Paint code M5W · 3A8 / 3A9 · Metallic
Porsche Lapis Blue Metallic
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Lapis Blue Metallic is a metallic Porsche exterior color, paint codes M5W and 3A8 / 3A9. Porsche has offered it on the 911, 718 Boxster & Cayman and Cayenne between 2003 and 2008 as a standard color. To confirm a specific car left the factory in Lapis Blue Metallic, check the paint code on its build sheet.
Lapis Blue Metallic at a glance
| Paint code(s) | M5W, 3A8 / 3A9 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Metallic — Some vendors list it as a pearl. |
| Color family | Blue Porsche Colors |
| Model lines | 911, 718 Boxster & Cayman and Cayenne |
| Also written | Lapisblau Metallic, Lapis Blue |
Porsche Lapis Blue Metallic years and models
| Model | Model years | Availability | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 911 (996/997) | 2003–2008 | Standard color | [4][1] |
| Boxster (986/987) | 2003–2007 | Standard color | [4][2] |
| Cayenne (955) | 2004–2007 | Standard color | [4] |
| Cayman (987) | 2007 | Standard color | [4] |
US model years where the source gives them. A trailing dash means still offered in the latest source.
Lapis Blue Metallic paint codes
- M5W— 996/997/986/987/Cayenne era[3][4]
- 3A8 / 3A9— older-format codes grouped with M5W by one vendor; verify on the car's label[3]
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 Lapis Blue Metallic
Is that car really Lapis Blue 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 Lapis Blue Metallic
Frequently asked questions
What is the paint code for Porsche Lapis Blue Metallic?
Lapis Blue Metallic has carried Porsche paint codes M5W (996/997/986/987/Cayenne era); 3A8 / 3A9 (older-format codes grouped with M5W by one vendor; verify on the car's label). 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 Lapis Blue Metallic?
Our sources list Lapis Blue Metallic on the 911 (996/997) (2003–2008, standard color), Boxster (986/987) (2003–2007, standard color), Cayenne (955) (2004–2007, standard color) and Cayman (987) (2007, 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 Lapis Blue Metallic a Paint to Sample color?
Our sources list Lapis Blue 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 Lapis Blue Metallic may be a PTS order.
Lapis Blue Metallic vs Midnight Blue Metallic: what's the difference?
Both were on the 997 Targa colour list. Lapis Blue Metallic (M5W) is a brighter mid-blue with visible blue flake in sunlight. Midnight Blue Metallic (39C/37W) is a near-navy that can look black indoors. Check the code on the car's label to tell them apart.
How can I tell if a Porsche is factory Lapis Blue 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 M5W and 3A8 / 3A9. A matching color name alone does not rule out a respray or wrap.
Sources
- Flying Colors (911 Targa colour palettes by generation), Christophorus 372 — Porsche Newsroom
- One step ahead: 986 Boxster — Porsche Newsroom
- 2004 Porsche paint color codes (all models) — AutomotiveTouchup (touch-up paint vendor) (secondary)
- 2005 Porsche 911 paint colors — PaintScratch (touch-up paint vendor) (secondary)
More Porsche color research
- All Porsche colors
- Blue Porsche Colors
- Porsche paint codes
- Porsche Paint to Sample explained
- Porsche tools & data hub
Independent reference; not affiliated with Porsche AG.