Compatible with the following BMWs:

Models: 2002, 2800, 3.0, 530
Years: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976

To determine if Malaga Red is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 021.

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 Malaga Red 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

Malaga Red

The Look

This is the definitive vintage BMW hue. It's deep. It's moody. It looks like a fine Bordeaux poured over a 2002 or a 3.0 CS. While other 1970s reds were loud and orange-leaning, this one stayed sophisticated. On the 2800 and early 530, it adds a level of gravitas that modern reds just can't touch. It's not flashy. It's confident.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish. No metallic flakes. No pearl. Just pure, deep pigment. Solid reds are notorious for two things: fading and transparency. Before you spray or dab BMW Malaga Red (check for code 021), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. The heavy pigments settle at the bottom. If you don't mix it right, the color will look weak. Red is also a "hungry" color. It might take an extra coat to fully hide the primer underneath.

Best Practices

Pop the hood. Look at the strut towers or the inner fender edge for a small black plate. That's where your code lives. Once you're ready, move your project into the garage or the shade. Direct sun is the enemy of a smooth finish. Test the color on the included card to ensure the match is right for your car's current state. Keep the container moving at all times. Use thin, light layers rather than one heavy soak. This prevents runs and ensures the color builds evenly. Give it plenty of drying time between coats. Patience pays off here.

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 '021' 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.