Paint Color Codes?

ral4 · Mar 1, 2014

I need some input on which paint I need to order to fix some scratches on my 2012 Royal Blue Metallic GTL. I found a painter who will airbrush the scratches but he wants me to order the paint. I put some scratches into four panels and the Top Box on the right side when I dropped it in the driveway.

Here is what I found through some research on the internet.

I couldn't find anywhere in the US to buy genuine BMW paint so I am looking at ordering some small 2-ounce Touch-up Jars from ColorRite for around $23 each. I will need to get four jars (one for each of the 3 colors and one for the clear coat). I am not married to ColorRite if someone knows of a better supplier. Also, I'm just assuming ColorRite's paint would be a better match than ordering from a local supplier who mixes based on a BMW code. If this assumption is wrong let me know. The reason I want to get the best color match is I'm not having the entire panels painted, just airbrushing the edges where the scratches are.

For two of the panels and the Top Box:

The BMW paint color code for the Royal Blue Metallic is WN41 or N41 (the code N41 is on the parts label with a blue arrow pointing at it in the picture of the label above). When I do a search on ColorRite's website for N41 the ColorRite code is 8440.

http://www.colorrite.com/product/bmw-n41-royal-blue-metallic-2227.cfm

I think these codes are correct and that a clear coat should be used after the color coat.

For the Foot Protector, which has only 2 small scratches (the blue arrows are pointing to them in the picture below):

The BMW paint color code for the Magnesium Metallic Matt is N32 (the code N32 is on the parts label with a blue arrow pointing at it in the picture of the label above). When I do a search on ColorRite's website for N32 the ColorRite code is 8425.

http://www.colorrite.com/product/bmw-n32-magnesium-metallic-matt-2219.cfm

I think these codes are correct and that a clear coat should NOT be used after the color coat.

Now for the Hand Protector, it isn't very clear for either the BMW code or the ColorRite code. I think this part is the same paint color on all 2012 GTL/GT motorcycles and is also the same color as the plastic covering the fuel tank.

The information I have is:

The BMW paint color code for the Schieferdunkel (german for ???) is Z15. (the code Z15 is on the parts label with a blue arrow pointing at it in the picture of the label above). When I do a search on ColorRite's website for Z15 nothing is found. When I called the BMW dealer they said the color is BMW 957 Magnesium Metallic which in a ColorRite search is code 8335.

http://www.colorrite.com/product/bmw-957-magnesium-metallic-2204.cfm

Does anyone know if this is the correct color and if a clear coat should be used after the color coat.

Also there are some scratches on the black unpainted plastic back of the mirror and bottom half of the Top Box.

Has anyone tried to repair or paint scratches in these surfaces? It seems like if you were to sand out the scratch you would be left with a smoother surface which would not match the original finish.

ToeCutter · Mar 3, 2014

I think what you have planned is a recipe for disappointment. First, I wouldn't involve an airbrush. If you want to spray the paint on use a small spot gun. If you spray, you are going to have to scuff the areas you want to paint, degrease/de-wax put down base, put down clear.. blend.. then buff out the over spray. A good rule of thumb.. sprayed paint will NOT stick anywhere you see shiny or glossy paint.

Here is what I would do instead:

1. Order your paint.
2. Hit up a local paint supply store for a small bottle of wax remover / de-greaser.
3. Hit up a autoparts store for a small bottle of polishing compound.
4. Hit up a convenient store/cigar shop etc for 2-3 packs of matches. The old school cardboard matchbook kind.
4.5 Go home.
5. Use the polishing compound as directed on scratches and be amazed how many come out... especially below the mirror...
6. Use the wax remover/degreaser. Follow the directions. Usually, wipe on then wipe off with clean paper towel.
7. Remove a match from the matchbook.
8. Use the torn paper end of the match to apply the touch up paint to the scratch. Apply small coats and let dry. If you have a wife/gf/daughter let her do it (seriously it goes on like nail polish).
9. Let paint dry between coats. Ie.. Do this over multiple days or every few hours...You can build the coats up until you can see the scratch is filled.
10. Apply clear coat the same way. Multiple light coats.

Hope this helps....

ral4 · Mar 3, 2014

Thanks ToeCutter. That is helpful advice.

Anyone know which paint code I should order to match the "Schieferdunkel" color of the Hand Protector?

Stevo · Jul 22, 2019

Did you ever find the paint code for the Hand Protector?

SylviaRider · Aug 17, 2021

I just set my newly acquired used silver 2012 K1600GTL down on my driveway and found the information here helpful in ordering touch up paint. Hoping the magnesium metallic part is the same for silver and royal blue. Thank you for posting this years ago!

upinsmokes · Sep 16, 2021

I’ve been trying to get some touch up paint . Two dealers in PA told me BMW is no longer selling paint through dealers and to go to a BMW car dealer instead to buy. No go there either when I went there today . So aftermarket is the only way to get now ?

ksam · Oct 27, 2021

I know my response is a month late. But for anyone in the future, colorrite.com provides the paint for bmw. Forget the color code that is pointed out in the piictures above. Key in the name of the paint, so the handguard above is labeled by the manufacturer as 'Schieferdunkel', you won't find it in the colorrite.com search engine either, neither Z15, but you will find the paint under 'slate' or 'dark slate'. And it does match. Requires you to buy 'eggshell clearcoat' too.

BMW 988 is the color code for Schieferdunkel, or dark slate. Must be ordered with eggshell clearcoat.

Paint Color Codes?

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