Compatible with the following BMWs:

Models: 318, 320, 325, 528, 528E, 535I, 633, 635CSI, 733, 735I, L7
Years: 1990

To determine if Calypso Red Pearl is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 252/253.

Paint Products in Calypso Red Pearl 252/253

Whether you’re repairing tiny rock chips, medium scratches, or larger damaged areas, we have the right product for you:

Free Shipping on Orders $149+

Free Shipping on Orders $149+

Mixed fresh to order & shipped within 3–5 business days

Affordable DIY Repairs

Affordable DIY Repairs

Beginner-friendly products at a fraction of the cost of bodyshops

American-Owned Family Business

American-Owned Family Business

Established in 1999 and trusted by 1,050,000+ car owners

Where to find BMW color code

How to Find Your BMW's Color Code

BMW paint color codes appear in varied spots: on the firewall, on the radiator support, on the door jamb, or in the trunk. Location varies by year; a diagram under Finding Your Color Code shows where. Typical code format example: 300, which corresponds to: Alpine White III Clearcoat. Same Color Code, Different Name: the same paint can have different names across models (e.g., 300 also called White Clearcoat, Premium White Clearcoat). The code is key to correct paint.

More about BMW color codes
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Custom paint for your BMW

Skip Expensive Body Shops – Do It Yourself!

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned professional, you can achieve a high-quality paint job on your BMW in the comfort of your own home.

PaintScratch proudly offers simple, beginner-friendly products in Calypso Red Pearl that do not require any fancy equipment. For the serious car fanatic, you can find ready-to-spray large-sized paints.

Your Paint Color Profile

Calypso Red Pearl

The Look

This is peak 90s BMW. It's a deep, wine-soaked red that gives the 318 and 320 a serious dose of maturity. On the 325 or 528, it looks like executive muscle. It isn't a loud, bright red. It's sophisticated. Under garage lights, it looks dark. In the sun, it wakes up.

Technical Details

This is a metallic pearl finish. That means depth. It also means danger. The flakes in this paint are heavy. If you get lazy with your technique, the pearl will clump. You'll end up with dark spots or tiger stripes. It hides road dust better than a flat color, but it demands respect. It's a complex mix. It glows when done right.

Best Practices

Pop the hood. Look at the driver-side strut tower for the black ID sticker. Before you spray or dab BMW Calypso Red Pearl (check for code 252/253), you need to shake it for two full minutes. The heavy pearls sink fast. Test the color on the included card to confirm the shade. Keep the container moving to ensure the metallic flakes lay flat. Watch your drying time between light coats. If it looks patchy, you're moving too slow.

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Need a different color?

We'll help you find the perfect match – or mix up something completely unique!

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A difference you can see

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What Our Customers Are Saying

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Laura C.
Nov 21

Will absolutely order from this company again.

After ordering touch-up paint from Lexus I was still waiting for it a month later. If they'd told me upfront it would take that long I wouldn't have ordered in the first place. Paint Scratch was recommended by a friend who restores cars. Easy ordering, fair price and fast shipping. The color match is great especially considering my car is a 2012. Will absolutely order from this company again. Reason I chose this business: Lexus collision repair and a local collision repair. Will use paint less dent removal and touch up chipped paint myself. Reason I chose this product: Spouse sideswiped passenger side of car while backing out of garage. Mostly plastic transfer from his wheel well trim but pressure creased and cracked the paint causing a bare strip 1/8 wide x 4” long below door handle. Scratches on door handle and a few small chips on both doors.

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Javier A
Nov 26

Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans

Used Paint Scratch metallic custom mixed spray cans paint on a hood panel with excellent coverage and texture over the surface. Metallic paint can be very unforgiving out of a spray can, sputtering pigmentation dots on the panel being sprayed and thus ruining the paint job. No such issues with Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint spray cans. Paint sprayed strong and evenly till the last drop of paint in the can. Shipping time was faster than expected. Reason I chose this business: Having tried other brands of custom mixed metallic paint with terrible results, sputtering pigmentation tint dots from the spray nozzle in spite of vigorously shaking of can prior to application and loss of propellant rendering the lower fifth of the can's paint useless, Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint sprays out beautifully and strong all the way to the last gram of paint in the can. Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans for automotive restoration. Thank you Paint Scratch.

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Matt M.
Sept 6

My highest rating With No Reservations. A+

I am a multiple time purchaser from this company. Each time they have provided me high quality products that are reasonably priced. The products come in a timely manner well packaged. The resources they provide have given me excellent guidance about how to use their products. I give this company my highest rating With No Reservations. A+ Reason I chose this business: There is no comparison possible. They are in League of Their Own as far as I'm concerned.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my vehicle’s paint code?

Your paint code is usually found in the driver’s door jamb, trunk, or under the hood. See our BMW Paint Code Guide for detailed instructions.

Will this paint match my car?

Because your BMW is older or uncommon, the most accurate option is custom matching where you mail in a small painted part for a hand match. Our paint technicians usually do a great job matching BMW color code '252/253' but a perfect match cannot be guaranteed.

Do I need primer and clearcoat?

While primer is recommended on bare metal or plastic, clearcoat is essential: it protects the basecoat and restores factory gloss.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are mixed fresh and ship within 3–5 business days. Delivery takes 2–14 days depending on location.

Which touch up product should I choose?

 It depends on the size of the damage:

  • Paint Pen (½ oz) – Best for very small chips and fine scratches.
  • Brush Bottle (2 oz) – Great for medium chips or scratches up to the size of a quarter.
  • Spray Can – Ideal for larger areas and panels.
  • Professional Sizes (Pint, Quart, Gallon) – Designed for full panel and vehicle resprays using spray equipment.

Not sure? If it’s just rock chips or small scratches, start with a Paint Pen.

Can I return my order?

Yes! If there’s a color match issue, we’ll replace the product or give you your money back. You also can return unopened, non-custom accessories for a full refund.

How long will the paint last in storage?

Paint pens and bottles last about a year if stored cool and dry. Spray cans can last several years if the nozzle is cleaned.