Volkswagen Off Road Grey Metallic (LD7U/M3) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color defined the rugged early-SUV identity of the first-generation Touareg and the versatile Touran. It is a sophisticated, mid-tone grey that does a fantastic job of hiding road film and dust, which is exactly why it was a go-to choice for drivers who actually took their vehicles into the wilderness. Since your car has likely been on the road for nearly two decades, the original finish has weathered a bit, making it a living color that can vary slightly depending on how much sun and salt it has seen over the years.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, packed with fine flakes that give the paint its depth and shimmer. The biggest risk with a metallic shade like this is mottling, which happens when those flakes settle unevenly, creating dark spots or uneven stripes. If you do not maintain a consistent flow and keep the container moving at all times, the color can look blotchy once it sets. This paint needs to be applied in light, even layers to ensure the metallic particles stay suspended in a uniform pattern across the surface.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Volkswagen Off Road Grey Metallic (check for code LD7U/M3), you need to shake it for at least 60 seconds to ensure the metallic flakes are fully mixed. You can usually find your paint code on a white paper sticker located inside the spare tire well under the trunk floor, or sometimes printed on the inside cover of your service book. Always test the color on the included card before you touch the car to verify the shade and get comfortable with the nozzle or brush. Work in a clean garage or a patch of shade, and give each layer plenty of drying time so the finish sets properly without the metallic particles shifting.