Where to Find Your Audi Paint Color Code

You can find your Audi paint color code on labels inside the car (most often in the trunk or driver area), in your owner’s documentation, or by using your VIN through an Audi dealer or trusted online database. These codes are essential for matching the exact factory color for repairs, touch‑ups, or full resprays, and there are several reliable ways to locate them depending on your model year and region.

Why the Exact Audi Paint Color Code Matters

Audi uses precise paint formulations identified by specific codes, such as “LY9B” (Brilliant Black) or “LZ7S” (Daytona Grey Pearl). Two paints that look similar under daylight can be noticeably different under artificial light or after polishing. Using the correct paint code ensures a perfect color match for body shop repairs, alloy wheel refurbishments, or DIY touch‑up work, and helps preserve the resale value and factory appearance of your car.

Checking for Audi Paint Codes Inside the Car

The quickest way to find your Audi’s paint color reference is to look for the factory label or sticker inside the vehicle. Audi traditionally places this sticker in a few common locations, though the exact spot can vary somewhat by model and year.

Typical Label Locations in Modern Audis

The following list outlines the most common places where Audi owners can physically locate their factory label containing paint information and other vehicle data.

• Spare wheel well or trunk floor: Lift the trunk floor panel and check near or on the spare wheel well; a white or light-colored sticker often lists options and paint code.
• Side area of the luggage compartment: On some models (especially SUVs like the Q5 or Q7), the sticker may be on the left or right side trim inside the cargo area.
• Driver’s door jamb / B-pillar: Look along the door frame when the driver’s door is open; there may be a label with VIN, tire info, and sometimes paint code.
• Service book / maintenance booklet: Older Audis and some markets include a duplicate of the same options sticker glued inside the warranty or service book.
• Under the rear seat (rare): In some legacy models, a build sticker can occasionally be found under the rear seat cushion.

Although these locations cover most current and recent Audi models, some older or region-specific versions may differ slightly, so it can be worth checking multiple spots carefully.

How to Recognize the Paint Code on the Sticker

Once you locate the label, you still need to identify the correct sequence of characters that represents the paint code, which can appear alongside option codes, interior trim codes, and other data.

The list below explains what to look for when reading the sticker so you can distinguish the paint code from other alphanumeric entries.

• Look for three or four characters starting with “L”: Audi paint codes typically begin with “L” followed by letters/numbers, such as “LY9B,” “LZ9Y,” or “LZ7H.”
• May appear under “PAINT NO.” or “LACKNR”: Some labels explicitly mark the paint number with English or German abbreviations.
• Note the difference between color code and color name: The label often shows the code only, not the marketing name. For example, “LY9B” corresponds to the name “Brilliant Black.”
• Ignore interior or upholstery codes: Codes for seat fabrics, leather, or dashboard trims usually do not start with “L” and are separate from exterior paint information.
• Take a clear photo: Photograph the sticker to avoid transcription errors when ordering paint or talking to a body shop.

Once you identify the code beginning with “L,” you can provide it to a dealer, paint supplier, or body shop to obtain the exact Audi factory color formulation.

Using Your VIN to Find the Audi Paint Color

If the physical sticker is missing, damaged, or hard to read, your vehicle identification number (VIN) provides another pathway to retrieve the correct paint code. This method is especially useful for second-hand cars or vehicles that have undergone past repairs.

Contacting an Official Audi Dealer

Audi dealers can typically access the full build data of your car via the VIN, which includes the original paint color. This is often the most authoritative source of information.

The following steps outline how to use your VIN to obtain the factory paint code from an authorized outlet.

