185 XS configuration: certified for Switzerland and Germany
185 085-149 are equipped for services in Switzerland. They were delivered as such and have the Swiss package, inclusing ZUB/Integra signalling systems, cameras and two additionel pantographs with smaller contacts, required in Switzerland with its numerous tunnels. The DB intensively cooperates with BLS Cargo in Switserland, so that these machines are often used in mixed service with the technical identical BLS' Re 485 series. Some XS configurated machines have been spotted with small BLS logos on their sides.

185 XA configuration: : certified for Austria and Germany
185 040-059 have unrestricted access to the Austrian rail network since 2005. No XA units, but 185 085-094 got a restricted access to Austria in 2004, so they could run on the corridor St. Margrethen - Wolfurt.

EST Crash buffers
185 155-159 were delivered with EST Crash buffers, easy to recognize as they are painted red by these machines.

ETCS equipment
185 101-110 are fitted with ETCS signalling system for services in Switzerland since December 2007. They are easy to recognize by the NVR service numbers on both sides.

red-1 / no logos
During the name changing from DB to Railion, some machines were delivered without logos.
applied on: 185 152-155
period: since 12.2003

red-1 / Railion2 logos
While waiting for a new name to be introduced, no DB Cargo logos anymore
applied on: 185 156-200 and 055II
period: since 01.2004

red-1 / Railion DB logistics logos
Only two machines of this batch, 185 077 and 187, have been decorated with Railion DB Logistics logos. 185 077 first got them upfront only.

red-1 / small DB logos
Since 2008, most units that get there first general overhaul, are repainted and then are decorated with small DB logos only. 185 009 was the first, as far as we know, unit with small DB logos, released from Dessau in November 2007.

red-1 / small and large DB logos
Later on, 185s that got an overhaul only got small DB logos up front, the large logos on both sides remained.

185 087 promoting Bombardier
185 087 was present at the international railway fair Innotrans 2002 in Berlin. Therefore it was decorated with Bombardier promotional inscriptions. They were removed again before the machine was delivered to the DB.

185 090 and the history of three-phase current propulsion
From delivery, 185 090 is deocrated with a serie of visuals of key products in the history of the three-phase current propulsion system development in Kassel. In 2005, the original DB logos of the 090 were replaced by Railion2 logos, however, the special decorations were maintained.

185 001-003 promoting the Bombardier Traxx platform
To promote the new brand name Traxx for its modern electrics, Bombardier decorated the three prototype locomotives with Traxx vynils in September 2003. All units have lost their special inscriptions in the mean time.

185 152 promoting K+S
First DB 185.1 with a true commercial livery. In blue, green and silver, its promoting the K+S group, a supplier of fertilizers, plant care and salt products. The livery was introduced on 14.02.2006. 185 152 was also the second machine of its type to carry a NVR service number.

185 142 promoting the DB in Switzerland
Since May 2007, this unit is promoting DB's activities in Switzerland and its subsidiary Railion DB Logistics Schweiz. Its design is similar to that of 189 065, which promotes the DB in the Netherlands. The machines was exhibited at the Transport&Logistik fair in Munich in June 2007. The livery was updated during the overhaul of 142 in 2011.