba Red Metallic Red 51 91 1 052 336

287 Mauritiusblau Mauritius Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 055

288 Moreagruen Morea Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 258

289 Dunkelgruen Dark Green Standard Green 51 91 1 052 191

290 Maledivenblau Maledavian Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 242

294 Lazerblau Laser Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 9 061 841

295 Samoablau Samoa Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 210

296 Sumatragelb Sumatra Yellow Metallic Yellow 51 91 1 052 262

297 Montrealblau Montreal Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 340

299 Technoviolett Techno Violet Metallic Violet 51 91 1 052 360

300 Alpinweiss Alpine White Standard White 51 91 1 052 274

301 Kaschmirebeige Cashmere Beige Metallic Beige 51 91 1 052 079

302 Madeiraviolett Maderia Violet Metallic Purple 51 91 1 052 380

303 Cosmosschwarz Cosmos Black Metallic Black 51 91 1 052 304

304 Violettschwarz Violet Black Standard Purple 51 91 1 052 344

305 Petrol Mica Petrol Mica Metallic Grey 51 91 1 052 356

306 Atlantablau Atlanta Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 476

307 Dunkelgruen II Dark Green II Standard Green 51 91 1 052 278

308 Brilliantrot Brilliant Red Standard Red 51 91 9 061 860

309 Arctissilber Arctic Silver Metallic Silver 51 91 1 052 206

310 Fjordgrau Fjord Grey Metallic Grey 51 91 1 052 234

312 Brit-Racing-Green Brit Racing Green Standard Green 51 91 1 052 545 Yes

314 Hellrot Bright Red Standard Red 51 91 1 052 270

315 Tizianrot Tizian Red Standard Red 51 91 1 052 060

316 Violettrot Violet Red Standard Red 51 91 1 052 225

317 Orientblau Orient Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 238

318 Santorinblau Santorin Blue Standard Blue 51 91 2331 954

319 Palmettogrun Palmetto Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 368

321 Kobaltblau Cobalt Blue Standard Blue

322 Nauticgruen Nautic Green Standard Green 51 91 9 061 864

323 Mystikerrot Mystic Red Metallic Red

324 Oxfordgruen Oxford Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 246

326 Tuerkisgruen Turquoise Green Standard Green 51 91 1 052 473

327 Santorinblau II Santorin Blue II Standard Blue 51 91 1 052 548 Yes

328 Violettrot II Violet Red II Standard Red 51 91 1 052 312

329 Vulkangrau Vulcan Grey Standard Grey 51 91 1 052 064

330 Sternformigblau Astral Blue Metallic Blue

331 Mohavebraun Mohave Brown Metallic Brown 51 91 1 052 324

334 Glaciergrun Glacier Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 372

335 Estorilblau Estoril Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 402

336 Agaischblau Aegean Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 549 Yes

337 Dakargelb II Dakar Yellow II Standard Yellow 51 91 1 052 364

338 Seidenblau Silk Blue Metallic Blue

339 Aspensilbe Aspen Silver Metallic Silver 51 91 1 052 332

341 Panamabraun Panama Brown Metallic Brown 51 91 1 052 406

342 Graphite Graphite Metallic Grey

343 Canyonrot Canyon Red Metallic Red 51 91 1 052 410

346 Navarraviolett Navarra Violet Metallic Violet 51 91 1 052 328

347 Shwartz Mica Black Mica Metallic Black 51 91 1 052 559 Yes

348 Aubergine Aubergine Standard Red 51 91 1 052 414

349 Eisblau Ice Blue Metallic Blue

351 Kyalamiorange Kyalamiorange Standard Orange

352 Limonit Lime Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 554 Yes

353 Ascotgruen Ascot Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 320

354 Titansilber Titanium Silver Metallic Silver 51 91 1 052 565

355 Byzanz Byzantium Metallic Orange 51 91 1 052 422

356 Vermontgrun Vermont Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 503

357 Sierra Red Sierra Red Metallic Red 51 91 1 052 537

358 Evergreen Evergreen Standard Green 51 91 1 052 540

359 Mora Mora Metallic Purple 51 91 1 052 555 Yes

360 Sorrentblau Sorrent Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 316

362 Sienarot II Sienna Red II Metallic Red 51 91 1 052 568

363 Biarritzblau Biarritz Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 507

364 Topazblau Topaz Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 666

365 Ziegelrot Brick Red Standard Red 51 91 1 052 642

366 Imolarot Imola Red Standard Red

367 Alaskablau Alaska Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 300 Yes

369 Romanticrot Romantic Red Metallic Red 51 91 1 052 558

