How to track Engine Vin # and what the # mean

[elmctyscot]

Hey all:

Just brought an engine for our 1990 325ix.

Need help to decode the engines vin number. Online seller from MI gave a car vin number with millage from a 1989 325ix but, nothing of prof/use on how to line up engine vin numbers with car vin numbers. Engine numbers look to have been filed and restamped so it may be a rebuild or.......?????. Seller finally admitted they didn't know how to line up numbers.


Any help greatly appreciated.

[bmwdirtracer]

A vin number is a vin number: it's seventeen digits. Any other number on the engine cannot be "lined up" with a particular car. The vin will not be stamped anywhere on the engine, but just MIGHT appear on a black sticker with white numbers, unlikely on that year of car.

Any stamped number will tell you only the engine type and displacement; but that's really all you need.

[elmctyscot]

Thank you.