BMW 735 Touch Up Paint (16 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

The BMW 735 is a masterclass in executive style, and the factory certainly didn't shy away from variety. With 16 recorded colors, BMW offered everything from the understated Alpine White and Sterling Silver Metallic to more adventurous tones like Cinnabar and Arctic Blue Metallic. They even gave us the legendary Bronzit Beige Metallic-a color that defined an era of German luxury, even if it does look a little like "Gold's Retired Uncle" these days.

What to Watch For

If your 735 has spent any time in the sun, you've likely noticed the "BMW Sunburn." This era of paint is notorious for clear coat delamination-where the top shiny layer starts to flake off like a bad vacation tan, especially on the hood and roof. Also, keep an eye on Bronzit and the metallic blues; they tend to lose their luster and take on a slightly dull, greenish cast if left to the elements.

To get started, you'll need your code. Pop the hood and look at the driver's side strut tower (that rounded metal hump over the front wheel). You should see a black sticker with the German color name and a three-digit code. If it's not there, check the radiator support panel near the front of the engine bay.

Driveway Repair Tip

When you're using a touch-up pen or brush on these classic metallics, patience is your best friend. Because many of these colors use fine metallic flakes, you need to shake that bottle for at least 60 seconds to wake up the sparkles. When applying, don't try to fill a deep chip in one go. If you put down a heavy "blob," the metallic flakes will sink to the bottom and make the spot look darker than the rest of the car. Instead, dab on a very thin layer, let it dry for 15 minutes, and then add another. Thin layers keep those little metallic flakes floating right where they belong!