Ever scratched your Mercedes-Benz and needed a perfect color match? Finding your Mercedes paint code is the crucial first step to making those touch-ups invisible. Whether you drive a brand-new EQS or a classic SL Pagoda, the right paint code ensures you’ll get the exact shade that left the factory on your vehicle.
Let’s dive into where Mercedes hides these all-important codes, how they’ve changed over the years, and exactly what to look for when you’re hunting for that three-digit number that holds the key to your car’s original color.
What Are Mercedes Paint Codes?
Mercedes paint codes are typically three-digit numbers that identify the exact color formula used on your vehicle. These codes ensure you get a perfect match when ordering touch-up paint or having body work done.
The standard format is straightforward – just three digits like 040 (Black), 149 (Polar White), or 775 (Iridium Silver Metallic). But Mercedes has several variations you might encounter:
- Standard format: 040, 147, 775
- With “9” prefix: 9040 (same as 040)
- With “C” prefix: C040 (same as 040)
- With “DB” prefix: DB-723 (older models)
- Four-digit codes: 7755 (usually just remove first digit)
Knowing what to look for helps when searching for your specific code.
Modern Mercedes Paint Code Locations (2005-Present)
For newer Mercedes models, finding your paint code is relatively easy. The most common locations are:
Driver’s Door Jamb
Open your driver’s side door and look for a white, black, or silver sticker on the door jamb. This manufacturer information label contains various details, including:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Manufacturing dates
- Weight ratings
- And your paint code!
The paint code typically appears in the fourth group of numbers on this sticker. It’ll be a three-digit number, sometimes with a prefix like “9” or “C”.
Alternative Locations for Modern Models
If you can’t find the code on the door jamb sticker, check these spots:
- Passenger door jamb: Some models have the sticker here instead
- Under the hood: Look for a sticker on the radiator support area
- Strut towers: Some newer models have stickers here
- Inner fender wells: Particularly on SUVs and larger vehicles
Classic Mercedes Paint Code Locations (1960s-2004)
Finding paint codes on older Mercedes models requires a bit more detective work. The locations have changed significantly over the decades.
1960s Models
Early Mercedes vehicles had paint codes stamped on small metal plates attached to the inner fender or near the radiator. The W113 Pagoda, for example, displays its paint code on a stamped metal plate inside the nearside front wing.
1970s-1980s Models
Models from this era typically have paint codes on metal plates in the engine bay, specifically on the crossbar above the radiator. Look for a stamped plate with multiple three-digit codes. The paint code is usually identified with a letter “G” or “H” prefix.
1990s-Early 2000s Models
These Mercedes have paint codes hidden behind the black X-shaped support bar directly behind where the grille and star sit when the hood is closed. You might need to remove or move the support structure to see the data plate clearly.
Here’s a quick reference table for classic models:
| Era | Primary Location | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | Inner fender/radiator area | Small metal plate with stamped numbers |
| 1970s-80s | Front of engine bay | Metal plate on radiator crossbar (look for G/H prefix) |
| 1990s-early 2000s | Behind grille support | Data plate behind X-shaped support |
Commercial and Special Models
Mercedes commercial vehicles and special models follow slightly different patterns:
Sprinter and Metris Vans
Commercial vehicles typically have paint codes in the door jamb area like modern passenger vehicles. However, they may use slightly different formatting.
G-Class Models
G-Class vehicles often display four-digit paint codes. To get the standard Mercedes code, simply remove the first digit. For example, 7755 would convert to standard code 755.
AMG and Maybach Models
Performance and ultra-luxury models follow the same location conventions as their base counterparts but may feature special paint codes for exclusive colors. These might include Designo or MANUFAKTUR special finishes.
Electric Vehicle Paint Codes
The newer EQ lineup of electric vehicles maintains the traditional Mercedes paint code system while introducing some new color options specifically for EVs.
Modern EQS and EQE models feature both traditional Mercedes colors and EV-specific options. You’ll find these codes in the same locations as other modern Mercedes vehicles – primarily on the driver’s door jamb sticker.
Popular EV colors include:
- Diamond White Pearl (799)
- Obsidian Black Metallic (197)
- Graphite Gray Magno (818)
- Nautical Blue Metallic
What to Do When You Can’t Find Your Paint Code
If standard locations don’t yield results, try these approaches:
Check Alternative Locations
- Both door jambs: Sometimes the sticker appears on the passenger side
- B-pillar area: Where the rear door hinges attach
- All engine bay surfaces: Including radiator support, fenders, and hood underside
- Trunk area: Some models have stickers in the spare tire well
Use VIN-Based Identification
When physical paint codes are missing or damaged, your Vehicle Identification Number can help. Websites like LastVIN.com offer free Mercedes VIN decoding services that can retrieve original factory specifications, including paint codes.
