BUild plate location

[madandy 0]

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?

[bmw.maniac 1]

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?

[bravo 35]

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.

[madandy 0]

OK. thanks for that Bravo.

I'll decode the VIN.

[greenday-rulz21 6]

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??

[madandy 0]

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

[bravo 35]

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

[madandy 0]

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

[kiwi535 538]

take your vin to the dealer they will have more info.

[my_e36 43]

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.