Boxerworks.com

Colleagues, there are multiple treads online surrounding the mystery of BMW paint codes, I've spent the last few months researching their origin and uncovering the underlying data each 3-digit number represents. Further, I've discovered the "current" formula for BMW "Silber Metallic" on the 1976-1978 R-100RS which includes the "matt finish" clear coat as well as the base color.
My bike, pictured above, has code 530 on the rear fender; this code is interpreted as follows:

Code: 030 Silber Metallic (Base Color)
Code: 099 Matt Clear (Clearcoat)
Code: 120 Matt Black (Inner Faring Surfaces)
Code: 121 Gloss Black (Chassis)
Code: 105 Blue (Pin Stripe)

If this information is familiar to you, you also know that none of these codes can be found using current databases however, BASF has either partnered or absorbed Glasuit and they have a color library available by phone. My local BASF jobber was able to retrieve the mixing formula for the Silber Metallic Matt including the formula for the Matt Clearcoat. An image of the formula is below:

NOTE: This is a BASF formula, both base and clearcoat are mineral based formulas (no water base) and note the statement "for overall use only". I'm told the clearcoat ONLY comes in 5-litre increments (~$400+ US), but I'm also told that the BASF basecoat works with various other clearcoats, you'll just need to calculate the amount of flattener to achieve the desired gloss (or flatness). I am a few weeks away from beginning my refinishing and I'll report back who my top-coat decision is and ratio of flattener I decided to use.

I hope this helps somebody, and if you need the BASF library phone number, I'll look for a request here.

Warm regards,
Mike