Where to Find the Paint Code on an Audi A4

You can usually find your Audi A4 paint code on a white or silver vehicle identification sticker in the trunk (often near the spare wheel well or side panels), in the owner’s manual wallet, or via your VIN through a dealer or trusted online decoder. Understanding where to look and how to read the code ensures you get an exact color match for repairs, touch-ups, or resprays.

Why the Paint Code Matters

The paint code is the precise factory identifier for your Audi’s exterior color. While Audi may market a color under names like “Brilliant Black,” “Glacier White,” or “Daytona Grey,” there can be minor variations by year, plant, or finish (metallic, pearl, or solid). The code guarantees that body shops, detailers, or paint suppliers can mix the correct formula, avoiding visible color mismatches or patchy repairs.

Primary Location: The Trunk Sticker

On most Audi A4 models produced in the last two decades, the paint code is printed on a vehicle data sticker located in the trunk area. This sticker carries a range of technical details, and the paint code is embedded among them.

How to Locate the Trunk Data Sticker

The following list outlines the most common places in the trunk where the data sticker can be found on an Audi A4.

• Spare wheel well: Lift the trunk floor panel; the sticker is often on the metal floor or on the removable cover over the spare tire or tool kit.
• Side trim panels: Some models place the sticker on the inner sidewalls of the trunk, usually on the left-hand side behind or near the carpeting.
• Near the latch area: On certain model years, the sticker may be close to the trunk latch area or just inside the trunk opening under the carpeted trim.
• Under trunk mat or liner: If you have additional trunk organizers or rubber mats, the sticker may be hidden underneath.

Once located, this trunk sticker is generally the quickest and most reliable way to access your original factory paint code, especially if the car hasn’t been extensively modified or resprayed.

What the Data Sticker Looks Like

The vehicle data sticker is usually rectangular, white or light silver, with multiple lines of alphanumeric codes. It includes the VIN, engine and transmission codes, option codes, and paint information.

The following items describe key features that help you identify the correct sticker and line containing the paint information.

• Positioned in blocks: Audi groups data in blocks of codes; paint codes often appear in the block with other body-related details.
• Contains model details: You’ll see your model (e.g., A4, A4 Avant, S4) together with engine codes and other technical specs.
• Printed, not handwritten: The original sticker from Audi is printed at the factory, giving it a standardized appearance.
• Multiple codes in one line: Don’t be surprised to see several codes on the same line as the paint code; this is normal.

Recognizing the structure of this sticker makes it much easier to pick out the paint code from among the numerous option and configuration codes present.

Reading the Audi A4 Paint Code

An Audi paint code is typically a three-character sequence, sometimes followed by an additional character or internal reference. It is often alphanumeric (letters and numbers) and can appear near a color name in some documentation, but on the data sticker it is generally just the code itself.

Common Paint Code Formats

The next list highlights typical Audi paint code formats and examples you might see on an A4.

• Three-character codes: For example, LY9B (Brilliant Black), LZ7H (Daytona Grey Pearl), LS9R (Glacier White Metallic).
• Prefixed with “L”: Many Audi codes start with L, followed by three alphanumeric characters, indicating OEM paint.
• Occasional shorter codes: Some references may show a three-character set like Y9B without the leading L, especially in aftermarket catalogs.
• Multiple codes on one sticker: You may see two paint-related codes if the car has contrasting trims or special finishes (for example, roof or special-pack elements).

By matching the format and comparing to known Audi code patterns, you can confidently identify the line on the sticker that corresponds to your car’s exact exterior paint.

How to Confirm You’ve Found the Right Code

After spotting a likely candidate on the sticker, you’ll want to verify that you have the correct paint code before ordering materials or booking work.

The following steps explain practical ways to confirm that the code you’ve found truly matches your Audi A4’s body color.

1. Search the code online: Enter the suspected code (e.g., LY9B Audi) into a search engine; you should see a consistent color name and descriptions that match your car.
2. Use an online OEM paint database: Many paint suppliers and detailing websites list Audi paint codes by model and year; cross-reference the code with your A4’s production year.
3. Contact an Audi dealer: Provide your VIN and ask them to confirm your factory paint code; they can match it against their internal system.
4. Ask a professional body shop: Experienced shops that frequently work on Audi vehicles can usually recognize common codes and verify them with their mixing systems.