1. Locate your VIN: Find the 17-character VIN on your registration, insurance card, at the base of the windshield, or on the driver’s door jamb label.
2. Call or visit your Audi dealer: Provide the VIN to the service or parts department and ask them to look up the “exterior paint code.”
3. Request both the code and color name: Ask the advisor to confirm both the alphanumeric code (e.g., “LZ7S”) and the official color name (e.g., “Daytona Grey pearl effect”).
4. Confirm any special finishes: Check whether your paint is metallic, pearl, matte, or a special Audi exclusive (Audi exclusive / “Audi exclusive lackierung”), as this affects mixing and cost.
5. Document the information: Save the code in your phone notes, service records, or glovebox for future reference.

Because dealers rely on factory build records, this VIN-based method is especially valuable if your car has been resprayed or modified and you want to know the color it originally left the factory with.

Online VIN Decoders and Databases

In addition to official channels, various online tools and databases claim to offer paint code information using a VIN or model details. These range from general VIN decoders to specialist paint websites.

The list below describes how to use online resources effectively and what to watch out for when relying on third-party sites.

• Use reputable paint or OEM information sites: Some professional paint suppliers and bodyshop systems (for example, those powered by manufacturers like PPG or Axalta) allow limited public lookup of color formulas by code or model.
• Be cautious with generic VIN decoders: Many free VIN decoders focus on engine, trim, and production data, and may not reliably list paint codes.
• Cross-check with at least one official source: If an online tool gives you a paint code, confirm it with an Audi dealer or compare it to the sticker inside your car.
• Watch for regional variations: Certain colors and codes may be market-specific; ensure the resource you use supports your region (e.g., Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific).
• Understand limitations for Audi exclusive colors: Custom Audi exclusive colors may be harder to decode online and may require direct dealer or manufacturer support.

While online resources can be convenient and fast, they should be treated as a complement to, not a replacement for, the official factory and dealer records.

Understanding Audi Paint Code Formats and Names

Knowing how Audi structures its paint codes and marketing names can help you make sense of what you find on the label or from the dealer, and prevent confusion with similar-sounding colors.

Typical Audi Paint Code Patterns

Audi paint codes follow some common patterns, which can indicate the type of paint and occasionally its origin or age. Recognizing these patterns will help you read documentation more confidently.

The following list highlights the main patterns and what they generally represent across modern Audi models.

• “L” prefix: Almost all Audi exterior paint codes begin with the letter “L,” which is standard across the Volkswagen Group.
• Common sequences: Codes like “LY9B,” “LZ7S,” “LX7R” are typical; the second letter often varies (Y, Z, X, etc.), followed by two alphanumeric characters.
• Metallic vs solid vs pearl: The code itself does not always explicitly say “metallic” or “pearl,” but dealer systems and paint catalogs will categorize them accordingly.
• Overlap between VW, Audi, and other group brands: Some colors are shared across Volkswagen Group brands but can carry different marketing names despite sharing the same code.
• Audi exclusive: Special-order colors through the Audi exclusive program still use “L…” codes but may be less familiar to general paint suppliers.

Understanding these code patterns gives you a framework for interpreting the alphanumeric combination you’ll see printed on stickers or service documents.

Popular Examples of Audi Paint Colors

To illustrate how codes and marketing names relate, here are some well-known Audi colors and their corresponding codes that often appear on recent models, such as the A4, Q5, A6, and RS line.

The following list gives real-world examples of Audi paint codes and how they are commonly described in brochures and dealer materials.

• LY9B – Brilliant Black: A classic solid black frequently used as a standard non-metallic option.
• LZ7S – Daytona Grey pearl effect: A popular darker grey with a pearlescent finish, widely seen on S and RS models.
• LY7C – Ice Silver metallic: A light silver metallic commonly seen on A3, A4, and Q-series models in the 2000s–2010s.
• LY3J – Tango Red metallic: A vivid red metallic shade available on many modern models.
• LZ5C – Sepang Blue pearl effect: A distinctive deep blue associated with performance models in past years.

These examples show how the paint code (used for mixing and repairs) and the marketing name (used in brochures and sales materials) work together to identify the same color.

Buying Correctly Matched Audi Paint

Once you know the correct code, you can obtain paint from various sources, ranging from official Audi parts counters to specialist paint suppliers and online vendors. The critical point is to always order or mix based on the code, not just a visual match.

