The table below details the color distribution for all 30,621 8ers produced between 1989 and 1999. Each column represents one of the models of the 8er line-up. The first column is added to obtain a fully comprehensive overview despite none of the 830´s making it into distribution.
A total of 122 different exterior colors has been extracted from the data sheets for 30`582 cars. 39 cars remain unknown where the data sheet does not record an exterior color. Amongst…
Welcome to the first of many data-rich pages from the Inventory Project. This section represents the aggregated color data for the model years 1990-1999 BMW 8 Series.
The majority of 8er production (95.7% or 29`309 cars) came from a catalog of only 25 colors. The remaining production (4.3% or 1`312 cars) came from 100 colors.
Exterior Color Summary 1990-1999
(All 8 Series Models built from 1989 through 1999)
The exterior colors of the BMW 8 Series (E31) are far more than mere paint codes—they tell the story of one of the most iconic grand tourers of its time. Each color highlights the 8 Series’ distinctive design language in its own way: from elegant metallic shades to rare special-edition finishes and sporty, classic solid colors. The following table provides a structured overview of all available exterior colors for the E31, including designations, color families,…
Exterior Color (D): Bronzitbeige Exterior Color (E): Bronze Beige Color Group: Beige Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 139 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 907 208 8er's Produced: 1 Commentary:
Long time BMW color from the 1980's
This color was applied to a 1992 M70 850i
Color images were derived from multiple sources, including BMW AG, PPG/BASF automotive color charts, and owner vehicles. Republishing content is expressly prohibited.
Exterior Color (D): Kaschmirbeige Exterior Color (E): Cashmere Beige Color Group: Beige Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 301 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 052 079 8er's Produced: 80 Commentary:
Sometimes referred to as Smoke Silver, Desert Silver or Gold, this color was produced for all major markets.
Produced from July 1990 until August 1997 (the latter years were special order only).
The first two 8's in this color were 1990 M70 850's produced in July 1990 for Japan and Australia. The Australia M70 850 was
Exterior Color (D): Orientbraun Exterior Color (E): Orient Brown Color Group: Beige Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 285 BMW Part Number: Pending 8er's Produced: 2 Commentary:
Special order color through BMW Individual
One M70 850iA and one S70 850CSi Euro were ordered in this color; both were delivered to a German and Belgium owner respectively
Alternate color code:
FE 68-800X
FQ 95-2980
Color images were derived from multiple sources, including BMW AG, PPG/BASF automotive color charts, and owner vehicles.…
Exterior Color (D): Savannahbeige Exterior Color (E): Savannah Beige Color Group: Beige Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 282 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 052 254 8er's Produced: 1 Commentary:
This color was offered across the BMW model range in 1994-95
The only documented 8er receiving this color was a RHD M60 840Ci 6spd used as a test vehicle; whereabouts unknown
Color images were derived from multiple sources, including BMW AG, PPG/BASF automotive color charts, and owner vehicles. Republishing content is…
Exterior Color (D): Anthrazit Exterior Color (E): Anthracite Color Group: Black Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 397 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 052 648 8er's Produced: 10 Commentary:
Color introduced during the last model year (1999) for the M62 and M73 8 Series beginning with September 1998 production
The UK, German, and the Netherlands were recipients of this car with this color
This color is often confused with Cosmos Black, code 303
Color images were derived from multiple sources, including BMW AG,…
Exterior Color (D): Carbonschwarz Exterior Color (E): Carbon Black Color Group: Black Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 416 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 052 660 8er's Produced: 1 Commentary:
Color was used in the very last month of production for a Special Order M62 840CiA
This color is often confused with Dark Blue; although there is some blue in this color, it's primary color is black
This car was the next to last M62 840CiA LHD built, CC61719 (pictured), and is now apart of a special BMW collection
Exterior Color (D): Cosmosschwarz Exterior Color (E): Cosmos Black Color Group: Black Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 303 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 052 304 8er's Produced: 1240 Commentary:
Popular color across all 8er models.
This was the successor color to Diamond Black (code 181).
Photos courtesy of Mark Lipsky, 1997 M73 850CiA (USA)
Color images were derived from multiple sources, including BMW AG, PPG/BASF automotive color charts, and owner vehicles. Republishing content is expressly prohibited.
Exterior Color (D): Diamantschwarz Exterior Color (E): Diamond Black Color Group: Black Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 181 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 930 070 8er's Produced: 4980 Commentary:
This is the most popular color for the 8 Series worldwide, accounting for 16.3% of all 8er's produced.
