I have a seven digit VIN from the tag on the windshield post. At the license branch they are asking for more digits....is the model number supposed to appear in front of the digits? We are applying for the lost title.

Tom W

look on passengers side under the hood by fender. i think they are looking for 21 digit right?

look on passengers side under the hood by fender. i think they are looking for 21 digit right?

I did not talk to them myself. But definately more than seven. I was thinking more like thirteen or so. Thanks for the new place to look.

Tom W

Yeah, should start with WBAA or something similar.

The full VIN should be on the little plate on the dash, and also under the hood as said. Are we talking about a USA car? All USA 320is (possibly all e21's, I don't remember) start with WBAAG. This identifies the manufacturer and the location where it was made. The last 7 is the part that differentiates your car from other 320is. Thats why the dealer only asks for the last 7 for parts lookup. Then theres one more digit in between that I think is a code for the model year.

http://www.autohausaz.com/bmw-auto-parts/bmw-vehicle-identification-numbers.html

about a third of the way down it tells all the different places it might be

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52297&stc=1

nevermind, doesn't go back to the e21 years

just read through here, it links to many different bmw vin decoders

I got a 79 320i and it only has 7 digit number on dash plate and the plate on the pass side fender also. I also have the certificate of title and in shows only the 7 numbers on it.

I got a 79 320i and it only has 7 digit number on dash plate and the plate on the pass side fender also. I also have the certificate of title and in shows only the 7 numbers on it.
same here on a '80. but even that car has a long VIN under the hood next to the right fender.
but my '83 has the full VIN everywhere, including the dash. I think the unified VINs worldwide started in '82.

you can't carfax a car before 82 either since the vins weren't standardized, my 79 only has a 7 digit vin as well...

I rechecked the number and the po had added a zero in the middle! So now the new title should be in process.

Tom W