How to Find an Audi Paint Code by VIN

You can’t directly “read” the exact Audi paint color from the VIN alone, but you can use the VIN to retrieve the paint code through Audi dealers, official parts systems, and some online databases. In practice, the most reliable ways are: checking the vehicle’s information sticker, contacting an Audi dealer with your VIN, or using online Audi parts catalogs that cross‑reference the VIN with factory paint data.

Understanding the Role of the VIN and Paint Code

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code that identifies your Audi’s build details, but it does not itself contain a plain-text paint code. Instead, the VIN is used as a key in Audi’s databases to pull up your exact configuration, including exterior color. Your actual paint code is a separate alphanumeric code (e.g., “LZ9Y,” “LY9B”), typically shown on a label in the car and in Audi’s internal systems.

What the VIN Actually Tells You

The VIN includes information about the manufacturer, model, body style, engine type, model year, and assembly plant. For Audi, the 10th digit indicates the model year, and other segments identify market and configuration. Paint and trim data are stored in Audi’s production records, which can be accessed by dealers and some authorized services using your VIN.

What an Audi Paint Code Looks Like

Audi paint codes are usually three- or four-character combinations, often starting with “L” (for Lack, German for “paint”), followed by letters and/or numbers, such as “LZ9Y” (Mythos Black Metallic) or “LY9B” (Brilliant Black). Sometimes the same color might appear under a commercial name (e.g., “Daytona Gray Pearl”) while the code remains the precise technical identifier used by paint suppliers and body shops.

Method 1: Using the VIN Through an Audi Dealer

Using an official Audi dealership is one of the most accurate methods to find the paint code by VIN, because the dealer has access to manufacturer databases that link your specific VIN with the original factory paint color.

This list outlines the typical steps you’ll follow when working with an Audi dealership to obtain your paint code using the VIN.

• Locate your VIN: Find the 17-character VIN on the dashboard plate near the windshield, on the driver’s side door jamb sticker, or on registration/insurance documents.
• Contact an Audi dealer: Call, email, or visit an authorized Audi dealership and ask for the parts or service department.
• Provide the VIN: Give the full VIN and confirm your vehicle model, year, and your contact details.
• Request the exterior paint code: Specifically ask for the paint code and the color name as listed in Audi’s system.
• Verify spelling and format: Note the code exactly as given (e.g., “LZ7S Florett Silver Metallic”) to avoid mixing similar codes.
• Ask for written confirmation: Request the information via email, service quote, or printed parts sheet for your records and for use by body shops.

By using the VIN with an Audi dealer, you rely on the same factory records used for warranty and parts, which makes this approach especially trustworthy when you need a perfect color match for repairs or touch-ups.

Method 2: Checking the Vehicle’s Information Sticker

Even though this method does not require the VIN to decode the paint directly, it is often the fastest way to identify the original Audi paint code, and you can still cross-check it with information retrieved from your VIN through official sources.

Where to Find the Audi Paint Information Label

Most modern Audi models include a vehicle data sticker that lists option codes, interior trims, and the paint code. Its exact location can vary by model and year but is commonly found:

The following points show the most common places where owners can locate the factory sticker containing the Audi paint code.

• In the trunk/cargo area: Often under the trunk floor, near the spare wheel well or tool kit cover.
• On the service schedule or owner documents: Some cars have a duplicate data sticker affixed to the service booklet or owner’s manual wallet.
• Inside the rear compartment side panels: On certain models, the sticker may be fixed to a side panel inside the luggage area.
• Under the boot floor lining: Older models may have the sticker hidden just under the trunk carpet or lining.

Once you locate the sticker, you can compare the paint code printed there against data returned by an Audi dealer or online VIN-based systems to ensure consistency and confirm that the car has not been resprayed in a different color.

How to Read the Sticker

On the Audi data label, you will see lines of alphanumeric codes. The paint code is usually labeled with prefixes like “LZ” or “LY” followed by digits or letters, e.g., “LZ9Y.” Sometimes multiple codes appear; the first is often the primary outside color. Factory option codes (like “1G3,” “4UF”) are also present, but the paint code usually appears as a distinct “Lxxx” format separate from these three-character option codes.

Method 3: Using Online VIN Decoders and Parts Catalogs

Several online services and OEM-based parts catalogs can, in some cases, use your VIN to retrieve Audi build data, including paint information. These tools vary widely in accuracy, with official or manufacturer-linked platforms generally performing better than generic VIN decoding websites.

Official and OEM-Linked Platforms

Some markets provide owner portals or professional catalogs that allow VIN-based access to vehicle details. Access can depend on region, subscription, and whether you are a professional repairer.