372 Stahlblau Steel Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 571

374 Nepalsilber Nepal Silver Metallic Silver 51 91 1 052 308

376 Lightgelb Light Yellow Metallic Yellow 51 91 1 052 669

379 Velvetblau Velvet Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 563

381 Lemans-Blau LeMans Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 0025 919

386 Farngrun Fern Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 574

389 Hell-elfenbein II Light Ivory Standard White 51 91 1 052 514

390 Royalrot Royal Red Metallic Red 51 91 1 052 645

392 Marrakeschrot II Marrakesh Red II Standard Red 51 51 2309 874

393 Meergrun Sea Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 632

395 Sundown Sundown Metallic Red 51 91 1 052 560 Yes

397 Anthrazit Anthracite Metallic Black 51 91 1 052 648

398 Kirunaviolett Kiruna Violet Metallic Purple 51 91 1 052 511

399 Atlantis Atlantis Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 552 Yes

400 Stahlgrau Steel Grey Metallic Grey 51 91 1 052 651

402 Fashionrot 2 Fashion Red Standard Red 51 91 1 052 546 Yes

405 Imolarot II Imola Red II Standard Red 51 91 1 052 629

406 Orinoco Orinoco Metallic Grey 51 91 1 052 557 Yes

408 Palmettogrun II Palmetto Green II Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 543

411 Pearlbeige Pearl Beige Metallic Beige 51 91 1 052 654

413 Fidschigrun Fiji Green Standard Green 51 91 1 052 547 Yes

415 Hellrot II Bright Red II Metallic Red 51 91 0 006 913

416 Carbonschwartz Carbon Black Metallic Black 51 91 1 052 660

418 Impalabraun Impala Brown Metallic Brown 51 91 1 052 657

419 Turkis Turquoise Metallic Green 51 91 0004 017

421 Bronzit Bronze Metallic Gold 51 91 0 004 020

425 Silverstone Silverstone Metallic Silver 51 91 1 052 663

427 Neongelb Neon Yellow Standard Yellow

430 Oxfordgruen II Oxford Green II Metallic Green 51 91 0 006 535

433 Apricot Apricot Metallic Red 51 91 0 006 919 Yes

436 Mahagoni Mahogany Metallic Brown 51 91 0 025 910

438 Japanrot Japan Red Standard Red 51 91 0 009 166

440 Stratus Stratus Metallic Silver 51 91 0 025 916

441 Pazifikblau Pacific Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 2 351 566

442 Graugrun Grey Green Metallic Green 51 91 0 025 913

443 Saharabeige Sahara Beige Metallic Beige 51 91 0 005 252

444 Skarabaesgruen Scarab Green Metallic Green 51 91 0 008 694 Yes

445 Phonixgelb Phoenix Yellow Metallic Yellow 51 91 0 026 066

447 Frostblau Frost Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 7 651 333

448 Laguna Seca Laguna Seca Blue Standard Blue 51 91 0 026 069

449 Schiefergrun Slate Green Metallic Green 51 91 0 026 324

451 Aqua Aqua Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 551 Yes

452 Amethyst Amethyst Metallic Purple 51 91 1 052 550

453 Nachtblau Midnight blue Metallic Blue 51 91 1 052 556 Yes

454 Tannengrun Tannen Green Metallic Green 51 91 1 052 561 Yes

468 Pistaziengrun Pistachio Green Metallic Green 51 91 0 026 063

470 Flamencorot Flamenco Red Metallic Red 51 91 0 137 939

472 Sterlinggrau Sterling Gray Metallic Grey 51 91 0 136 774

474 Sepia Sepia Metallic Brown 51 91 0 008 690 Yes

475 Black Sapphire Black Sapphire Metallic Blue 51 91 0 026 327

476 Ambra Amber Metallic Gold 51 91 0 137 937

478 Satinbeige Satin Beige Metallic Beige 51 91 0 138 236

481 Kalaharibeige Kalahari Beige Metallic Beige 51 91 0 138 230

482 Toledoblau Toledo Blue Metallic Blue 51 91 0 138 231

501 Blau Blue Blue

503 Tuerkis Turquoise Green

504 Blau Blue Blue

505 Silber Silver Silver

506 Klassischschwartz Classic Black Black

507 Silbergraphit Silver Graphite Grey

508 Rotrauch Red Smoke Red

509 Rotrauch Red Smoke Red

510 Daytonaorange Daytona Orange Orange

511 Havanagold Havana Gold Gold

518 Rot Red Red

519 Schwarz Black Black

520 Gruenrauch Green Smoke Green

524 Bayerischblau Bavarian Blue Blue

526 Bol D Bol D Standard Red

529 Curry Curry Metallic Gold

530 Silber Silver Metallic Silver

531 Rot Red Metallic Red

532 Schwarz Black Metallic Black

533 Blau Blue Metallic Blue

534 Verbranntorange Burnt Orange Metallic Orange

538 Monzablau Monza Blue Blue

541 Rot Red Metallic Metallic Red

542 Alaskablau Alaska Blue Blue

544 Pazifikblau Pacific Blue Blue

545 Balligsilber Spheric Silver Silver

546 Gold Gold Metallic Gold

548 Silberbeige Silver Beige Silver

549 Azurblau Azure Blue Blue

551 Rot Red Metallic Red

