Nissan Primera paint code: where is it located, how to decipher and choose a color

Owners Nissan Primera sooner or later you have to deal with the need to touch up the body - be it small chips from gravel, scratches from branches or the consequences of an accident. The main problem in such cases: how to accurately select the shade so that the restored area does not stand out against the background of the rest of the body? The solution lies in the factory paint code, which is assigned to each car on the assembly line. But where to look for it? Primera P11 or P12, how to decrypt correctly and what to do if the code is erased or missing?

In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from the location of codes on different generations Primera (including rare modifications) to the subtleties of paint selection in car shops and service stations. You'll learn why even original codes sometimes produce shade mismatches, how to avoid mistakes when ordering enamel, and what to do if your color is no longer produced. And for those who are planning a complete repainting, we have prepared unique code correspondence table Nissan and analogues from other manufacturers - this will save up to 30% of the budget without loss of quality.

Where to look for paint code on Nissan Primera

On Nissan Primera The factory paint code can be located in several places - it all depends on the year of manufacture and the market for which the car was assembled. Main locations:

• 🚗 Sign on the driver's door pillar - the most common place. Look for a sticker with the inscription COLOR CODE or PAINT (usually at the bottom of the VIN plate). The code consists of 2–3 characters (for example, KH3 or B54).
• 🔧 Under the hood - on some models (especially Primera P11 until 2002) the code is duplicated on the nameplate next to the body number. Example location: right side of the engine compartment, 近and shock absorber mounts.
• 📄 In the service book — if the car was serviced by an official dealer, the paint code could be included in the documents (section Technical data).
• 🔍 On the inside of the trunk - rare, but found on European versions P12 (2002–2007). Look for the sticker next to the spare tire.

Important: on Primera for the Japanese market (JDM) paint codes may differ from European counterparts even if the color is identical! For example, KH3 in Europe it is Midnight Black, and in Japan - Super Black with a different shade. If your car is imported, check the region of production.

How to decipher a Nissan Primera paint code

Paint codes Nissan consist of letters and numbers, where each position carries certain information. Let's look at the example of popular colors Primera:

• 🔤 First character (letter) - points to basic color group:
  • B - black (Black)
  • K — silver/gray (Silver/Grey)
  • Q - blue (Blue)
  • R - red (Red)
• 🔢 Second and third characters (numbers) - denote shade and type of paint:
  • Even numbers (for example, KH2) - usually metallic.
  • Odd numbers (for example, B13) - often mother-of-pearl or matte.

Decryption example: KH3 — Silver Metallic (metallic silver):

• K - silver.
• H3 - a specific shade with a metallic effect (used on Primera P12 2005–2007).

What to do if the code is erased?

If the paint code sticker is unreadable, try:

1. View the code in ETACS (electronic control unit) through the diagnostic connector - some service stations provide such a service.

2. Contact an authorized dealer Nissanby providing the vehicle's VIN (the paint code may be stored in a database).

3. Use a spectrophotometer to analyze color - this equipment is available in professional car painting workshops.

Nissan Primera paint code table by generation

Below are the most common colors for Primera P11 (1996–2002) and P12 (2002–2007), as well as their analogues from other manufacturers (for example, DuPont or PPG). This data will help you save money if the original paint Nissan not available.

Code Nissan	Color name	Generation	Analogue (DuPont)	Analogue (PPG)
KH3	Silver Metallic	P12 (2002–2007)	DBC 1775	9355
B13	Super Black	P11/P12	DBC 9300	9000
QR5	Blue Metallic	P11 (1999–2002)	DBC 2970	—
AR4	Red Pearl	P12 (2003–2005)	—	72666
WH0	White Solid	P11/P12	DBC 8500	9100

⚠️ Attention: Colors with effect mother of pearl (For example, AR4) is difficult to select by code - the shade depends on the layers of varnish and application technology. In such cases, it is recommended to order paint from official suppliers Nissan or use the services of a colorist.

How to order paint by code: step-by-step instructions

When the paint code is found, all that remains is to order it correctly. Here is the algorithm of actions:

1. Check the code for generation compliance - for example, KH3 suitable for P12, but not for P11 (it was used there KH2).
2. Select paint type:
   • 🔘 Base enamel - for single-layer flowers (for example, WH0).
   • 🔘 Metallic/pearl - requires additional varnish (for example, QR5).

Specify the volume — for local repairs 100–200 ml is enough, for complete painting of a part (for example, a wing) 500 ml will be required.

Vehicle generation (P11 or P12)

Type of paint (metallic, pearl, matte)

The need for varnish and primer

Volume (ml) and release form (aerosol or can)

Shelf life of paint (pigment freshness) -->

⚠️ Attention: If you order paint online (for example, eBay or AliExpress), pay attention to reviews about a specific seller. Counterfeit original codes Nissan often have the wrong shade due to poor quality pigments.

Typical mistakes when choosing paint and how to avoid them

Even knowing the code, you can make mistakes that will lead to color mismatches. Here are the most common:

• 🎨 Ignoring the year of manufacture - for example, B13 on P11 1998 and P12 2005 may vary 5-10% in tone due to changes in paint formulation.
• ☀️ Not taking burnout into account — if the car was left in the sun for a long time, the original color could become lighter. In this case, take the paint a shade darker.
• 🔧 Self Mixing — without professional equipment it is almost impossible to repeat the factory shade (especially for mother of pearl).

Tip: Before painting the part completely, do a test application on the inside of the door or trunk. Let the paint dry for 24 hours - only then can you objectively assess the match of shade.

What to do if the paint code is missing or unreadable

The situation when the code is erased or the plate is lost is not hopeless. Here are alternative ways to determine color:

1. Refer to VIN - some online services (for example, Nissan VIN Decoder) can provide color information based on the body number. Accuracy is about 80%.
2. Use spectrophotometer — the device analyzes reflected light and selects paint with an accuracy of 95%. The service costs 500–1500 rubles in car services.
3. Compare with catalogs — auto paint stores have physical samples (chips) with codes. Hold them up to the body in daylight.

⚠️ Attention: If your Primera was repainted by the previous owner, neither of these methods will give an accurate result. In this case, all that remains is a visual selection or consultation with a painter.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Primera paint codes

Can I use paint code from Nissan Almera on Primera?

Theoretically yes, if the codes match (for example, B13 — Super Black used on both models). However, shades may vary due to different pigment batches. To guarantee, order paint exactly according to the code Primeraindicated on the plate.

Why is the new area different in color after painting?

There are several reasons:

• The paint is not original or expired (the pigment has faded).
• The varnish is incorrectly selected (for metallics you need a varnish with a certain degree of gloss).
• Different layer thicknesses - factory painting is applied by robots with pinpoint precision.

Solution: Polish the transition between the old and new coating - this will smooth out the difference.

Where can I buy original Nissan paint by code?

Official sources:

• Dealer centers Nissan (the most reliable, but expensive option).
• Certified suppliers e.g. Nissan Paint Supply (Europe) or PPG (world leader).
• Verified online stores: PaintScratch, AutomotiveTouchup (delivered to Russia).

Avoid shopping at markets or from unverified sellers - the risk of running into a fake is high.

What is the code for the most popular Primera P12 color?

On Primera P12 (2002–2007) the most popular color was KH3 — Silver Metallic. It is found on approximately 30% of cars of this generation. The second most popular is B13 — Super Black.

Can I spray paint Primera from a store?

It is possible, but only for minor repairs (chips up to 2–3 cm). For spray cans, choose paint marked "Touch-Up" and be sure to apply 2-3 thin layers to dry. The spray can is not suitable for large areas - the transition will be visible.