Underbonnet paint code

Tim beard

Zorg Legend
Joined
Apr 30, 2016
Points
69
That's great thanks @Tim beard

Have you ever applied any of that particular paint code? I'm just wondering if the database definitely matches reality?

If I google F03 it comes up as Titan Silver matt. The matt is fine but the colour itself under the bonnet is not Titan Silver. But I wonder if it really means the under bonnet colour that goes with Titan Silver.
It's a none met Matt whiteish colour
 

Ianmc

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Oct 12, 2014
Points
165
Location
New Forest
Model of Z
Z3 (M44)
Went to a local auto paint supplier this afternoon and came back with a decent sized tin of matched under bonnet paint for under £12. The technician cleaned a patch of the existing under bonnet paint and placed a device on it that seemingly "read" the colour and the results were used to mix the paint. Asked the tech if he knew why the under bonnet paint was different to the top coat he had no idea but said "some manufacturers do this", we know that much! Treated my minor rust spots and applied undercoat last weekend, hopefully finish the job this weekend, but it is already looking much better without visible iron oxide.:)
 

Renaud

Zorg Addict
British Zeds
Joined
Jan 24, 2012
Points
64
Location
Newbury
Model of Z
Z3MR S54
Went to a local auto paint supplier this afternoon and came back with a decent sized tin of matched under bonnet paint for under £12. The technician cleaned a patch of the existing under bonnet paint and placed a device on it that seemingly "read" the colour and the results were used to mix the paint. Asked the tech if he knew why the under bonnet paint was different to the top coat he had no idea but said "some manufacturers do this", we know that much! Treated my minor rust spots and applied undercoat last weekend, hopefully finish the job this weekend, but it is already looking much better without visible iron oxide.:)
Hello Ianmc,

I tried to get a match for the under bonnet paint for Imola, but after going round in cirles for a while I gave up. Would be interested to see any before and after photos you may have.

Was your local paint supplier an independant or part of a chain? If they had a branch local to me I would give them a try.

Thanks,

R.
 

mrscalex

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
3rd Party Trader
Joined
Jun 10, 2016
Points
165
Location
Swindon & Swansea
Hello Ianmc,

I tried to get a match for the under bonnet paint for Imola, but after going round in cirles for a while I gave up. Would be interested to see any before and after photos you may have.

Was your local paint supplier an independant or part of a chain? If they had a branch local to me I would give them a try.

Thanks,

R.
I think most towns have an automotive paint supplier who should be able to do this.
 

Ianmc

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Oct 12, 2014
Points
165
Location
New Forest
Model of Z
Z3 (M44)
Renaud, I just found an auto paint supplier on the internet, as above I think most major towns have at least one. I used Auto Paint Supplies in Bitterne, Southampton SO18 1BZ but think they have other outlets in Hampshire/Wiltshire.
Like your Imola MR, my first M car was an Imola MR (but S50) in 2009.:)
 

roadvoyager1

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 1, 2013
Points
128
Location
Shotley Bridge
Model of Z
2.8ltr
Sorry can't add more on paint code numbers for specific colours but the following about the paint process may be of interest.
The first coating is applied in the steel rolling mill. Normally a zinc containing coating. This gives rise to claims about "galvanised" bodies. Not really true but good for marketing. This gives a slightly rough surfaceas well as providing basic rust protection.
In the car plant a dip paint is applied ( electrophoretic, if interested). This coats the inside as well as the outside of the panels and provides additional rust protection, including cut edges and welded areas. This is baked at high temperature. This is a single colour, a shade of grey, but does not have good UV stability so must be protected on external panels.
Next primer surfacer is spray applied. This provides the base colour, some chip protection and UV protection for the underlying coat. This is the paint colour you normally see in the engine bay. Depending on the paint system used it may be baked but more modern systems are force dried rather than baked.
Next comes the final colour, known as basecoat, this has the metallic effect and colour. Finally clearcoat is applied and baked to give the shine we all look for but also provides protection against acid rain, scuff mark, petrol, bird poop etc as well as adding some more UV protection.
Some car makers apply basecoat under the bonnet a few also apply clearcoat to certail areas. Most save money and keep the primer colour.
 
Last edited:

Renaud

Zorg Addict
British Zeds
Joined
Jan 24, 2012
Points
64
Location
Newbury
Model of Z
Z3MR S54
Renaud, I just found an auto paint supplier on the internet, as above I think most major towns have at least one. I used Auto Paint Supplies in Bitterne, Southampton SO18 1BZ but think they have other outlets in Hampshire/Wiltshire.
Like your Imola MR, my first M car was an Imola MR (but S50) in 2009.:)
Thanks Ianmc,

I just had a quick search and found that " Auto paint supplies" also have a plave in Newbury. I'll be taking the zed out of hibernation next month, so once its back on the road I'll pop into their trade counter and see if they can help. If I get round to it, I'll tyr and post a couple of before and after photos..

Thanks again,

R
 

MisterP007

German-Italian-British Mix - What could go wrong?
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Jul 24, 2020
Points
144
Location
Tunbridge Wells
Model of Z
Z3 2.8
Useful stuff as I have just bought a Titan Silver 2.8 with the milky colour underbonnet paint. Thanks @Tim beard for the info, I will try to get some from Darren at https://www.dcpaintsolutions.com/ He has been brilliant on all paint requests so far.
 

Nodzed

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
M Power
Joined
Feb 18, 2016
Points
231
Location
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Model of Z
Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
Top