I am in the US army at JMRC Hohenfels (Google it), but i was in the german army 1983- 1987 as a tank driver. This was when the german army switched from OD green and white markings, to 3color camo and light gray markings. My tank was sent to depot overhaul and was the last one returning painted OD green as it was before. The next tank that returned from depot overhaul was painted bronze green, but without the other 2 colors black and brown. The next tank then, and all others afterwards, returned from depot painted 3 color camo. This was in 1984 or 85. During this time we were ordered to paint all markings light gray, regardless of vehicle base color. The yellow MLC disk was to be painted black with light gray number.
The german army uses american made stencil machines ( i have mine from a vebeg auction), and metal stencil sets that are slightly different from the common american interlocking brass stencil sets.
I am absolutely no expert when it comes to bundeswehr stuff, but i have several friends collecting german military vehicles.