2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Paint Color Codes: Ultimate Reference Guide

Maintaining the professional appearance of your 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is crucial, whether you use it as a daily delivery workhorse or a luxury camper conversion. To fix those inevitable chips and scratches, you need the exact factory paint code. This guide provides a comprehensive list of 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter paint color codes, helps you locate your vehicle's specific code, and offers professional advice on touch-up applications.

Quick reference: 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Paint Codes

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans feature a distinctive numbering system for their paint codes. You will often see them listed as a 3-digit code or a 4-digit code (usually starting with a 9, 7, 5, or 3). Below are the most common and popular factory colors offered for the 2017 model year.

Note: If you are uncertain of your exact color, confirm via your VIN at a Mercedes-Benz dealer or an authorized auto paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

Locating the paint code on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is slightly different than on standard passenger cars. For the 2017 Sprinter, check the following locations:

1. The Driver's Seat Base (Pedestal): This is the most common location for Sprinter vans. Open the driver's door and look at the side of the metal base that the driver's seat sits on. There is usually a black factory sticker here detailing the VIN and the paint code (labeled as "Lack" or "Paint").
2. The Driver's Side B-Pillar: Check the door jamb on the driver's side where the door latches.
3. Under the Hood: Occasionally, a secondary data plate is riveted to the radiator support or firewall.

Look for a 3 or 4 digit number. For instance, if your van is Arctic White, you will see "9147" or "147" listed under the color designation.

Best touch-up paint sources

Getting the right paint is half the battle. When sourcing touch-up paint for your Sprinter, consider these top-tier options:

• Mercedes-Benz Dealer: For exact OEM matches, especially for solid colors like Arctic White, grabbing a touch-up pen or brush bottle directly from the parts counter is highly recommended.
• AutomotiveTouchup: One of the best online sources for custom-mixed paint. They offer exact OEM matches in pens, brush bottles, and aerosol cans, which is perfect for covering larger panel scratches on commercial vans.
• Dupli-Color: A reliable, easily accessible brand found at most local auto parts stores (like AutoZone or O'Reilly). They offer Exact-Match aerosol and Scratch Fix All-in-1 pens.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Great for professional-grade, custom-mixed batches that account for slight factory variations or UV fading.

How to use touch-up paint

Proper application ensures the repair blends in and prevents rust from forming on your van's body panels.

1. Clean: Wash the area thoroughly with dish soap and water. Use a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure the scratch is completely free of oils, dirt, and road grime.
2. Primer: If the scratch goes all the way down to the bare metal, apply a light coat of automotive primer. Let it dry completely (usually 30 minutes) before proceeding.
3. Base Coat: Apply the color coat in thin, light layers. Use a fine-tipped brush or a toothpick for small chips rather than the bulky brush included in the cap. Wait 15-20 minutes between coats until the color covers the primer entirely.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry (wait at least an hour), apply the clear coat. The clear coat seals the repair and provides the glossy finish that matches the rest of the van.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

While most 2017 Sprinter vans feature solid colors (like the ubiquitous Arctic White) or standard metallics, repairing metallic and pearl finishes requires extra care:

• Agitate the Paint: Metallic paints like Brilliant Silver Metallic contain metal flakes. You must shake the bottle vigorously before and during application to keep the flakes suspended. Otherwise, your touch-up will dry as a flat, mismatched color.
• Test First: Always apply your custom-mixed touch-up paint to a glossy piece of test cardboard or heavy paper to ensure the color matches your van before applying it to the body.
• Layering Tri-Coats: If you are dealing with a pearl or tri-coat finish, remember it is a three-step process: a solid base coat, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a protective clear coat. The mid-coat dictates the final shade, so apply it very lightly and compare it to the surrounding panel after every pass.

If the damage to your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is too large for a touch-up pen or aerosol can, it's time to call in the professionals. Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.