BMW 318 Touch Up Paint (34 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

BMW didn't just give the 318 a coat of paint; they gave it a personality. With 34 colors recorded, they really went for it. Whether you are rocking the legendary Henna Red, the polarizing (but classic) Bronzit Beige Metallic, or the deep Diamond Black Metallic, your car was designed to stand out in a car park. From the earthy tones of Gazelle Beige to the vibrant Laguna Green Pearl, these shades prove that BMW's entry-level hero was never meant to be "basic."

What to Watch For

If you're hunting for your paint code, skip the door frame for a moment and pop the hood. On most 318s, you'll find a small black sticker perched right on the driver's side strut tower. It'll usually have the color name in German-so if you see "Alpinweiss," congratulations, you've got Alpine White.

Reality check: These cars were built to be driven, and time hasn't always been kind to the horizontal surfaces. Keep a close eye on the hood and roof; the clear coat on older 318s can get a bit "crispy" and start to flake away after decades in the sun. You'll also likely find a collection of "battle scars" (stone chips) along the leading edge of the hood. Don't worry, though-it's nothing a steady hand can't handle.

Driveway Repair Tip

If you're working with one of the many metallic or pearl options-like Calypso Red Pearl or Sterling Silver Metallic-here is the golden rule: Shake that bottle like it owes you money. Those tiny metallic flakes love to settle at the bottom. Shake it for a full two minutes before you start to ensure the "sparkle" actually makes it onto the car.

When applying, remember that "less is more." Instead of trying to fill a chip with one big glob of paint, dab on a tiny, thin layer, let it dry for 15 minutes, and then come back for a second pass. It requires patience, but it's the difference between a repair that disappears and one that looks like a high-school art project gone wrong.