BMW 320 Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
BMW didn't just paint the 320; they gave us a 57-shade mood board for the ages. We've seen everything from the "I'm definitely a suburban architect" Sierra Beige to the "I'm here to start a revolution" Phoenix Orange. Whether you're driving a Mint Green E21 that looks like a vintage refrigerator or a sleek Diamond Black Metallic E30, BMW really went for it. They even gave us Henna Red and Iberian Red, because apparently, one shade of fire-engine-enthusiasm wasn't enough.
What to Watch For
Before you start dabbing, you need to find your "Birth Certificate"-the paint code. On most 320s, pop the hood and look at the driver's side shock tower (the metal hump near the engine) or the passenger side fender edge. You're looking for a black sticker that usually lists the name in German, like Alpinweiss, followed by a three-digit code.
Keep a close eye on the leading edge of your hood and your roof. These cars are notorious for "sunburn"-where the clear coat starts to look hazy or peel like a bad day at the beach. If you see stone chips on that vertical nose, catch them early before they turn into tiny rust freckles.
Driveway Repair Tip
If you're working with one of those gorgeous metallics like Fjord Blue or Arctic Blue, you have to be the bartender: shake that touch-up bottle for a full two minutes. Those tiny metallic flakes like to nap at the bottom of the vial, and if you don't wake them up, your repair will look like a flat smudge instead of a shimmering match. When applying, remember that "less is more." Use the tip of the brush to drop a tiny amount into the center of the chip and let it spread itself out. Two thin layers are always better than one big, gloopy mountain of paint.