Often mistaken for Grey, this color is part of the Black color family.
Color images were derived from multiple sources, including BMW AG, PPG/BASF automotive color charts, and owner vehicles. Republishing content is…
Exterior Color (D): Montegoschwarz Exterior Color (E): Montego Black Color Group: Black Color Type: Metallic Color Code: FE 86-9424 BMW Part Number: Pending 8er's Produced: 5 Commentary:
Rare color offered via Special Order from BMW Individual
Two Alpina B12's were produced in this color: one 5.0 (M70), and one 5.7 (S70)
Color images were derived from multiple sources, including BMW AG, PPG/BASF automotive color charts, and owner vehicles. Republishing content is expressly prohibited.
Exterior Color (D): Schwarz Exterior Color (E): Black Color Group: Black Color Type: Standard Color Code: 086 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 813 070 8er's Produced: 1138 Commentary:
Primarily this colour was a North American event. Elsewhere in the world, this colour was seen to be unappealing relative to cultural perspectives.
In the USA/Canada market versions, this colour was only offered for the 1991-92 model years. The last 1992 M70 850i to get this colour was chassis CB74613, a Canadian-spec 8er produced…
Exterior Color (D): Schwarz 2 Exterior Color (E): Jet Black Color Group: Black Color Type: Standard Color Code: 668 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 052 171 8er's Produced: 1442 Commentary:
Schwarz II (and Schwarz) were the most popular colors for the North American 8er.
Outside North America, this color was less popular.
This color was used for the 1992-99 8 Series.
For certain 1990-91 BMW 850 models, this color was available on special order.
Depending on the country, this color is known also as Black II, Jet
Exterior Color (D): Schwarz Mica Exterior Color (E): Black Mica Color Group: Black Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 347 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 052 559 8 Series produced: 7 Comment:
Special paint color via BMW Individual
Alternative color codes:
FE 68-940Z
FQ 95-3151
The color photos are sourced from various sources, including BMW AG, PPG/BASF color charts for the automotive industry, and vehicles owned by private individuals. Reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Exterior Color (D): Agaischblau Exterior Color (E): Aegean Blue Color Group: Blue Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 336 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 052 549 8er's Produced: 45 Commentary:
Special order color from BMW Individual.
Alternate BMW color code:
FQ 95-3568
The last S70 850CSi was built in this color.
Color images were derived from multiple sources, including BMW AG, PPG/BASF automotive color charts, and owner vehicles. Republishing content is expressly prohibited.
Exterior Color (D): Alaskablau Exterior Color (E): Alaska Blue Color Group: Blue Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 367 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 052 300 8er's Produced: 3 Commentary:
Special order color through BMW Individual
This color was applied to one M73 850CiA and two M62 840CiA RHD (UK)
The pictures provided are from Barrie Pipkin's 1998 M62 840CiA RHD (the last 8er in Alaska Blue)
Color images were derived from multiple sources, including BMW AG, PPG/BASF automotive color charts, and owner vehicles.…
Exterior Color (D): Alpina Blau 2 Exterior Color (E): Alpina Blue 2 Color Group: Blue Color Type: Metallic Color Code: FQ 95-3965 BMW Part Number: Pending 8er's Produced: 4 Commentary:
Special order color through BMW Individual for Alpina
This was the "second-generation" Alpina Blue, replacing the first-generation Alpina Blue from BMW's color catalog: BLAU METALLIC (FE 86-5489)
All four S70 850CSi vehicles in this color were transformed to Alpina B12 5.7 coupes. The four B12 5.7's in this color are:
Exterior Color (D): Aqua Exterior Color (E): Aqua Color Group: Blue Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 451 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 052 551 8er's Produced: 16 Commentary:
Special order color through BMW Individual
This color was applied to four USA S70 850CSi vehicles, three of which were used for the 1994 Detroit, Los Angeles, and Atlanta Auto Shows
Worldwide, this color was applied to 850CSi's and Euro M60/M62 840Ci's.
Exterior Color (D): Arktisblau Exterior Color (E): Arctic Blue Color Group: Blue Color Type: Metallic Color Code: 045 BMW Part Number: 51 91 1 851 635 8er's Produced: 1 Commentary:
BMW color offered in the 1970's and 80's
Only "one" M70 850CiA produced in this color for a USA customer
This 8er's last known location is the Los Angeles, California area (02/2007) and has over 100k miles
Color images were derived from multiple sources, including BMW AG, PPG/BASF automotive color charts, and owner vehicles. …
