1991 BMW Touch Up Paint (23 OEM Colors)

The 1991 BMW Vibe

1991 was a pivotal year in Munich. The legendary E30 was taking its final victory lap while the "dolphin-shaped" E36 was just beginning to redefine the Autobahn. It was the era of the Ultimate Driving Machine, and the look was strictly business. We've focused our database on the colors that defined that sharp, early-90s silhouette: Jet Black and those essential matte accents like Dark Gray (Dupont P2279). This was the peak of the "Shadowline" aesthetic-where chrome was a sin and a deep, sinister finish was the only way to occupy the fast lane.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to the "Peeling Era." By 1991, BMW had fully committed to the basecoat-plus-clearcoat system. While it gave the cars a showroom depth that single-stage lacquer could never touch, it came with a ticking clock. If your Bimmer has spent any time baking in the sun, you're likely staring at delamination-that ugly, white "sunburn" where the clear coat starts to lift off the color beneath. Once the air gets between those layers, it spreads like a bad rumor. If you see a bubble, you're already in a race against time.

Restoration Tip

The secret to keeping a 1991 factory finish alive is "sealing the borders." If you have a stone chip or a tiny scratch, do not wait. In this era of paint, a chip is an invitation for moisture and air to get under the clear coat and start the peeling process. Clean the area, hit it with your color match, and seal it immediately. By locking down the edges of the chip, you prevent the clear coat from catching the wind and lifting, saving you from a full-panel respray down the road.