Paint code M3W · E4 · Metallic
Porsche Carmon Red Metallic
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Carmon Red Metallic is a metallic Porsche exterior color, paint codes M3W and E4. Porsche has offered it on the 911, 718 Boxster & Cayman and Cayenne between 2004 and 2008 as a standard color. To confirm a specific car left the factory in Carmon Red Metallic, check the paint code on its build sheet.
Carmon Red Metallic at a glance
| Paint code(s) | M3W, E4 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Metallic — 'Carmon' is Porsche's actual spelling. It is a different colour from the later solid Carmine Red. |
| Color family | Red Porsche Colors |
| Model lines | 911, 718 Boxster & Cayman and Cayenne |
Porsche Carmon Red Metallic years and models
| Model | Model years | Availability | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 911 (997) | 2005–2008 | Standard color | [1][2] |
| Boxster (987) | 2005–2008 | Standard color | [1] |
| Cayman (987) | 2007–2008 | Standard color | [1] |
| Cayenne (955/957) | 2004–2008 | Standard color | [1] |
US model years where the source gives them. A trailing dash means still offered in the latest source.
Carmon Red Metallic paint codes
- Paint code M3W— 997/987-era code[1]
- E4— short code[1]
The code is printed on the car's option sticker and on a VIN build sheet. Porsche has reused some names with new codes as paint formulas changed, so the code is the reliable identifier.
About Carmon Red Metallic
- Carmon Red Metallic appears in Porsche's list of launch colours for the 997-generation 911 Targa. [2]
Is that car really Carmon Red Metallic?
The build sheet shows the factory exterior color and installed options recorded for a specific VIN, plus original MSRP when the build data includes it. Free availability check first; $9.99 only if detailed build data exists — no subscription.
Colors similar to Carmon Red Metallic
Frequently asked questions
What is the paint code for Porsche Carmon Red Metallic?
Carmon Red Metallic has carried Porsche paint codes M3W (997/987-era code); E4 (short code). Porsche reuses names across eras with different codes, so match the code on the car's option sticker or build sheet rather than the name alone.
Which Porsche models and years came in Carmon Red Metallic?
Our sources list Carmon Red Metallic on the 911 (997) (2005–2008, standard color), Boxster (987) (2005–2008, standard color), Cayman (987) (2007–2008, standard color) and Cayenne (955/957) (2004–2008, standard color). If you see it on a model or year not listed, it may be a Paint to Sample order or a respray — the build sheet for the VIN shows which.
Is Carmon Red Metallic a Paint to Sample color?
Our sources list Carmon Red Metallic as a standard color rather than Paint to Sample. Porsche's Paint to Sample program can still apply many past colors to new cars, so a recent car in Carmon Red Metallic may be a PTS order.
Carmon Red Metallic vs Carmine Red: what's the difference?
The names look almost the same, but these are different paints from different eras. Carmon Red Metallic (M3W) is a metallic red from the mid-2000s on the 997, 987 and Cayenne. Carmine Red (M3C) is a solid, non-metallic red that arrived in the 2010s and is still offered.
How can I tell if a Porsche is factory Carmon Red Metallic?
Read the paint code on the option sticker (in the maintenance booklet and, on most models, in the front luggage compartment) or on a build sheet for the VIN, and compare it with M3W and E4. A matching color name alone does not rule out a respray or wrap.
Sources
- Carmon Red Metallic (M3W/E4) paint code and years — PaintScratch (secondary)
- The Vibrant World of Targa: 911 Targa colour ranges by generation (Christophorus 372) — Porsche Newsroom
More Porsche color research
- All Porsche colors
- Red Porsche Colors
- Porsche paint codes
- Porsche Paint to Sample explained
- Porsche tools & data hub
Independent reference; not affiliated with Porsche AG.