VIN deciphering

[slow_in]

Hello! Trying to find a decent 318ti with the M package, and am wondering if there are any clues in the VIN that would let me know if the car is legit.

Or, does anyone know of a resource on the net that will list what options came on the car when new, based on the vin?

Thanks

[1996 328ti]

The VIN is not going to tell you if it's a sport.
I think only a dealer can tell you the options the car has.
I also believe there is a build sheet under the rear seat.

[autoxerwgn]

Yes, any dealer can easily run a "DCS Report" and the sport package will show up on the options list. Other than that, I don't know any other way you can tell from the VIN. I wouldn't worry though, just look for the easy signs of a M Sport car: M3 style front and rear bumpers, cloth/leather sports seats, and the 16 inch wheels are the easiest ways to tell.

[slow_in]

Thanks for all of the feedback.

I'm relatively new to the 318ti... can any of you recommend a site that would breakdown the technical information for each model year, as well as tell me what options were available for each year?

The M package is something that I'd like, but I'm also interested in a LSD...

did those come standard with the M?

Thanks for your help!

[1996 328ti]

I've neglected the companion section of the site, but there is some info for you to get started.
Also the only M package with LSD is going to be the 1995 Club Sport.

[L84THSKY]

So that means insurance companies don't know either? Geico didn't know, they asked me, and I was stupid enough to say no, even though I had the M-tech rear bumper.

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

The VIN is not going to tell you if it's a sport.
I think only a dealer can tell you the options the car has.
I also believe there is a build sheet under the rear seat.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by L84THSKY

So that means insurance companies don't know either? Geico didn't know, they asked me, and I was stupid enough to say no, even though I had the M-tech rear bumper.

They won't know. I guess that is why they low balled me when I totaled my car. Telling them it was a Sport with a California Roof meant nothing to them. I don't think they know anything more than what a Carfax would say. Dealers are tied into BMW NA.

[aceyx]

Originally Posted by autoxerwgn

just look for the easy signs of a M Sport car: M3 style front and rear bumpers, cloth/leather sports seats, and the 16 inch wheels are the easiest ways to tell.

Don't forget the thicker side mouldings.

[jkilla71]

Check out these two sites:

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

http://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/VIN/bmw.html

Combined; these two site will give you all the information the VIN has in it.

[zboot]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

They won't know. I guess that is why they low balled me when I totaled my car. Telling them it was a Sport with a California Roof meant nothing to them. I don't think they know anything more than what a Carfax would say. Dealers are tied into BMW NA.

Geico has a form they sent me where I fill out the options on my car beyond the base. They also have a section for "customizations" beyond what's factory installed. My insurance covers those customizations up to a certain amount after a deductible - pretty much if something breaks that costs $500, they'd pay up to say $300 to fix it. This applies to every individual custom thing to replace. So, it's only beneficial if those things costs more than the initial deductible. Since none of the "extras" on my car individually is worth more than $200, then they don't have to know and potentially increase my coverage premiums.