Original Build Data
Original Build Data
If you want to find out all the info about your specific car as it came off the production line try this.
You need the last 7 digits from the vin number and hey presto
http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html (English)
http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html (Deutsch)
Just used it for both the Alpina and the M and it gave me things I didn't realise were there.
Mod Edit: Added English link. R.
MOD EDIT 19/12/2016 - the above link seems to have been broken, the link supplied by grandadg90 works http://www.etk.cc/bmw/EN/vin/decoder/online
You need the last 7 digits from the vin number and hey presto
http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html (English)
http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html (Deutsch)
Just used it for both the Alpina and the M and it gave me things I didn't realise were there.
Mod Edit: Added English link. R.
MOD EDIT 19/12/2016 - the above link seems to have been broken, the link supplied by grandadg90 works http://www.etk.cc/bmw/EN/vin/decoder/online
Sapphire black/Imola red and black interior/ red roof/ S54 - the only RHD one made.
"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
Re: Original Build Data
Good find Phil
I've made it a 'Sticky'
I've made it a 'Sticky'
Gazza
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
Re: Original Build Data
I am not worthy to be made a sticky - or maybe I'd like to be a sticky afterall.
Interesting point for those with S54s - they came with a hard top as standard. I did think that was the case and it might have been for S50s. Not sure. But anyone buying an S54 should, in theory, have a hard top.
My Alpina spec is amazing as it details where the changes were made ie which other BMWs contributed parts and which are Alpina parts..
Interesting point for those with S54s - they came with a hard top as standard. I did think that was the case and it might have been for S50s. Not sure. But anyone buying an S54 should, in theory, have a hard top.
My Alpina spec is amazing as it details where the changes were made ie which other BMWs contributed parts and which are Alpina parts..
Sapphire black/Imola red and black interior/ red roof/ S54 - the only RHD one made.
"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
-
- Z Register member
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- Location: Belfast
Re: Original Build Data
Not without errors though - they have Hamish's build date wrong.
BMW Z3, the only way to build a true roadster
- The most powerful letter in the world.
- The most powerful letter in the world.
Cloz wrote:There is something that will never change is my love for Z3
smartypants wrote:Conor?
With an M??
The World's gone mad
smartypants wrote:The Z3 rear is a great thing to behold
Re: Original Build Data
Not sure that is correct according to Jonttt's S54 sheet http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6666 ... 202012.pdfPhil wrote:Interesting point for those with S54s - they came with a hard top as standard. I did think that was the case and it might have been for S50s. Not sure. But anyone buying an S54 should, in theory, have a hard top.
Gazza
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
Re: Original Build Data
Stand corrected. Looks like most didn't have the hardtop.
Sapphire black/Imola red and black interior/ red roof/ S54 - the only RHD one made.
"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
Re: Original Build Data
AFAIK, BMW cannot sell the cars with hardtops, as they have not been crash-tested. They are a dealer-supplied after-market option. After-market options don't have to be as stringently tested.
Pingu
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: Original Build Data
Whilst I have no doubt you are right, it seems rather farcical that a removable hard-top would need to be crash tested on a car that comes with a canvas roof as standard!pingu wrote:AFAIK, BMW cannot sell the cars with hardtops, as they have not been crash-tested. They are a dealer-supplied after-market option. After-market options don't have to be as stringently tested.
Re: Original Build Data
Mine was supplied with hardtop
Gazza
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
Re: Original Build Data
Is it on the BMW build list or was it dealer supplied?Gazza wrote:Mine was supplied with hardtop
Pingu
Re: Original Build Data
It's on Jontt's S54 thread and the Data Sheet
Gazza
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
Re: Original Build Data
From memory they were a factory installed option on all Z3's but came standard on none.
Option code was S982A = hardtop preparation and hardtop
They could also be retofitted by dealers
Mine did not have one and was retrofitted by the second owner.
Option code was S982A = hardtop preparation and hardtop
They could also be retofitted by dealers
Mine did not have one and was retrofitted by the second owner.
