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Thread: VIN decoder with full build sheet

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
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    NW Oregon
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    VIN decoder with full build sheet

    Anyone have a working good vin decoder site? I’ve found some that show the very basics, like build date, engine, and transmission. But I’m looking for for the full build sheet. Any help would be great.

    Thanks!
    Currently looking for e24. PM me if you see anything interesting.

    Also, looking for my old car. Sold it in 2014 to someone in Northern CA. He sold it shortly thereafter and doesn't remember to who. It was a bronzit '85 euro, lowered, headlight wipers/washers (that worked!), rear black spoiler, 5 speed, nutria interior (however i removed original buffalo leather interior and replaced with manual sport seats (front and rear).

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA
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    '86 635CSi, '08 128i
    I've been using Bimmercat, but it's not as easy to use as the other ones used to be. When you search the VIN, it'll give you the correct parts catalog. You have to re-search for the VIN to get the build sheet, and sometimes it doesn't work at all. It's the best one I've found recently, something must have been changed or broken with the DB connection into BMW's system on many of the other sites.

    I've also had luck with BMW dealer's parts counters. Some newer dealers are pretty arrogant, but old-fashioned dealers are very friendly. Take your title with you, they should be willing to help. I usually help myself to coffee at my local dealer - we're lucky to have two first-rate BMW dealers here, Rahal and P&W have both gone above & beyond with stuff like stereo codes and reasonably-priced stuff like BMW coolant purchases.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  3. #3
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    Bimmercat worked well, thanks! Once i get the car, i'll head over to my local BMW dealer and see how friendly they are. Nice to have a couple good ones in the area
    Currently looking for e24. PM me if you see anything interesting.

    Also, looking for my old car. Sold it in 2014 to someone in Northern CA. He sold it shortly thereafter and doesn't remember to who. It was a bronzit '85 euro, lowered, headlight wipers/washers (that worked!), rear black spoiler, 5 speed, nutria interior (however i removed original buffalo leather interior and replaced with manual sport seats (front and rear).

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
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    Estonia, Europe
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    I have used bimmer.work which gives good results in 90% of cases and for Europe car use vinspy.eu
    Last edited by Jackings; 11-19-2020 at 02:57 AM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
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    e24e30e36e39e90
    The VIN checkers have been very flaky lately, behind the scenes they all use the same API that provides the full build sheets for a VIN. Some days the API is working, some days it isn't. When it's not working, it doesn't matter which site you use, they're all broken.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
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    e24e30e36e39e90
    And how did this thread rack up over 11K views just since April?? That doesn't seem right...

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