BMW 635CSI Touch Up Paint (18 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

The BMW 635CSi-better known as the "Sharknose"-didn't just own the autobahn; it did it in style with a palette of 18 recorded colors. From the executive shimmer of Bronzit Beige Metallic and Salmon Silver to the "look at me" punch of Cinnabar, BMW really went for it in the 80s. They even accounted for the trim with specific finishes like the Original Bumper Cover color, ensuring your grand tourer looked cohesive from its iconic nose to its tail.

What to Watch For

To get started, you'll need your specific code. Pop the hood and look at the driver's side strut tower (that's the metal mound where the suspension meets the body); you should find a small sticker with the color name-usually in German-and a three-digit code. Now, keep an eye on the horizontal surfaces like the hood and sunroof. Because many of these "Sharknoses" lived outdoors, the clear coat on metallic shades like Royal Blue or Cirrus Blue can get a little thirsty and start to flake. If you have a non-metallic red, it might be looking more like a "Dusty Rose" than Bright Red due to sun exposure, but don't worry-that's just a sign of a car that's actually been driven.

Driveway Repair Tip

When you're working with beauties like Calypso Red Pearl or Glacier Blue Metallic, your bottle is full of tiny metallic flakes that love to nap at the bottom. Give that touch-up bottle a vigorous shake for at least 60 seconds-longer than you think you need-to wake up the sparkles. When you apply the paint, avoid the temptation to fill a chip in one big "blob." Instead, use the tip of a toothpick or a very fine brush to dab in light, thin layers. These high-end BMW pigments require patience to build up the right depth, so let each layer dry before adding the next. Your driveway is your studio; take your time!