This list explains common types of online resources that may provide Audi paint information when a VIN is entered.

• Audi owner portals (regional): Certain national Audi websites offer logged-in owners access to vehicle details, sometimes including color names linked to a VIN-registered profile.
• OEM parts catalogs via dealers: Parts staff may show you screenshots from Audi’s ETKA/parts systems, listing the color code next to the VIN-based configuration.
• Body shop information systems: Professional refinish platforms (e.g., from PPG, BASF, Axalta) sometimes integrate with OEM data or allow selection of model/year/color by VIN or code.

Because these services tie directly or indirectly into Audi’s official databases, they are often reliable, though some may show the color name but not always the exact code in consumer-facing views.

Third-Party VIN Decoding Websites

Many generic VIN decoder sites promise to reveal full build information from a VIN. While they can be useful for basic specs, their paint data for Audis is not always complete or up-to-date.

The following items outline practical considerations when using third‑party VIN decoding tools to look for an Audi paint code.

• Check for color name vs. code: Some decoders show only a color name (“black,” “blue metallic”), which may not be specific enough for paint mixing.
• Beware of incomplete databases: Older or very recent models may not be fully covered, leading to missing or generic color entries.
• Cross‑verify results: Always confirm any paint code or color name from third‑party sites with a dealer or your vehicle’s sticker before ordering paint.
• Avoid paid reports that overpromise: Many “full report” services charge fees but still scrape limited or outdated data; they are rarely better than a call to a dealer.

Third‑party VIN tools can be a starting point, but they should never be your sole source of truth when an exact Audi color match is required for bodywork or detailing.

Method 4: Confirming the Color with Professional Paint Suppliers

Once you have the paint code or at least the official color name derived via VIN or the vehicle’s label, professional paint suppliers can mix a precise formula and may help verify the information.

How Paint Shops Use Your VIN and Code

Reputable body shops and automotive paint suppliers maintain large formula databases cross‑referenced by manufacturer, year, model, color name, and paint code. Some can also pull additional details via VIN, especially for multi‑stage or special-effect finishes.

This list describes common steps a professional paint supplier or body shop will take to ensure your Audi’s color is accurately identified and reproduced.

• Request the paint code first: They will ask for the Audi paint code (e.g., “LZ7S”) and color name to find the correct formula.
• Use VIN for confirmation: Some systems allow the shop to cross-check the VIN against Audi color databases to confirm the match.
• Identify variants and batches: For popular colors, multiple shade “variants” may exist; the shop will compare test spray-outs to your car.
• Account for aging and fading: Even with a correct code, they may tweak the formula slightly to match a sun-faded finish.
• Document the final mix: Many shops store the exact variant used for your car under your name or VIN for future repairs.

Working with professionals ensures that the code derived via the VIN is translated into a real-world paint mix that visually matches your Audi, rather than just matching a theoretical factory standard.

Common Issues When Finding Audi Paint Codes

Owners sometimes encounter discrepancies or confusion when trying to align what the VIN-linked records say with what they see on the car. Several recurring issues are worth noting.

Repaints and Non-Original Colors

If your Audi has been repainted—partially or entirely—the factory paint code derived from the VIN may not match the current surface. Visual clues include slight mismatches between panels, overspray in hidden areas, or a color name in the paperwork that differs from what you observe. In such cases, a body shop may rely more on color-matching cameras and physical samples than on the original code.

Multiple Similar Color Names

Audi often offers subtle variations of similar colors across model years (e.g., multiple shades of gray or black metallic). The VIN can help pinpoint which one your car left the factory with, but you should always ensure that the exact code—rather than just a generic name—is recorded before ordering paint.

Regional Naming Differences

The same Audi paint code can be marketed under slightly different names in different countries, even though the underlying formula is identical. When using international online resources or importing paint, always prioritize the code (like “LX7L”) over the localized marketing name.

Step-by-Step: Best Practice Workflow

Combining the methods above into a single sequence provides a straightforward route to confirm your Audi paint code using the VIN and other sources.

The steps below provide a practical, ordered workflow to reliably identify your Audi paint code and verify it against VIN-based records.

1. Find and record your VIN: Note it from the dashboard, door jamb, or official documents.
2. Locate the vehicle data sticker: Check the trunk/spare-wheel area and owner’s documentation for the factory label.
3. Identify the paint code on the sticker: Look for an “Lxxx” or “Lxxxx” code (e.g., LZ9Y, LY9B) and write it down carefully.
4. Contact an Audi dealer with your VIN: Ask them to confirm the original exterior paint code and color name as per factory records.
5. Cross‑check code and name: Ensure the dealer’s data matches the sticker; investigate any discrepancies (possible respray or sticker replacement).
6. Provide code to a body shop or supplier: Give the verified paint code and VIN to the paint supplier or repairer for mixing and variant selection.
7. Keep a record: Store the confirmed paint code, color name, and any variant description with your service records for future use.

