Sections: Uncategorized Nov 25th, 2003 18 Comments Ever wanted to know what month your car was made or what the exact model number is of your transmission? If so then I'd like to present to you the BMW (and now MINI) VIN decoder. It's a little bit of code someone wrote awhile back to let us all learn just a bit more about our cars. It was originally meant for BMWs but since the MINI relies on the same VIN numbering system it will also work for us.
Check it out here: http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi.
steve Nov 25th, 2003 Link
And I had to actually look my VIN up again.. I thought I would have had it memorized after the hundreds of times I checked the W&W site waiting for my car to actually get on a boat to make it's way across the pond.
Jason Nov 25th, 2003 Link
It doesn't work for my VIN. Whaaa 8'(
Maxwell (Chitown COOP) Nov 25th, 2003 Link
Doesn't the door sticker have month built listed on it? I would go check, but I'm in pajamas, and it's coooooold outside!
Alan Sadwin Nov 26th, 2003 Link
Definainately didin't work on my 2004. Everything came in wrong (even the fact that the car is left hand drive)
Gabe Nov 26th, 2003 Link
Very interesting. I wonder if the VIN system was changed then as it works fine on my '02.
Are you putting in just your last seven of the VIN?
Kurt Nov 26th, 2003 Link
It doesn't work for my '04 either. Last I checked my car wasn't right-hand drive, although that would be cool if it was.
Alan Sadwin Nov 26th, 2003 Link
I originally thought that was the problem so I tried a second time.
Wish it worked; thanks for posting the info anyhow.
Off thread, but 158 miles now and I am absolutely thrilled. MCS JCW EB no sunroof, sport package and laether
Dave Nov 26th, 2003 Link
Worked fine for my 2003 MCS production date 10/02.
Regina Nov 26th, 2003 Link
Site clearly says “** Data is compatible with BMW ETK CD-ROM as of 10/2003.” My 2004 didn't work either for that reason.
Frank Nov 27th, 2003 Link
The information reflected for both my '02 Cooper CVT and '04 MCS is correct and accurate as per the VIN decoder site. My '04 MCS is a 9/2003 production build.
Bob Nov 27th, 2003 Link
Didn't work for my 04 mcs either
Eric Longman Nov 28th, 2003 Link
Worked fine for my 03 MCS (08/2003 build).
Kim Dec 26th, 2004 Link
Is there any way/website to look up what packages/options/etc are on a BMW off by entering the VIN? I am looking at buying a used one and would like to research some vehicles myself, before I start calling dealers.
Rick Feb 14th, 2005 Link
Didn’t work on my 2005 Convertible
Luke Mar 1st, 2005 Link
It doesn’t work for my VIN too (WBADA820709385687) Any suggestion ?
VIN Decoder Nov 14th, 2008 Link
If you are looking for a real VIN Decoder try http://www.vinpower.com
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