Confirming the code reduces the risk of mismatched touch-up paint or incorrect mixes, particularly on metallic and pearl finishes where small differences are more visible.

Alternative Locations and Methods

Not all Audi A4s have the data sticker in pristine condition, and some may have had trunk panels replaced or repainted. In such cases, you have several alternative ways to find or confirm the paint code.

Owner’s Manual Pack and Service Documentation

Some Audi A4s include an extra copy of the data sticker or paint information in the paperwork given at delivery.

The following list covers the main documentation spots where the paint code might be duplicated.

• Owner’s manual wallet: A duplicate data sticker is sometimes affixed inside the service booklet or warranty booklet.
• Service records: Dealers sometimes note the paint code when performing bodywork or warranty paint repairs.
• Original purchase documents: The vehicle’s sales invoice or delivery report may list the official color name and code.
• Extended warranty/insurance papers: Some extended coverage forms detail the paint color, especially for cosmetic coverage.

Checking your manual and service documentation can be especially helpful if the trunk sticker has been damaged, removed, or is hard to read due to age or moisture.

Door Jambs and Under-Hood Areas (Less Common on Newer A4s)

While many modern Audi A4 models rely mainly on the trunk data sticker, some vehicles may carry additional labels elsewhere.

The next points outline secondary physical locations you can inspect if the trunk offers no clear information.

• Driver’s door jamb: Look for any additional labels near the VIN / tire pressure sticker; some markets or older models may include paint data there.
• Passenger door jamb: In rarer cases, supplemental labels can appear on the opposite side from the driver.
• Under the hood: Check the radiator support or strut towers for any body-color stickers, especially on earlier-generation A4s.
• Repaint documentation: If a previous owner had dealer-authorized repaint work, you may find a supplemental label or notation in one of these zones.

Though these locations are less standardized across A4 generations, they can sometimes provide a backup reference for the correct body color or confirm that a non-factory repaint has taken place.

Using the VIN: Dealer and Online Resources

If physical labels are missing or illegible, your vehicle identification number (VIN) can be used to retrieve the factory paint information through Audi systems and reliable third parties.

The list below summarizes the main VIN-based options for determining your Audi A4’s paint code.

• Official Audi dealer: With your VIN and proof of ownership, dealership staff can look up the exact paint code from Audi’s internal database.
• Certified body shops: Some body shops have access to OEM databases and can pull paint information by VIN, especially if they are Audi-approved repair centers.
• Online VIN decoders: Selected premium decoders or parts catalogs can match your VIN to factory build data, sometimes including paint code and color name.
• Parts department queries: When ordering body panels or painted parts from Audi, the parts department may confirm and document the associated color code.

Using the VIN is particularly useful if the car’s trunk area has been replaced due to an accident or if the original sticker is missing, ensuring you still get an exact factory color reference.

Practical Tips Before Buying Paint

Even with the correct code, subtle differences in age, exposure, and previous repairs can affect how new paint appears against existing panels. A few precautions can improve your outcome.

Checking for Previous Repaints or Color Variations

It’s worth verifying that your Audi A4 is still in its original paint color before you commit to buying or applying paint based solely on the code.

The following steps outline practical checks that can reveal if the vehicle has been resprayed or color-changed in the past.

1. Compare hidden areas: Look inside door jambs, under the trunk lid, and around the engine bay; if these differ from the exterior panels, repainting may have occurred.
2. Inspect panel edges: Uneven masking lines or overspray near trim, rubber seals, and badges may indicate non-factory paintwork.
3. Use a paint thickness gauge: Professional body shops can measure paint thickness on various panels to detect repairs and filler.
4. Ask the seller or previous owner: If you purchased the vehicle used, prior owners or dealer records may confirm whether major bodywork was done.

Understanding whether your car retains its original color helps determine how well new paint based on the factory code will match what’s currently on the body.