Re: Original Build Data
And here's another one that I've used in the past - they'll no doubt share the same database but thought I'd share anyway http://www.bmwvin.com/
- knighthawk
- Joined: Mon 17 Oct, 2011 11:45
- Posts: 30
Re: Original Build Data
Very interesting post, thank youPhil wrote:If you want to find out all the info about your specific car as it came off the production line try this.
You need the last 7 digits from the vin number and hey presto
http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html
Just used it for both the Alpina and the M and it gave me things I didn't realise were there.
Re: Original Build Data
I was in the parts department at my local BMW dealer and the lady dealing with my parts order asked me if l wanted the build data printout for my Z3.
I said yes and she gave me the printout there and then. Great service.
I said yes and she gave me the printout there and then. Great service.
Re: Original Build Data
How do you get the build data in English?Phil wrote:If you want to find out all the info about your specific car as it came off the production line try this.
You need the last 7 digits from the vin number and hey presto
http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html
Just used it for both the Alpina and the M and it gave me things I didn't realise were there.
-
- Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
- Posts: 1733
- Location: Manchester
Re: Original Build Data
Use Google chrome as your internet engine - it will ask you if you want to translatedixie4 wrote:How do you get the build data in English?Phil wrote:If you want to find out all the info about your specific car as it came off the production line try this.
You need the last 7 digits from the vin number and hey presto
http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html
Just used it for both the Alpina and the M and it gave me things I didn't realise were there.
Re: Original Build Data
My post was skipped over, but why not ask the BMW dealer, as l suggested?
Re: Original Build Data
http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.htmldixie4 wrote:How do you get the build data in English?
Click above link, same site in English
Edit: Mods, could you change the website address in the OP?
Re: Original Build Data
Just checked my z3 build date 10/04/2001 blue soft top blue /blakc seats green tint screen
Great stuff
Peter
Great stuff
Peter
Re: Original Build Data
Good link. Apparently I have a bettery master switch... never seen that!
Re: Original Build Data
You won't. It would have been removed after the car completed it's journey accross the Atlantic.
Cheers R.
Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
Re: Original Build Data
You mean that pyrotechnic thingy that disconnects the battery during a crash. Not really a switch as you would think.Pierrick wrote:Good link. Apparently I have a bettery master switch... never seen that!
2001 M roadster S54 Laguna Seca Blue
Re: Original Build Data
just checked my z3 it came with sport seats and a M starng wheel,M gear knob,, green wind screen surround, special blue soft top
peter2b
peter2b
Re: Original Build Data
You mean you couldn't tell this just by looking at it??
Cheers,
Bonzo.
Cheers,
Bonzo.
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
-
- Joined: Thu 23 Jun, 2016 23:18
- Posts: 39
Re: Original Build Data
The above decoders didn't work for me. Mine is M54 engine. I used this one.
http://www.etk.cc/bmw/EN/vin/decoder/online
Worked a treat.
http://www.etk.cc/bmw/EN/vin/decoder/online
Worked a treat.
Re: Original Build Data
Strange, This link worked for my Z3 but when I put a vin for a 328ci I was looking at It gave me a different car. I put in the last 7 numbers but It gave me a different prefix which didn't match. Any thoughts please ?
Tony.
Tony.
Re: Original Build Data
The original links didn't work for me today, I've added an edit to the original post.
Gazza
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
Re: Original Build Data
All the links on here are now dead, found a working site here http://bimmer.work/
Colb
1999 BMW 1.8 Z3
2003 BMW 2.5 Z4
1998 Honda Deauville NT650V
1999 BMW 1.8 Z3
2003 BMW 2.5 Z4
1998 Honda Deauville NT650V
Re: Original Build Data
VIN decoders seem to come and go like snowflakes > I tried several today I found on Google , with mixed results
WWW bimmer Lost me in a death spiral around a Captcha device to prove I was not a robot . I got no useful information here
FPC Euro parts site has minimal build info , but detailed parts lists
mdecoder.com gave the most detailed info . This is a bear of a web page buried in ads for every thing from exotic safaris to useless web page enhancers .It didn't give country of origin , I had assumed my car was a " Bubba Beemer" from the Factory in the Deep South of Trump land .