Official Audi Dealers and Authorized Repairers

Authorized Audi retailers and body shops can supply factory-spec touch-up kits or full paint formulations that match your code, which is especially important for warranty or insurance repairs.

The list below outlines how to use official channels effectively when you need paint that aligns with manufacturer standards.

• OEM touch-up pens and kits: Dealers often sell small touch-up sticks or sets containing base color and clear coat, labeled with the correct code for minor chips and scratches.
• Insurance-approved repairs: Authorized body shops use manufacturer-approved materials and mixing systems to reproduce the color accurately.
• Warranty considerations: For newer vehicles, using official channels may help avoid disputes over paint quality or corrosion warranty coverage.
• Access to mixing instructions: Dealer-affiliated body shops have technical access to the latest mixing formulas and updates for each code.
• Advice on special finishes: Complex paints—such as multi-layer pearl or matte finishes—often require specialized processes that dealer-approved shops understand.

While OEM options may cost more than generic solutions, they offer the strongest assurance of long-term durability and a nearly invisible repair when done correctly.

Independent Paint Suppliers and Online Stores

Many independent automotive paint suppliers can also mix paint to Audi codes, often at competitive prices and in varied formats such as aerosols, touch-up bottles, or bulk quantities for spray guns.

The points below describe how to work with third-party suppliers while minimizing the risk of a color mismatch.

• Provide the full paint code: Always give the complete “L…” code and the car’s model and year; this allows suppliers to select the right variant if multiple formulas exist.
• Check for variant formulas: Some colors have several formula “variants” to correct for production tolerances; professional suppliers can choose the closest match.
• Order a small sample first: For larger jobs, start with a small quantity to test on a hidden area before committing to a full respray.
• Use proper clear coat and primer: Especially for metallic and pearl colors, the clear coat dramatically affects final appearance and gloss.
• Read reviews and certifications: Choose vendors with strong reviews, clear technical data sheets, and compatibility with modern automotive finishes.

Independent suppliers can offer excellent results when provided with accurate information, but testing and careful preparation are vital for a professional-looking finish.

What If Your Audi Has Been Repainted?

In some cases, the visible color on your Audi may no longer match the factory code because of prior bodywork, color changes, or partial resprays. That can make relying solely on the original code risky.

Verifying the Actual Color on the Car

If you suspect the vehicle has been repainted—or if the repaired areas look different under certain lighting—it’s wise to verify the current color using more advanced techniques.

The list below covers practical steps to take when the paint on your car may not be the same as the original factory finish.

• Inspect panels under natural and artificial light: Look for subtle differences in shade or metallic “flop” between panels, a sign of non-factory repainting.
• Ask a body shop for a spectrophotometer reading: Professional shops can scan the existing paint with a handheld device to generate a near-exact matching formula.
• Compare hidden areas to exposed panels: Check inside door jambs or under seals; these spots are less likely to have been resprayed and show the original color.
• Check history reports and invoices: Prior repair bills or insurance documents may reveal past repainting or color changes.
• Decide whether to match factory code or current color: For isolated body repairs, matching the current visible color may be better; for full resprays, reverting to the factory code can restore originality.

By combining visual inspection with professional color measurement, you can decide whether to follow the original Audi code or the present-day paint on the car for future work.

Summary

You can find your Audi paint color primarily in three ways: by locating the factory sticker inside the vehicle (often in the trunk area, luggage compartment, or driver’s door jamb), by consulting your service book or owner documentation, and by asking an Audi dealer to look up the code using your VIN. Once identified, this code—starting with “L” and followed by additional characters—lets dealers, body shops, and paint suppliers mix an exact match for touch-ups or repairs. If the car has been repainted or the sticker is missing, professional color matching with a spectrophotometer and verification through official records can help ensure that any new paint work blends seamlessly with the existing finish.