Choosing Between OEM, Aftermarket, and Touch-Up Solutions

Once you know your paint code, you’ll need to pick the appropriate type of paint product, from factory-spec mixes to convenient touch-up kits.

The list below describes key options typically available for Audi A4 owners.

• OEM-spec mixed paint: Professional body shops mix paint from formulas that match Audi factory standards, best for panel resprays and collision repairs.
• Touch-up pens and bottles: Ideal for stone chips and small scratches; many reputable brands offer Audi-coded kits with brush or pen applicators.
• Aerosol cans: Useful for small parts (mirror caps, door handles, minor trim) when professionally prepared and applied with proper prep work.
• Clear coat and primer: For any non-trivial repair, using compatible primer and clear coat is essential to match gloss, protection, and durability.

Selecting the right product type and application method makes a significant difference to the visual quality and longevity of the repair, even when the underlying color code is correct.

Summary

Your Audi A4’s paint code is most commonly found on the vehicle data sticker in the trunk—typically near the spare wheel well, under the trunk floor, or on a side panel. When that sticker is missing or unreadable, secondary sources include a duplicate sticker or notes in the owner’s manual pack, documentation from service history, or an official lookup through your VIN via an Audi dealer or trusted paint database. The code itself usually appears in an alphanumeric format such as LY9B or LZ7H, and confirming it against online resources or dealer records ensures you purchase the correct color. Before buying paint, verify that your car has not been resprayed in a different shade and consider whether you need professional-grade mixed paint, aerosols, or a touch-up kit. With the correct code and a little preparation, you can achieve a close-to-factory finish on any repair or cosmetic work.

What color is my Audi by VIN?

You can find an Audi paint code using your VIN by contacting a dealership or using online VIN lookup tools, as the VIN itself doesn’t directly contain the code. The most reliable method is to find the code directly on the vehicle, typically on a sticker in the luggage compartment, under the trunk lid, or on the driver’s side door frame.
 
How to find your Audi paint code
Method 1: Check the vehicle’s stickers 

• Luggage compartment: Open the trunk and look for a sticker on the trunk lid, on the wall of the compartment, or under the floor mat. 
• Door frame: Check the driver’s side door frame or jamb. 
• Other locations: Some stickers may be found in other locations like under the bonnet or behind a panel in the trunk, especially on certain models like the Q7. 
• Vehicle identification sticker: The sticker is often located in the trunk and may include other vehicle information like interior codes. 

Method 2: Use your VIN

• Contact a dealership: Provide your VIN to the dealership, and they can look up the paint code in their database. 
• Use online VIN decoders/lookup tools: Many online paint and auto parts websites allow you to enter your VIN to find the correct paint code for your specific vehicle. 

Method 3: Consult your owner’s manual

• Your owner’s manual may contain information about the paint code, though it’s less reliable than checking the vehicle itself or using a VIN lookup. 

Where can I find my Audi A4 vehicle code?

Once verified, Key User setup can take place within the vehicle, which requires access to a 10-digit vehicle code. The code can be found under an opaque layer of security film provided with your keys at the time of sale.

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. 

Where is the paint code on the Audi A4?

The Audi A4 paint code is most commonly found on a sticker in the trunk, under the spare tire cover, and labeled next to “PAINT NO.” or a similar indicator. You can also find the code on the first page of the owner’s manual or service book, or sometimes on a sticker near the driver’s side door jamb.
 
This video demonstrates how to find the paint code on an Audi A4: 1mPaintScratch Automotive Touch Up PaintYouTube · Apr 21, 2020
In the trunk

• Open the trunk and lift the cover of the spare tire compartment. 
• Remove the floor mat or any items covering the area to find the information sticker. 
• The sticker is usually white or yellow and includes various codes, including the paint code. 
• Look for the number or combination of letters and numbers next to “PAINT NO.” or “PAINT”. 

Other locations

• Owner’s manual: On some newer models, the paint code is printed on the first page of the owner’s manual, which is often in the glove box. 
• Service book: A copy of the information sticker may be included in the service book, usually on the inside front page. 
• Driver’s door jamb: In some vehicles, a sticker with the paint code is located on the door jamb.