Where Is the Mercedes-Benz Paint Code?
On a Mercedes-Benz, the paint code is at the Driver-side door jamb — vehicle data plate (large rectangular sticker), printed on the label marked “LACK (Paint) — 3-digit code”. The code follows the pattern 3 digits (e.g., 040, 149, 197, 775). If the sticker is missing or faded, look it up by VIN below.
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Mercedes-Benz Paint Code Location — Every Spot to Check
Mercedes-Benz prints the paint code in one main spot and backs it up in a couple of others. Start at the top of this list and work down if the label is hard to read.
- 1Primary location
Driver-side door jamb — vehicle data plate (large rectangular sticker)
- 2Backup location
Inside the trunk lid
- 3Backup location
Engine bay on the strut tower (older models)
What the label says
Look for the row marked LACK (Paint) — 3-digit code. That's the line that carries the Mercedes-Benz color code.
Code format
3-digit numeric Mercedes-Benz code. Pattern: 3 digits (e.g., 040, 149, 197, 775).
Common Mercedes-Benz Paint Codes & Color Names
A few well-known Mercedes-Benz factory codes so you know what to expect on the sticker. Your exact code depends on the model year — always confirm against your own vehicle or VIN.
| Paint Code | Factory Color Name |
|---|---|
040 | Black (non-metallic) |
197 | Obsidian Black Metallic |
149 | Polar White |
775 | Iridium Silver Metallic |
799 | Diamond White Bright |
Mercedes-Benz Paint Code Tips
The quirks worth knowing before you order paint for a Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes uses 3-digit codes — the same 040 has been used for plain black since the 1960s.
'Designo' and 'MANUFAKTUR' premium colors use 4-digit codes prefixed with the same 3-digit base (e.g., 297U for Designo Selenite Gray).
The vehicle data plate is large and lists multiple option codes — paint is labeled 'LACK' (German for lacquer/paint).
Mercedes-Benz Sticker Missing or Faded? Use the VIN.
Door jamb stickers fade in the sun, get peeled during detailing, or disappear when a door is replaced after a collision. When the Mercedes-Benz label is gone, the VIN is the reliable way back to the factory paint code.
Every Mercedes-Benz build record carries the factory paint code, locked to the VIN at manufacture. Our free VIN check pulls that record so you can order touch-up, brief a body shop, or verify the current color matches the factory original.
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz? If the current color doesn't match the factory code, the car was repainted — worth an accident history check to find out why.
Look up your Mercedes-Benz code by VIN
No sticker needed — the factory code comes straight from the build record.
What to Do With Your Mercedes-Benz Paint Code
Once you have the code, here's how to put it to work.
Order touch-up paint
Give the code to a Mercedes-Benzparts counter or a touch-up supplier. For pearl/metallic finishes, ask for the matching base + clear so the repair doesn't flatten out.
Save it for later
Photograph the Mercedes-Benz sticker in good light and store it with your documents. The code stays the same for the life of the car — no more trips back to the driveway.
Paint Code Location for Other Brands
Mercedes-Benz Paint Code — Sources & References
Mercedes-Benz color codes trace back to factory build records and OEM service literature. The references below are the authoritative origins behind Mercedes-Benz VIN, paint, and history data in the United States.
- NHTSA VIN Decoder ↗
Federal reference decoder for Mercedes-Benz VIN structure.
- NHTSA — Safety Recalls ↗
Open Mercedes-Benz recall lookup by VIN.
- NMVTIS — Bureau of Justice Assistance ↗
Federal title-brand database covering every Mercedes-Benz across all 50 states.
- EPA ↗
Coatings and VOC standards behind OEM Mercedes-Benz paint formulations.
Mercedes-Benz Paint Code — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the paint code on a Mercedes-Benz?+
On a Mercedes-Benz, the paint code is at the Driver-side door jamb — vehicle data plate (large rectangular sticker). Look for the label marked "LACK (Paint) — 3-digit code". If that sticker is faded or missing, check inside the trunk lid or engine bay on the strut tower (older models).
What does a Mercedes-Benz paint code look like?+
3-digit numeric Mercedes-Benz code. The typical pattern is 3 digits (e.g., 040, 149, 197, 775). For example, 040 is Black (non-metallic), and 197 is Obsidian Black Metallic.
Can I find my Mercedes-Benz paint code with just the VIN?+
Yes. The factory paint code is recorded against the VIN in Mercedes-Benz's build database, so a VIN-based lookup returns the original color code even when the physical door jamb sticker is damaged, faded, or was replaced during repair. Enter your VIN in the form above.
What is the difference between the Mercedes-Benz paint code and the color name?+
The color name (e.g., "Black (non-metallic)") is marketing copy that Mercedes-Benz may reuse across model years with small formula changes. The paint code (040) is tied to one specific formulation — it is what a paint supplier needs to mix an exact match.
How do I use my Mercedes-Benz paint code for touch-up?+
Give the code — not the color name — to any paint supplier, dealer parts counter, or body shop. They mix to the code. For pearl or tri-coat Mercedes-Benz finishes, a single touch-up pen won't match the depth; those need a base + mid-coat + clear process.
My Mercedes-Benz was repainted and the sticker is gone — what now?+
Run a VIN-based paint code lookup. The factory code is locked to the VIN at manufacture, so it survives a respray or a replaced door. If the car's current color doesn't match the factory code returned, the vehicle was repainted — worth pairing with an accident history check to find out why.
Get Your Mercedes-Benz Paint Code in Seconds
Enter a 17-character VIN to retrieve the factory Mercedes-Benz paint code and color name — for touch-up, body shop matching, or to verify a respray on a used vehicle.
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