madandy 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2007 OK so I've searched the forum and the net and my engine bay now where the hell do BMW put the build plate with colour code, chassis code, engine & trans details? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmw.maniac 1 Report post Posted September 17, 2007 OK so I've searched the forum and the net and my engine bay now where the hell do BMW put the build plate with colour code, chassis code, engine & trans details? Exactly what i've been wondering. Or is there an online vin decoder that is really comprehensive? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bravo 35 Report post Posted September 17, 2007 They don't. Colour code is on a sticker on the front shock tower (usually passenger side). The SA built cars have a build plate above the drivers headlight and/or a chassis number stamped into the shock tower. Other cars have a chassis number stamped into either the same place or on top of the firewall. The sticker on the drivers side b-pillar that specifies tyre pressure is often accompanied by stickers/stamps with build dates and other info. The VIN is the main source of info. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madandy 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2007 OK. thanks for that Bravo. I'll decode the VIN. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenday-rulz21 6 Report post Posted September 17, 2007 Exactly what i've been wondering. Or is there an online vin decoder that is really comprehensive? Not really, but heres one. Decoder Might be others?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madandy 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2007 I got this for my VIN: Chassis number NA29593 Vehicle code CD18 Series E36 Model 328i Body type saloon Catalog model ZA Production date 1998 / 01 Engine M52 Transmission Manual Steering Right Catalyzer YES Additional Information for Vehicle code CD18 Production FROM : 1997/09/01 TO : 1998/11/30 Engine M52 Engine Oil 6.50 Liter Transmission Manual Transmission Model S5D 320Z Transmission Oil 1.30 Liter Rear Axle Oil 1.70 Liter Coolant(w/o Air Conditioner) 10.00 Liter Coolant(with Air Conditioner) 10.00 Liter Brake fluid 1.00 Liter Remarks : Final drive (rear axel), manual transmission: lifetime oil filing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bravo 35 Report post Posted September 17, 2007 (edited) BTW that's mostly e30 info (my post). e36 may be different - just realised that's what you drive. Edited September 17, 2007 by bravo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madandy 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2007 All good Bravo. you answewred me well, thanks. What I really wnated to find out was if my M52 was a M52TU28 or not and if it was a 142kw 280NM or 140kw 275NM model or a 142kw 280NM @3500 to 5500 engine if ya get my meaning. cheers Andy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted September 17, 2007 take your vin to the dealer they will have more info. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
my_e36 43 Report post Posted September 17, 2007 All good Bravo. you answewred me well, thanks. What I really wnated to find out was if my M52 was a M52TU28 or not and if it was a 142kw 280NM or 140kw 275NM model or a 142kw 280NM @3500 to 5500 engine if ya get my meaning. M52TU engines starts in the e46 range. The gain comes with the dual VANOS which control the exhaust side as well as intake rather than just intake side on single VANOS on the non-TU engine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites