[GrumpyBimmerFan]

Hey guys,

A few months ago, I bought an E38 that has an S62 V8 (from the E39 M5) engine swap. I always loved the E38, but I was just out of time to buy one when it was cool. I also always loved the E39 M5, but also was always behind the curve to get one. When this showed up, it was a perfect match, the BMW body that I love second-most (I love the Euro E28 the most), with the drivetrain of my childhood hero.

For the last few months, I've been addressing all the car's issues, fixing what needed fixing, and working on getting it into top shape. It was repainted at some point last year (in its original color), but they did a so-so job with some overspray (I'd call it a 5 ft paint job). Also, one of the doors has rust on the bottom so I need to fix/replace that. But to repaint and blend it, I'm 1/3 of the way into the full repaint job so I decided to repaint the whole car, address all the paint issues, and go for a color change. I want to do the door jams and trunk but not under the hood. So, I want to get opinions on which color to do. I want the car to look classy and not like a clown car, so keep that in mind. In the future I'm thinking of some alpina wheels for it.

I have an M2 Comp in Hockenheim Silver, and I absolutely love that color. Usually, I like brighter colors. I had a few Corvettes in baby blue, and my 68 Charger is Bronze/Copper, but I think the E38 needs a more subtle color. But I'm still open to other colors. I really like Miami Blue, but not sure if it would look good on this car. Porsche has an interesting Chalk color that is also in the running, and McLaren has an interesting gray. As you can tell, I'm leaning towards grays, but I'd be curious to hear what you guys would recommend, or tell me if I'm on the right track with color choices. The Hockenheim Silver kind of even looks like under the hood color (primed paint), so the color change wouldn't be that noticeable.

The E38 forums have lots of info on these cars, but since I'm dealing with a color change, I figured I'd like a modern crowd/opinion.

[W///]

Still one of the most beautiful sedans ever made IMO.

My choices would be Techno Violet, or Alpina green (not sure of the color name).

[stein_325i]

Estoril Blue looks very good on the E38. Like @W/// suggested, Techno Violet is also a rare and beautiful option.

[kyriian]

Nardo Grey, glossy non metallic monotone is an OEM BMW color and it'd be my pick if it was mine

OEM Oxford Green is always a good choice
Something a bit more unique and OEM, look up BMW Scarabaeusguen

Personal opinion: flashy bright colors on a big sedan makes it look cheap, it needs subtle colors,

[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Estoril Blue looks very good on the E38. Like @W/// suggested, Techno Violet is also a rare and beautiful option.

When I think of peformance BMW sedans the colors that always come to my minds eye are white and the different variations of this type of blue. I have no idea why.....but that's what happens!

[dtox9]

This may be frowned upon.... suggesting a GM color for a BMW...
but 1988 offered a medium gun metal grey color...
WA9243 paint code.

https://www.paintscratch.com/touch_u...87-WA9243.html

Not too light / not too dark - would look excellent on that body!

[SteveinArizona]

what is your interior? Upholstery color; dash color, etc.?

[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

what is your interior? Upholstery color; dash color, etc.?

Looks like black from the pics

[Darth One]

I agree that subtle is good for this car, also I think silver is the classic color for the E38.

I suggest a silver with some extra pop - may I recommend Porsche GT silver?

[Germanauto]

I always thought silver was the color for the E38, followed by black.

I do like the above suggestion of Estoril Blue though. It's such a classic BMW blue that's obviously more showy but still classy in my opinion.

[Kelse92]

Champagne Quartz would be beautiful combining old styling with a gorgeous new color.

[Jas387]

Originally Posted by W///

Still one of the most beautiful sedans ever made IMO.

My choices would be Techno Violet, or Alpina green (not sure of the color name).

I had a Technoviolet E39 and it was a fantastic colour. It always turned heads. I’m not sure I’d want it on a 7 series though. It’s such a big classy car, I think I’d want something a bit more subtle.

If it were mine I’d stick with the silver as I think it’s perfect on the E38, but if you really want a change I’d go for Orient Blue Metallic. A little more showy than the silver, but still classy, and it’s one of the original colours for the E38 so it won’t look out of place.

[YKIGI]

There’s only one color for this car and it’s....... Alpine White

You’re welcome

[Teutonic]

This car has a timeless design with elegant lines. It will look good in any color but a more 'business" color will be a better fit.
Bottom line paint it as you want. What matters if the job is quality and if the attention to detail is there...

[LOW4LYF]

I have 3 silver M Sport E38! Would buy couple more if I could...lol

[NYBulldog]

As long as you don't go with black or gray, you are all set. Hockenheim would lovely. But imola is so damn good looking.

[Chihuahua]

If you're not going to do the engine bay as well then I would keep the car whatever color it is now and have everything match and look OE. Just my $.02, that's quite a machine you have there. congrats.

[MJBO]

That Estoril E38 looks pretty great, but I’d love to see one in my favourite BMW blue, San Marino.

[whyzee125]

Estoril blue for sure!

[Wolf 335]

Space grey!

I seen one custom painted in space grey like color, and I think a little pee came out.

Paint the door/bumper trim same as body color.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by MJBO

That Estoril E38 looks pretty great, but I’d love to see one in my favourite BMW blue, San Marino.

I think your car will look great in any color. San Marino Blue will make it exceptional.

[fiveohwblow]

Another for SMB. Best blue I’ve seen in decades