Body Nissan X-Trail Over time, it loses its original shine: chips from gravel, scratches from branches or minor damage appear after an accident. To restore paintwork without the risk of choosing the “wrong” shade, you need original paint code. But where to look for it on a crossover? How to decipher a combination of letters and numbers? And why can even cars with the same code differ in color?

This article contains a detailed guide to finding paint codes on X-Trail all generations (T30/T31/T32/T33), decoding of symbols, a table of popular colors with photographs and practical tips on choosing enamel. And also answers to frequently asked questions: is it possible to paint a part “according to VIN”, why the code on the plate and in the service book may not match, and what to do if the original color is no longer produced.

Where to look for the paint code on the Nissan X-Trail: 5 places on the body

The manufacturer duplicates the color information in several places - this is insurance in case of corrosion or damage to the main plate. Here's where to look for the code X-Trail different generations:

  • 🔧 The main plate on the driver's door pillar (the most obvious place). Sticker with barcodes and technical data, where the paint code is indicated as COLOR or PAINT. On X-Trail T32 (2014–2021) can be hidden under a rubber seal.
  • 🚪 In the driver's door opening (on body metal). Often duplicated on a small sticker next to the main plate. Valid for models up to 2013 (T30/T31).
  • 📄 Service book (section with vehicle data). The code is indicated next to the VIN or in the column Ext. Color. Attention: if the car has been repainted, the data in the book may not be current!
  • 🔩 Under the hood (on some US and European versions). Look for a small metal plate on the spar or inside of the wing.
  • 📋 Documents from the dealer (purchase and sale agreement, acceptance certificates). It’s rare, but the paint code is indicated in the technical data sheet or invoice.

On Nissan X-Trail T33 (2021–present) the paint code can be transferred to an electronic sticker under the windshield - it can be seen when the hood is open. If you don't find the code in any of the places, check VIN through the database Nissan (more on this below).

📊 What Nissan X-Trail do you have?
  • T30 (2001–2007)
  • T31 (2007–2013)
  • T32 (2014–2021)
  • T33 (2021–present)
  • I don't know the generation

What a paint code looks like: format and examples

Paint code Nissan is a combination of 2–4 characters, where:

  • 🔤 First 1–2 characters — letter designation of the base color (for example, KH for silver, B5 for black).
  • 🔢 Last 1–2 characters - a digital or alphabetic suffix indicating the shade, type of paint (metallic, pearl) or region of production.

Examples of real codes with X-Trail:

Paint codeColorTypeGeneration
KH3Silver metallicMetallicT31, T32
B54Black DiamondMother of pearlT32, T33
QR5Red CupidMetallicT30, T31
NV0White pearlMother of pearlT32
GY0Graphite grayMetallicT33

Please note: Nissan the same code may indicate different shades depending on the year of manufacture. For example, KH3 on X-Trail T31 (2008) and T32 (2015) will vary in saturation due to changes in the paint formulation.

⚠️ Attention: If the paint code starts with P (For example, PBC), this is not the original color Nissan, but the code is for local markets (for example, Russia or the Middle East). Such paints may not correspond to European catalogues.

How to decipher a paint code: step-by-step instructions

You can decrypt the code yourself using official catalogs Nissan or online databases. Here is the algorithm of actions:

  1. Check the code format. If it consists of 2-3 characters (for example, KH3), look for it in Nissan TechInfo database (registration required). Codes 4 characters long (for example, PBCW) refer to local markets - they are deciphered through dealerships.
  2. Check the color chart. Below is an excerpt from the catalog for X-Trail T32 (2014–2021). Full versions of the tables are in the repair manuals (for example, Nissan X-Trail T32 Body Repair Manual).
  3. Check the type of paint. The last characters of the code indicate:
    • 🔹 M - metallic (for example, KH3M).
    • 🔹 P - mother of pearl (for example, B54P).
    • 🔹 The absence of a letter is ordinary acrylic enamel.
  • Check color in daylight. Metallic and pearl shades change depending on the lighting. Compare the code with the actual body color, and not with photos on the Internet.
  • ☑️ What to check before buying paint

    Done: 0 / 4

    If the code is not found or the decoding is in doubt, order spectrophotometric analysis in a car service. The device reads the shade from the body and selects paint with an accuracy of 98%. The cost of the service is from 500 to 1,500 rubles.

    Nissan X-Trail color chart by generation

    Below are the current colors for X-Trail indicating codes, paint types and years of application. Data taken from official catalogs Nissan and may differ for local markets (e.g. Russia, Japan, Middle East).

    Paint code Color name Type Generation Years
    KH3 Brilliant Silver Metallic Metallic T31, T32 2007–2021
    B54 Black Obsidian Pearl Mother of pearl T32, T33 2014–present
    QR5 Red Amur Metallic Metallic T30, T31 2001–2013
    NV0 Pearl White Mother of pearl T32 2014–2021
    GY0 Gun Metallic Metallic T33 2021–present
    AY0 Sunlight Yellow Acrylic T30 2001–2007

    For X-Trail T33 (2021–present) Nissan introduced new shades, for example, DAB (Deep Blue Pearl) and KAD (Autumn Bronze Metallic). These colors are not yet available in all bases, so please contact your dealer for exact selection.

    💡

    If on your X-Trail paint code starts with P (For example, PBC), this means that the car was painted at a local factory (for example, in Russia or Mexico). Such paints often do not match European catalogs - check the shade with an authorized dealer.

    Is it possible to find out the paint code by VIN?