Following this ordered workflow greatly reduces the risk of color mismatch and makes the most of what the VIN and factory documentation can provide about your Audi’s original paint.

Summary

The VIN alone does not display your Audi’s paint code, but it is the key that lets dealers and some online systems access factory records for your exact car. The most dependable approach is to combine your VIN with the vehicle’s data sticker, then confirm the paint code—typically formatted like “LZ9Y” or “LY9B”—through an Audi dealer or OEM-linked catalog. Once confirmed, professional paint suppliers can use that code, along with visual checks, to mix a precise match for repairs or touch-ups. Cross-checking these sources ensures that any work done on your Audi’s exterior preserves the original appearance as closely as possible.

Can I use my VIN to find paint code?

No, you cannot find your car’s paint code by VIN alone, as the VIN is a unique vehicle identifier and does not contain the paint code. However, you can use the VIN to find the code by contacting the manufacturer or a dealership, or by looking for the paint code on a sticker in your car. 
Where to find your paint code

• On a sticker inside the driver’s door: Look for a sticker on the door jamb or B-pillar that contains terms like “EXT PNT” or “BODY COLOR CODE,” says CarParts.com. 
• On a label under the hood: Some cars have a sticker or placard with paint information in the engine bay, although it can sometimes be hard to read due to age and heat, according to AutoZone.com. 
• In your owner’s manual: The paint code is often listed in the service history or owner’s manual for your vehicle, notes Holts Auto. 

If you can’t find the code on your car 

• Contact the dealership: Provide the VIN to the manufacturer or an authorized dealer, and they can look up the exact factory paint color for you, says JustAnswer. 
• Use online VIN decoding tools: Some online tools and websites can help you find paint codes, but you should always verify the code directly from your vehicle or a dealer for accuracy, as online tools may have inaccuracies, notes Partify. 

Will the VIN number tell me the color?

No, you cannot get the paint code directly from the VIN, as the VIN does not contain the paint code itself. However, you can use the VIN to find the code by contacting a car dealer, using online VIN lookup tools, or by checking the vehicle’s information sticker where the paint code is listed, typically on the door jamb, trunk, or engine compartment. 
How to find your paint code

• Check the vehicle’s information sticker: This is the most direct way to find the code. Look for a sticker in the locations mentioned above. The code is often a three or four-character alphanumeric code. 
• Contact the dealership: Dealerships have access to manufacturer databases and can provide your exact paint code by using your VIN. 
• Use an online VIN lookup tool: Many websites offer tools where you can enter your VIN to find your vehicle’s paint code. 
• Consult your owner’s manual or service history: The paint code may be listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or in its service history records. 

How do I find the paint code of my Audi VIN?

You can call Audi and they’ll tell you based on VIN. Go to a paint shop they show you where it is !!

How do I check my Audi paint code?

You can find an Audi paint code in the trunk by lifting the trunk liner, under the spare tire compartment, or on a sticker in the wheel well. The code is typically on a manufacturer’s sticker labeled “PAINT NO.” and can be 2 to 4 characters long, including both letters and numbers. 
This video shows how to find the paint code in the trunk of an Audi: 1mPaintScratch Automotive Touch Up PaintYouTube · Apr 21, 2020
Common locations for the paint code

• Trunk/Cargo Area: This is the most common place to look. 
  • Lift the trunk liner or floor mat to access the spare tire well. 
  • Look for a sticker with a “PAINT NO.” heading or “PAINT NO.” label. 
  • The code may be near or on the spare tire. 
• Door Jamb: Some models might have the code on a sticker on the door frame or in the door hinge area. 
• Owner’s Manual: Newer models may display the paint code on the first page of the owner’s manual, which is usually in the glove box. 

What to look for

• The sticker: The paint code is on a sticker, often with other vehicle information like the VIN or build date. 
• “PAINT NO.”: The sticker will usually have a heading that says “PAINT NO.” to help you identify the code. 
• Code format: The code can be a combination of letters and numbers and may vary in length (e.g., LZ7S/6Y, LY9C/T9, or LS9R/2Y). 

This video shows another example of where to find the paint code sticker in the trunk of an Audi: 59sTeeJayLCYouTube · Jun 20, 2024
If you still can’t find it

• Visit your local dealer: The dealer can look up the paint code for you using your VIN. 
• Use a VIN lookup tool: Some online tools can help you find the code using your VIN.