BMW E30 Red Color Code: Perfect Guide to Authentic Shade
The BMW E30 E30 red color code isn’t just a hue—it’s a hallmark of 1980s automotive excellence. Known for its timeless style, the E30’s signature red has become a collector’s benchmark, making accurate color matching essential for restoration and customization.
Authentic BMW E30 Red Shade Breakdown
The true E30 red is best defined by the OEM specification: a deep, warm scarlet with subtle orange undertones, often referred to as 'BMW Red 18' or 'E30 Red 18'. This shade sits between Pantone 186 C and RAL 2003, blending richness with visibility on the track and road. Its slight warmth enhances the car’s elegance while preserving historical accuracy.
Why the Exact Red Code Matters
Using the precise red color code ensures faithful reproduction during vehicle restoration, custom builds, or aftermarket part matching. Incorrect shades can compromise authenticity, reducing both visual appeal and collector value. The E30’s red defines its identity—getting it right means honoring over 40 years of motorsport heritage.
Practical Applications for Enthusiasts
Car restorers, tuners, and collectors rely on this red code for everything from paint matching to window tint calibration. With digital tools, enthusiasts can access exact RGB hex codes (e.g., #8B0000 with warm red tint) or use manufacturer-supplied color swatches to achieve flawless results, ensuring every detail aligns with original E30 specifications.
Mastering the BMW E30 red color code is key to preserving a piece of automotive history. Whether restoring a classic or building a modern replica, precision matters. Use the correct shade to celebrate the E30’s legacy—where every hue tells a story of performance, style, and passion.
Contents [hide] 1 E30 Saloon Solid Paint Colour Codes 2 E30 Saloon Metallic Paint Colour Codes 3 E30 Touring/Cabriolet Only Paint Colour Codes 4 E30 M3/Motorsport/Cecotto Only Paint Colour Codes 5 All BMW Colours. BMW E30 paint codes and color options. Learn the paint names, paint codes and years offered for the BMW E30 3 series model.
OEM Make: BMW OEM COLOR CODE: 138 (PPG#72746) FOUND ON: 1985 BMW 635CSi, 1986 BMW 325e, 1987 BMW M6, 1988 BMW 325iX, 1989 BMW M3, 1990 BMW E30, 1991 BMW E30 TYPE OF COLOR: 2 Stage ALSO NAMED AS: Cinnabar Red *DISCLAIMER: Our OEM paint is recommended for overall paint applications only. We do NOT GUARANTEE a perfect match to existing OEM paint. BMW E30 M3 Coupe Model paint color options 1986 thru 1991.
Bmw Color and Color Code History. All paint charts the have exsisted from the 50's until today. Free site to look up BMW Paint Codes.
Follow the links for the breakdown of paint codes by models. Bmw E Series paint codes Here is the list of all the paints on the bodies, rims, or other elements of Bmw E Series cars. A total of 6 shades appeared on Bmw E Series cars.
BMW E30 M3 paint codes and color options The BMW E30 M3 was the first ever M3 BMW produced. It was manufactured from 1986 thru 1991 with a total run of 17,184 units worldwide. Imola Red being one of those colors, used on the BMW E36 M3, E46 M3, E39 M5 and more.
Below are a list of some of the most famous BMW red paint colors, their paint codes and the BMW model most famously associated with that color. BMW E30 PAINT CODES, COLOR OPTIONS BMW E30 Paint Codes / Color Options. E30 Zone Newbie 10 Georgia, Tbilisi Sun Mar 21, 2010 2:00 pm could you please post here BMW red color codes with pictures i want to choose it for my E30 i like in pictures how japan red looks but never seen it live also other pictures and codes are welcome just dont post photoshoped etc.
pics. they should look as similar to real color as.