Saab 9-3 Touch Up Paint (39 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

Saab didn't just make cars for Swedish architects; they made them for people who appreciate a good palette. With 39 recorded colors, they really went for it. You've got everything from the "standard" Steel Gray Metallic and Jet Black Pearl to the absolute show-stoppers like Lime Yellow and Electric Blue Metallic. Whether your 9-3 is a sensible Polar White or a spicy Chili Red Pearl, it was born with a finish that was meant to stand out in a parking lot full of boring sedans.

What to Watch For

Here's the deal: Saab paint from this era has a bit of a "sunscreen" problem. The clear coat is known to be a little sensitive, especially on the flat surfaces like the hood, roof, and the top of the trunk. If you start seeing little white flakes or bubbles that look like a bad sunburn, don't panic-catching it early with a touch-up pen can keep it from spreading. Also, if you're driving a Laser Red model, you might notice the color looks a little tired compared to the door jambs; that's just the red pigment being its dramatic self.

To find your exact match, open your driver's door and look at the B-pillar (the door jamb). You're looking for a three-digit code (sometimes followed by a letter) like 278 for Laser Red or 298 for Jet Black. If it's not there, check the glove box-Saab liked to keep us on our toes.

Driveway Repair Tip

Since so many 9-3 colors are high-end metallics and pearls, your biggest secret weapon is the "The Great Shake." Those tiny metallic flakes like to settle at the bottom of the bottle. Shake your touch-up pen or bottle for at least two full minutes-longer than you think you need to.

When you're ready to apply, remember: less is more. Instead of trying to fill a chip with one big glob, use the tip of the brush to dab a tiny amount into the center of the chip and let it flow to the edges. If it's a metallic color, this "dab" method helps the sparkles sit naturally so they catch the light just like the factory finish. Patience is your best friend here!