    Body number (VIN) contains information about the model, year of manufacture and configuration, but not about color. However, there are two ways to get the paint code via VIN:

    1. Official request to Nissan. Dealers can send a request to the head office, indicating VIN, and get the complete history of the car, including the original color. The service is paid (from 1,000 rubles) and takes 3–5 days.
    2. Online services with databases. Some platforms (eg. VIN-Decoder) show color by VIN, but the accuracy is no more than 70%. The risk of error is high, especially for locally assembled machines.

    Transcript example VIN for Nissan X-Trail T32 2015:

    JN1TANT50F0123456
    

    - JN1 — код производителя (Nissan Япония)

    - TAN — модель (X-Trail)

    - T50 — тип кузова и двигатель

    - F — год выпуска (2015)

    - 0123456 — серийный номер

    As you can see, the color information in VIN no. If you are offered to “find out the paint code by VIN for free,” this is either fraud or data from open databases with low accuracy.

    ⚠️ Attention: Often found on the secondary market X-Trail interrupted VIN or repainted in a different color. Before buying paint, check the code on the plate with the body color in daylight - discrepancies indicate a past accident or body repair.

    What should I do if the original color is no longer produced?

    Discontinued colors (discontinued colors) - a headache for owners X-Trail T30 (2001–2007) and early T31. For example, shade AY0 (Sunlight Yellow) or AR3 (Arizona Beige) are no longer available. Here are 3 ways out of the situation:

    • 🎨 Selection of analogue. Professional colorists will mix paint to order using a spectrophotometer. Accuracy is up to 95%, but the price is 30–50% higher than the original.
    • 🔍 Search for leftovers. Some auto paint dealers or stores keep stock of old colors. Check availability by code in Autocolorlibrary or PPG Refinish.
    • 🖌️ Partial painting with transition. If it is not possible to choose the exact shade, the part is painted with a smooth transition to the original color. The method works for hoods or fenders, but not for doors.

    For rare flowers (for example, BV0 — Deep Blue Pearl for T30) owners create topics on forums (for example, X-Trail Club), where they share the remaining paint or the contacts of the craftsmen.

    How to check the quality of paint selection?

    Before painting the part completely, ask the technician to do a test paint on a small area (for example, the inside of a door). After drying, compare the color in different lighting: daylight, artificial and in the shade. If the shade is different, request that the recipe be adjusted.

    Common mistakes when choosing paint for Nissan X-Trail

    Even with original code you can run into problems. Here are 5 common mistakes and how to avoid them:

    • 🔄 Ignoring suffixes. Codes KH3 And KH3M denote one color, but a different type of paint (acrylic vs. metallic). If you mix it up, the difference will be visible after painting.
    • 🌡️ Not taking burnout into account. The paint on the body fades over time. To avoid "spotting", polish adjacent parts before painting.
    • 🛠️ Self-mixing. Even if you find the paint recipe according to the code, it is impossible to repeat the shade without professional equipment. Leave it to your colorist.
    • 📏 Saving on soil. On X-Trail with pearlescent paint (B54P, NV0) a special primer is required - otherwise the color will be dull.
    • 🚗 Painting without test. Always request paint on a test panel. The color in the can and on the body may vary.

    Another trap - local colors. For example, for the Japanese market X-Trail painted in GW2 (Dark Gray Metallic), which is not found in Europe. If you imported a car from abroad, check the region of production by VIN.

    💡

    On Nissan X-Trail with pearlescent paint (P at the end of the code) you cannot use regular varnish. It is necessary to apply a special “pearl” varnish in 2–3 layers, otherwise the effect of “depth” of color will disappear.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to paint the part? X-Trail not original paint?

    Technically yes, but there are risks: non-original paint may differ in resistance to UV rays, chemical reagents and temperature changes. For example, cheap analogues KH3 (Brilliant Silver) often turn yellow after 2-3 years. If your budget is limited, choose paints from trusted brands: PPG, Sikkens or Spies Hecker - they are certified for Nissan.

    Why are there different paint codes on the plate and in the service book?

    This happens for three reasons:

    1. The car was repainted after an accident, but the data in the book was not updated.
    2. The car was assembled at a local plant (for example, in Russia), where alternative codes were used.
    3. Dealer error when filling out documents (occurs in cars imported from the USA or UAE).

    In this case, refer to the code on the body plate and compare it with the real color.

    What varnish to use for metallic (KH3, GY0)?

    For metallics Nissan recommends two-component varnish Nissan Clear Coat (P/N KLC-001) or analogues from PPG (series D8115). Apply in 2 layers with interlayer drying for 10–15 minutes. For mother of pearl (B54P, NV0) you need a special varnish with a “depth effect” - for example, Sikkens Autoclear LV.

    Where can I order original paint according to the code?

    Official sources:

    • 🏢 Dealer centers Nissan. The paint is supplied in 1 liter cans or aerosols (price - from 3,000 rubles per liter).
    • 🛒 Specialized stores. For example, AutoColor or AkzoNobel (there are code bases Nissan).
    • 🌍 Foreign sites. On PaintRef or AutomotiveTouchup You can order paint with delivery to Russia (term - 3-4 weeks).

    Before purchasing, check whether the kit includes a hardener and thinner - for some colors they are supplied separately.

    What is the paint code? Nissan X-Trail 2023 in Space Blue?

    For X-Trail T33 2023 Space Blue shade matches the code DAB (Deep Blue Pearl). This is a pearlescent paint requiring a 3 coat application with a base coat DAB + pearlescent pigment + varnish. In the catalog Nissan also listed as Blue Abyss for some markets.