552 Phonixgold Phoenix Gold Gold

553 Rotrauch Red Smoke Red

556 Rotsilber Red Silver Red

558 Pazifikblau Pacific Blue Blue

559 Polaris Polaris Silver

561 Silber Silver Smoke Silver

562 Hennarot Henna Red Red

563 Polaris Polaris Metallic Silver

566 Rot Red Metallic Metallic Red

572 Magentarot Magenta Red Red

573 Balligsilber Spheric Silver Silver

576 Madison Madison Metallic Silver

577 Nuerburgruen Nuerburg Green Green

583 Motorsport White Motorsport White White

589 Pferd Bronco Beige

603 Arizonasonne Arizona Sun Metallic Gold 51 91 0 008 692 Yes

613 Arabergold Arabian Gold Gold

622 Skarabaesgrun Scarab Green Metallic Green

624 Sepiaviolett Sepia Violet Metallic Purple

640 Birkenguren Birch Green Green

668 Schwartz II Black II Standard Black 51 91 1 052 171

717 Cortinagrau Cortina Gray Grey

755 Keramikblau Ceramin Beige

891 Moccabraun Mocha Brown Metallic Brown 51 91 0 146 477

892 Titangrau Titanium Grey Metallic Grey 51 91 0 138 232

894 Chiarettorot Chariot Red Metallic Red 51 91 0 138 234

896 Bluewater Bluewater Metallic Blue 51 91 0 138 237

897 Turmalinviolett Tourmaline Violet Metallic Purple 51 91 0 138 235

999 Perlweiss Pearl White

[dubois]

the "official" BMW paint was probably made by a German chemical company, most likely BASF, that would be my guess. I agree with John A. let the painter paint the car with whatever he is used to. If that happens to be PPG, I would mix a pint and have the shop shoot a test panel. The main problem is that with old colors, the paint companies are not spending the resources to accurately come up with a formula for the new toners, they are too busy keeping up with the current ones. I think with fjord you shouldn't have a problem, but I know that polaris and colorado are off - at least in my eyes based on old pictures. If your car is already fjord, compare the test panel with the center pillar original paint (behind the chrome strip).

[tjones02]

The original paint company that BMW used is Glasurit http://www.glasurit.com/ and it will be the BEST color match.

A few other German paints that are very nice and will still be great color matches to original are....

Sikkins http://www.sikkens.com/

Spies Hecker (owned by DuPont now) http://www.spieshecker.com/

Standox http://www.standox.com/

Paints all spray differently and a painter will be used to and generally like and do their best work with what they are familiar with. BUT sometimes they get pleasantly surprised by the ease of using the best, like Glasurit.

HTH

[c.d.iesel]

WOW! good job - that BMW Paint Code

list above is right up to date including

the new Bluewater Blue on present production

5 series.

More paint and body related dribbles :

[john_a]

Paints all spray differently..

And you can find differences from color to color within a given brand.

I'd like to hear other's experiences with this aspect, as my own car painting background is limited to racecars in just a few colors (def. not show quality.) But there was a vast difference between using Malaga vs Inka, where the Malaga was much easier to get the excellent coverage.

Anyone else have specific color comparisons, just from an ease of use perspective?

Some colors just cost more as well, but since real paints are big bucks nowadays, it all seems absurdly expensive.

I did have good background experience in painting guitars with lacquer, back when I was more active as a luthier & repairman. Then, I had worked extensively with dyes, pigments, collies & biezes, and could work effects in color with pearlescent pigments. Sometimes automotive paint was acceptable for a solid body electric guitar, but the sound was better with good old nitrocellulose lacquer. But wood is a completely different substrate than sheet metal, and transluscent coatings were more usual than solid opaque pigments.

[dirk2602]

I have found a body shop to work on my '75 2002 and they are doing rust removal and primer work, so soon the topic will turn to which color I want to paint my car. When I look at the great color chart at:

http://www.dagsites.com/2002colors.htm

let's say I want to paint it Fjord. How does the body shop obtain the official

Fjord color? Is there some unique color code for BMW Fjord that I must tell him and he can order the exact paint somewhere.... or is it more of a "Pick the closest color match that exists from PPG Auto today?"