This approach is particularly valuable for:
- Older vehicles with weathered stickers
- Cars that have had collision repairs
- Verifying if a vehicle retains its original paint
Get Professional Help
When all else fails, professionals can help:
- Mercedes-Benz dealerships can look up your paint code by VIN
- Automotive paint suppliers can perform spectrophotometric analysis
- Specialty shops focusing on Mercedes restoration often have extensive resources
Common Mercedes Paint Codes
While Mercedes offers hundreds of colors across their lineup, some of the most popular include:
Standard Colors
- 040: Black
- 149: Polar White
- 775: Iridium Silver Metallic
- 744: Brilliant Silver Metallic
- 197: Obsidian Black Metallic
Gray/Silver Family
- 992: Selenite Gray Metallic
- 787: Mountain Gray Metallic
- 831: Graphite Gray Metallic
Performance and Premium Colors
- 376: Green Hell Magno (AMG)
- 996: Hyacinth Red Metallic
- 890: Cavansite Blue Metallic
Designo and MANUFAKTUR Special Paints
Mercedes offers premium paint programs that feature exclusive colors not available in the standard palette.
Designo Program
The Designo program includes special finishes with unique effects and deeper color saturation. These paints often follow non-standard numbering conventions, sometimes incorporating letters or four-digit combinations.
Popular Designo options include:
- Designo Graphite Green Metallic
- Designo Mocha Black Metallic
- Various pearl and matte finishes
MANUFAKTUR Program
The newer MANUFAKTUR program represents Mercedes-Benz’s most exclusive paint offerings. These ultra-premium paints include both metallic and matte (Magno) finishes with names like:
- Patagonia Red Metallic
- Moonlight White Metallic
- Kalahari Gold Magno
These special colors command premium pricing, sometimes adding several thousand dollars to a vehicle’s cost.
Using Your Mercedes Paint Code
Once you’ve found your paint code, you can use it to:
- Order touch-up paint from automotive suppliers
- Ensure body shops mix the correct color for repairs
- Verify the authenticity of a classic Mercedes color
- Match accessories to your vehicle’s exact shade
For touch-up applications, Mercedes vehicles use a sophisticated basecoat/clearcoat system that requires precise color matching. Using the correct paint code ensures the proper color depth, metallic particle distribution, and clearcoat compatibility.
Understanding Paint Code Evolution
Mercedes-Benz paint code placement and format have changed significantly over time, reflecting manufacturing evolution:
- 1960s: Stamped metal plates in engine compartment
- 1970s-early 2000s: Various engine bay locations
- Mid-2000s-present: Standardized door jamb stickers
This progression shows how Mercedes has made information more accessible to owners while maintaining their comprehensive color coding system.
The three-digit numbering system, while occasionally complex due to format variations and special programs, provides precise identification for hundreds of different color options used across decades of Mercedes production.
Finding Paint Codes on Specific Mercedes Models
C-Class (W203, W204, W205, W206)
Most C-Class models from 2000 onward have paint codes on the driver’s door jamb sticker. Earlier W203 models (2000-2007) might have codes in the engine bay, while all W204 (2008-2014) and newer generations have standardized door jamb placement.
E-Class (W210, W211, W212, W213)
The W210 (1995-2002) typically has paint codes behind the radiator support structure. The W211 (2003-2009) began transitioning to door jamb placement, though some early models still used engine bay locations. All W212 (2010-2016) and W213 (2017-present) use the standard door jamb sticker.
S-Class (W220, W221, W222, W223)
S-Class models follow the same pattern as E-Class, with W220 (1999-2005) often having paint codes in the engine compartment and all newer generations using door jamb stickers. The flagship nature of the S-Class means these vehicles sometimes feature special Designo or MANUFAKTUR paint codes.
SUVs (GLC, GLE, GLS)
All modern Mercedes SUVs use the standardized door jamb sticker placement. The G-Class remains the notable exception, sometimes using four-digit codes that require conversion to the standard three-digit format.
Whether you drive a brand-new AMG or a vintage 300SL, your paint code represents a direct connection to your vehicle’s factory specifications. With this guide, you can confidently locate and use your Mercedes paint code for any project or maintenance need.
