What is Lexus paint code 1E3?
The paint code 1E3 identifies a specific exterior color in Lexus’ catalog, but the exact color name tied to that code varies by model year and region. To know the precise color for a given vehicle, you must consult official Lexus color resources or check the vehicle’s paint sticker.
How Lexus paint codes work
Automakers like Lexus assign a short alphanumeric code to each exterior color to standardize production across plants and markets. The code itself is a production identifier, while the human-friendly color name may differ by country, dealership, and model year. Because markets (US, Europe, Asia, etc.) maintain their own catalogs and sometimes refresh colors, the same code can map to different names over time.
Why 1E3 isn’t a universal color descriptor
1E3 is a production code, not a marketing label. Depending on where you bought the car and when it was built, 1E3 could correspond to any one of several color families. Without checking the region-specific catalog or the car’s stickers, you can’t reliably assign a single color name to 1E3 across all Lexus models.
To determine exactly which color 1E3 corresponds to on your Lexus, you can rely on several sources:
- Lexus official color catalog or regional service bulletins for your model year
- Vehicle identification sticker on the door jamb or inside the trunk, which lists the code and often the color name
- Authorized Lexus dealer or Lexus Customer Service for the exact color name linked to your VIN
- Trusted automotive paint databases used by body shops, which may map 1E3 to a common regional name
These sources help confirm the precise color name associated with 1E3, since the same code can be reused in different markets or years.
Where to find and verify the color code on your car
Locating the code on the vehicle and cross-checking it with official resources is the best way to ensure accuracy. Here are typical steps you can follow if you’re trying to verify 1E3:
- Inspect the door jamb sticker on the driver's side for the paint code (and sometimes the color name) and note the model year and market.
- Check the glove box or trunk area if the door jamb sticker isn’t accessible; some models place the code on other interior or exterior labels.
- Refer to the owner’s manual or the dealership’s VIN-based color chart for your exact vehicle.
- Contact a Lexus dealer with your VIN to pull the official color name mapped to 1E3 for your car.
- When planning repairs or a repaint, provide the paint code to a professional painter who can mix to the exact Lexus formula for your market.
Following these steps will normally yield the official color name and a reliable guide for matching or repainting.
Summary
Paint code 1E3 is a Lexus production identifier rather than a fixed, universal color name. Its exact color depends on the vehicle’s model year and regional market. To confirm the precise color name, consult the door jamb sticker, official Lexus catalogs or dealer resources, and, if needed, reach out to a Lexus dealership or authorized paint professional. Accurate verification is essential for matching touch-ups, part replacements, or full repaints.