Randy

Randy, you want to get Glasurit paint, a BASF product. They mix it at the FinishMaster paint store in Raleigh NC. They are very knowlegable people.

[Ken]

I have been looking at paint colors for my car, and is seems choosing the correct primer color will have an effect on the finished color. I ask the paint supplier about this and he had a listing of primer colors to be used with the finished color for best results.

[Jimbosocal]

I just finished repainting my my car and can give you a few tips. The paint store I went to was very helpful in choosing the right paint. They told me one thing to consider when choosing paint:

Are you trying to match existing paint or are you repainting the entire car?

If you are painting just a fender or hood, Glasurit (now BASF) or PPG are the best paints for matching the factory colors,

If you are repainting the entire vehicle (like I did), then you can use just about any brand paint your heart (or wallet) desires.

I used Limco (a less expensive BASF brand than Glasurit) but used a PPG clear coat. They guys at the paint store told me the clear is what is going to protect the paint from the elements.

Even though the paint store used the exact formula for Fjord, after mixing it looked light purple, not blue! Another trip to the store and Dan ended up adjusting my paint to the color swatch he had for BMW Fjord (which there are 2 shades of by the way).

Below is a picture of my car in the more silvery-blue Fjord, not the more greenish-blue shade.

Jim

[dubois]

The original paint company that BMW used is Glasurit http://www.glasurit.com/ and it will be the BEST color match.

A few other German paints that are very nice and will still be great color matches to original are....

Sikkins http://www.sikkens.com/

Spies Hecker (owned by DuPont now) http://www.spieshecker.com/

Standox http://www.standox.com/

Paints all spray differently and a painter will be used to and generally like and do their best work with what they are familiar with. BUT sometimes they get pleasantly surprised by the ease of using the best, like Glasurit.

HTH

Sikkens I am almost sure is Dutch, minor technicality (don't tell that to the Dutch!), they used to pride themselves of going back and producing some of the paint for Rembrant, Rubens, etc. I am sure it was salespeople BS. However, and I digress here, shooting Ultraclear (a Sikkens product back in the days) was an orgasmic experience!

[jdt10768]

nt

[BillWilliams]

If and when shooting the clear, consider House of Kolor's clear. I saw it on some cars coming out of Jon Kosmoski's shop and they were drop dead gorgeous. I asked my painter to consider using it on the orange car and it is all he uses now.

[Slavs]

I agree with one of the posts here in that Glasurit was used by BMW, and Glasurit is the only paint manufacturer that has an extensive color code formula for just about every color used on most European if not all cars. They have a website where all the paint codes are provided along with color chips. Every company has differnt lines of paint including Glasurit, so any particular shade may be available in any one of the line, if not all . State legislation also has a lot to do with what type of laint may be used in your particular State or Air Management District. Most paints in the US are now waterbased including Glasurit.Glasurit paint, though is most expesive and used by few bodyshop. Use the paint with which your bodyshop is familiar. If a particular paint manufacturer does not have the specific formula for a particular code, the color can be matched by just about any competent shop. You will also have to decide whether you want to go with a 2 stage vs. a single stage paint. Metalics are easier to apply in two stage while solids work well in single stage as well. 2 stage has become popular, but that clear coat will start to peel at one point or another even on the most expensive paints. The high quality single stage paints are just as glossy as the 2 stage paints, have more debt and will last longer.

[Slavs]

Paint Cont.

Glasurit is made by BASF which also has other less expensive lines of paint, but which are alo very good. Check ou their website which lists all the lines including Glasurit, RM and LIMCO. LIMCO is the cheepest of this series and is considered as the "Shop" paint used by the shop for most of the work. I've used single stage in Glasurit and RM-Uno HD with very good results.

https://www.basfrefinish.com/cgi-bin/capbsm/java/Sitelet.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@1678596962.1347476820@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadfhkhhdilgcefecgefdgjhdfmo.0&action=Brands

For a finish with that glass look and no orange peel you will need to have your car color-sanded. I've also used the higher end line of Dupont (Chroma Line) with very good results. I personally feel that on a vintage car, a good quality single stage paint looks more natural. A lot of shops use Dupont, but if you want the higher end Dupont you will have to arrange this with the shop and pay the extra cost. On the lower end a gallon of paint with all materials will cost about $350, while on the higher end it may be $1,200 or more, depending on the shade. Anything above this, the shop is charging you for bodywork / prep/ labor etc.

[timco98]

Randy

What body shop are you using?