How do I get the paint code from chassis number?

[s1oww]

How do I get the paint code for my car?
The strut sticker is missing, most cars you can get it from the chassis number.

It's a 1989 black touring.

[sunnyr83]

Click here mate....

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... lour_Codes

[B7]

Give the dealer the last 7 digits of the chassis number and threy'll tell you the code.

[Brianmoooore]

Paint code should also be on the VIN plate on the rear of the slam panel, immediately behind the RH headlamp.

[s1oww]

Can I tell it from the numbers on the bulk head, they are stamped in under the windscreen?

[Brianmoooore]

Can I tell it from the numbers on the bulk head, they are stamped in under the windscreen?

Yes, from the last seven digits, as B7 has already said.
What's wrong with reading it off the headlamp plate?

[Speedtouch]

Black E30s are usually either straight Black (Schwarz) or Diamond Black (Diamantschwarz), which is the pearlescent metallic one with lots of multi-coloured specks in it.

The codes of these are in this list:
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... lour_Codes

[pukar]

once you find out, let me know if you want a replacement sticker ;)

[penton08]

I dont think I have ever seen a black (schwartz) touring, so I would guess it is diamond black. To confirm this, 181 is the paint code your looking for on the vin plate behind the O/S/F headlight.

[s1oww]

I went with 181 in the end.
I didn't have the car anywhere near me to check the vin, all I had were the numbers stamped on the bulk head that I had previously taken a picture of.

How much are your stickers, quite tempted.

[Grrrmachine]

Remember that the car is 20 years old now, so the paint is likely to have faded. If you buy brand new paint based on the colour code, and then use it to paint one panel, you will see a significant colour difference between the new and old paint.

Best thing to do is take the car to a pro and get them to use a spectrum analyser on the existing paint to get the best match.