What Is the Paint Code for Audi White?
The most common modern Audi “white” paint is usually Ibis White, with paint code LY9C (often listed as T9 / Y9C / LY9C). However, Audi has used multiple white shades over the years—such as Glacier White Metallic (LS9R / 2Y / S9R) and Cortina White (LY9G)—so the exact code depends on the model and year of the car. Below is a detailed guide to help identify the correct Audi white paint code and locate it on your vehicle.
Contents
Why “Audi White” Is Not Just One Color
When people ask for the “Audi white paint code,” they’re often referring to the bright, solid white seen on many contemporary models. In Audi’s catalog, several distinct colors fall under that general description of “white.” Each has its own code, finish type (solid vs. metallic), and era of use. To avoid mismatches in touch-up or respray work, the exact named color and code must be confirmed.
The Most Common Modern Audi White: Ibis White
Among current and recent Audi models, Ibis White has become the default, widely recognized “Audi white.” It appears on everything from A3 and A4 sedans to Q-series SUVs and high-performance S/RS models.
Ibis White – Code and Usage
The key identifiers for Ibis White are standardized across paint suppliers and Audi’s internal systems.
- Color name: Ibis White
- Main Audi/VW paint code: LY9C
- Alternate code tags seen on the car or in catalogs: Y9C or T9
- Finish type: Solid (non-metallic) white
- Typical usage years: Mid‑2000s onward on many Audi models (exact years vary by model and market)
This list details the typical code variants and identifiers you will see for Ibis White across different documentation and paint brands.
Together, these identifiers confirm that if your Audi is described as Ibis White, the paint reference you are usually looking for is LY9C (also represented by Y9C or T9).
Other Popular Audi White Paint Colors and Codes
In addition to Ibis White, Audi offers other whites—some metallic, some older, some specific to certain trim lines. Knowing these alternatives is crucial if your vehicle doesn’t match the bright solid look of Ibis White.
- Glacier White Metallic
Code: LS9R (also seen as 2Y or S9R)
Finish: Metallic white with a pearlescent/metallic effect
Notes: Popular on newer models where buyers want a more “premium,” shimmering white compared with the flat look of Ibis White.
- Cortina White
Code: LY9G
Finish: Solid white
Notes: Found more frequently on older Audi and VW models; sometimes confused with Ibis White, but the codes differ.
- Amalfi White
Code: LX9W (also referenced as X9W)
Finish: Solid, slightly warmer-toned white
Notes: Appeared on certain models and years as an alternative to Ibis White, often with a subtly creamier hue.
- Polar White (less common, region/era dependent)
Code: Often listed in older or regional catalogs; not a universal/global standard like Ibis White or Glacier White.
Finish: Solid white
Notes: Check the specific label on your vehicle or regional documentation, as names and codes vary.
The list below summarizes several of the most commonly encountered Audi white shades and their associated paint codes.
These alternative whites underline why asking only for “Audi white” is not precise enough—matching the exact name and code is essential for accurate color reproduction.
How to Find the Exact Audi White Paint Code on Your Car
The most reliable way to identify your car’s paint code is to read it directly from the vehicle’s own labeling. Audi provides this information in specific locations, though placement can vary slightly by model and year.
Typical Locations of the Paint Code on an Audi
Owners can usually locate the paint code without specialized tools, provided they know where to look and what format to expect.
- Service data sticker in the trunk or spare-wheel well
Often found on the floor of the trunk, near the spare tire, or on the side panel; the sticker includes option codes, VIN, and the paint code (e.g., “LY9C”).
- Owner’s manual or service booklet
Some markets include a vehicle data label inside the service booklet, repeating the information from the trunk sticker.
- Door jamb / B-pillar label
On certain newer models, a label on the driver’s side door frame may include or reference the paint code.
- Dealer or official service center records
Audi dealers can retrieve your exact paint color by VIN; this is useful if labels are missing or damaged.
- Professional paint suppliers’ databases
Reputable automotive paint shops can search by your VIN or by the code you provide (LY9C, LS9R, etc.) to mix an accurate match.
This list explains where to look on your Audi to find the factory paint code and what form it will usually take.
Using these sources together greatly reduces the risk of error and ensures you obtain the correct white shade and formulation for repairs or repainting.
How to Tell Which White You Actually Have
Distinguishing between the different Audi whites is possible by combining visual inspection with documentation. While subtle to the untrained eye, the differences can become obvious under certain lighting conditions.
Visual and Documentation Clues
By cross-checking the paint code, the appearance of the finish, and the car’s documentation, you can confidently identify the paint used on your Audi.
- Check for metallic flake: Under bright sunlight, Glacier White Metallic (LS9R) will show fine metallic particles and a shimmering effect; Ibis White (LY9C) is a flat, solid white with no metallic sparkle.
- Compare against touch-up paint labels: Factory touch-up sticks or bottles from Audi often list the official name and code, such as “Ibisweiß LY9C” or “Gletscherweiß Metallic LS9R.”
- Review the original sales or build sheet: Many sales invoices or build documents list the exterior color by name, which you can then match to its code.
- Use a paint code scanner at a body shop: Professional body shops can scan the finish; this is useful for older cars or those that may have been repainted.
The following points outline practical ways to verify whether your car is Ibis White, Glacier White Metallic, or another white.
By relying on both the written code and visual characteristics, you can avoid relying solely on general descriptions like “white,” which are too imprecise for accurate paint work.
Why the Exact Audi White Code Matters
Bodywork and touch-up repairs require precise color matching; even slight differences in tone or metallic content can be very noticeable, especially on large panels like doors or bumpers. Using the wrong white—say, Glacier White Metallic on an Ibis White car—can leave new sections looking mismatched, dull, or incorrectly reflective compared with the original finish.
Implications for Repairs and Resprays
Choosing the correct paint code affects both visual consistency and resale value, as mis-matched panels are often visible to buyers and inspectors.
- Color uniformity across panels: Ensures repaired or repainted areas match the factory color under daylight, artificial light, and shade.
- Accurate blending on adjacent panels: Enables painters to blend edges so that even minor shade differences are undetectable.
- Correct clear-coat and finish type: Metallic paints like Glacier White require specific layering and clear coats different from solid whites.
- Maintaining vehicle value: Visibly mismatched paint can suggest poor repair history and may reduce resale value or trigger more scrutiny in inspections.
This list highlights why professional shops insist on a precise Audi paint code before mixing paint for your vehicle.
For all these reasons, having the right code—rather than a generic color description—is essential whenever your Audi’s paintwork is being corrected or refreshed.
Summary
“Audi white” is not a single, universal shade. The most widely used recent solid white is Ibis White, whose primary paint code is LY9C (also seen as T9 or Y9C). Other important Audi whites include Glacier White Metallic (LS9R / 2Y / S9R), Cortina White (LY9G), and Amalfi White (LX9W). To identify which white your Audi uses, locate the paint code on the vehicle’s data sticker (usually in the trunk or service booklet), confirm the finish type (solid vs. metallic), and, if needed, consult an Audi dealer or professional body shop. Only with the exact code can paint repairs or touch-ups accurately match the factory color.