FPC Euro ' s site says it came from Germany
Most sites advise " Take your VIN to a local BMW dealer , who will reveal all ."
Bertie
WWW bimmer Lost me in a death spiral around a Captcha device to prove I was not a robot . I got no useful information here
FPC Euro parts site has minimal build info , but detailed parts lists
mdecoder.com gave the most detailed info . This is a bear of a web page buried in ads for every thing from exotic safaris to useless web page enhancers .It didn't give country of origin , I had assumed my car was a " Bubba Beemer" from the Factory in the Deep South of Trump land .
FPC Euro ' s site says it came from Germany
Most sites advise " Take your VIN to a local BMW dealer , who will reveal all ."
Bertie
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- Joined: Wed 11 Apr, 2007 13:13
- Posts: 160
- Location: Billingham
Re: Original Build Data
Back in 2012 when I bought my M Coupe I managed to contact a guy on the Reddit website (a BMW mechanic/technician) in the USA who was able to furnish the full build spec even down to how many cars were built (4 cars) on the 19th of June 2000 (my build date) and it was the 805th car of the 821 built. So the information is available somewhere, unfortunately I haven't got details of how I contacted the fella in the States.
Pete C
2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black Metallic/Black Interior.
Previous BMWs
2003 E46 M3 6 speed manual - Carbon Black/Black Interior.
2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black/Black Interior
1986 M635
1985 E28 M5
1983 E28 528i Alpina
2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black Metallic/Black Interior.
Previous BMWs
2003 E46 M3 6 speed manual - Carbon Black/Black Interior.
2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black/Black Interior
1986 M635
1985 E28 M5
1983 E28 528i Alpina
Re: Original Build Data
WHERE were z3's built ??
Were they all built in the USA and exported worldwide ?
Were " some " built in Bavaria ? if so which ones ?
I've read that some US built ones were fitted with German VIN plates , allegedly some complex scam revolving around the US plant being in a " Free Port ; enterprise tax and duty free zone ".
Similar logic around the place of origin of the components used in the US assembled Z 3s
Much of this stuff is on the edge of conspiracy/ deep state / black helicopters in the night / they want our guns / social media rubbish .
So back to my original question , Where were Z 3's built ??
Bertie
Were they all built in the USA and exported worldwide ?
Were " some " built in Bavaria ? if so which ones ?
I've read that some US built ones were fitted with German VIN plates , allegedly some complex scam revolving around the US plant being in a " Free Port ; enterprise tax and duty free zone ".
Similar logic around the place of origin of the components used in the US assembled Z 3s
Much of this stuff is on the edge of conspiracy/ deep state / black helicopters in the night / they want our guns / social media rubbish .
So back to my original question , Where were Z 3's built ??
Bertie
Re: Original Build Data
All Z3s were built at Spartanburg in the USA. It is possible that prototypes were built elsewhere, but that would be a mere handful of cars.
Cheers R.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
Cheers R.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
Re: Original Build Data
Thanks Robert
Re: Original Build Data
The VIN decoder is wrong on mine. It says automatic, but it's actually a manual.
That's probably because I swapped it myself.
It's also wrong on the interior color code, but that's again because I swapped it myself.
-Al.
That's probably because I swapped it myself.
It's also wrong on the interior color code, but that's again because I swapped it myself.
-Al.
2000 Z3 2.3 Topaz Blue Metallic over Black and Sandbeige leather.
Re: Original Build Data
I used to use the official BMW Warranty site to obtain the VIN of any BMW using just the registration plate. It was a great way to scope out Z3's when I was looking to buy. Unfortunately they've put an end to that but the same website is still useful at confirming whether your car is a genuine Sport or not (many seem to falsely advertise as a Sport).
https://www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/CarDetails/Index
Vehicle Registration Number A7FNT
Model BMW Z3 3.0I SPORT ROADSTER M54
First Registration Date 18/08/2003
https://www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/CarDetails/Index
Vehicle Registration Number A7FNT
Model BMW Z3 3.0I SPORT ROADSTER M54
First Registration Date 18/08/2003