M3 question, i know this is X forum (",)

StewieG · Post by **StewieG** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 2:37 pm

Hi All,

Quick one,

Im going to buy an 04 M3 coupe and want to know where to look for the VIN numbers so i can ensure they all match up. How many are there, and locations please.

Thanks in advance.

Stewie G

pvw10 · Post by **pvw10** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:20 pm

On mine bottom of nearside windscreen and by the side of the drivers seat, as i checked carefully.
Just make sure you have the service invoices and make sure the first special service was done, crucial so say. Regret selling mine as one hell of a car.
Cheers
paul

StewieG · Post by **StewieG** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 7:11 pm

[quote=""pvw10""]On mine bottom of nearside windscreen and by the side of the drivers seat, as i checked carefully.
Just make sure you have the service invoices and make sure the first special service was done, crucial so say. Regret selling mine as one hell of a car.
Cheers
paul[/quote]

Thanks Paul,

25 views and yours is the only reply : p

I assume those are the ones inside the car. Under the bonnet, where should I be looking? I believe there's a stamp on the drivers side and a sticker elsewhere in the engine bay. Exact locations and type of stamp or sticker advice would be great.

I know where they are on my X5, but i want to be sure i know where to look when I go to see the vehicle.

pvw10 · Post by **pvw10** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 7:41 pm

25 views etc but not many have owned an M3 in there defence.

Bums cant remember that well as was 2 years ago.

Bottom of screen you can view from outside or is that my Renault, argh unsure now.
Underbonnet decals will be as X5 and in similar places, main one is engine number so best google for location as i cant remember.

Check bonnet with magnet as should be alloy, bumpers are carbon also. Dash is unique to M3 and as the X5 the rear wheels are bigger than fronts.
Check wheels condition for cracks plus expensive to refurb and mine were done yearly which was a real pain and expense, its the only thing that peed me off about the car.

All the value is in the motor so as you are, spend your time there, big service is Â£1k at a main stealer so watch for that.

StewieG · Post by **StewieG** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 7:45 pm

Mate,

Thanks alot for this info, it adds peace of my to when i go see the vehicle. will update if I buy it with image.

pvw10 · Post by **pvw10** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 7:52 pm

Your very welcome, its a very underated car and damn fast. Fuel useage is good, tyre wear not so.
Insurance was tricky and car tax dear but worth every penny when you over take something, the sound from the exhaust oh yes indeedy.

Std exhaust at the back is 30kg, i changed mine and big mistake, car sounded like a boy racers plus lost all back pressure so drove like a dog so guess BMW new best so i had original re fitted !

Just dont ever turn the TC off in damp or wet conditions and give it some beans.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:14 pm

[quote=""pvw10""]Just dont ever turn the TC off in damp or wet conditions and give it some beans.[/quote]

Oh go on.......it's great for checking your Adrenalin production rate..

Seriously though, a quick call to a BMW Dealer would probably get the data on where to find all the VIN places. BMW GB will also tell you the service history (for a fee of course) which might be another thing worth checking on if you want one of these rocket ships.

My other half wants one, but only the convertible and she didn't want the running costs as it was to be an everyday car. She settled for the E46 330Cd MSport which is a quick car for a diesel with bags of torque on tap. Doesn't match the M3 exhaust note and engine sound though!

pvw10 · Post by **pvw10** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:27 pm

Oh go on.......it's great for checking your Adrenalin production rate..

I just kept doing 180 turns in silly places, cost a fortune in underwear !!

B5tew · Post by **B5tew** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:28 pm

From memory the vin on my 330 was one at the bottom of the nearside windscreen and the other on the suspension strut under the bonnet it was engraved in and covered with a clear film.
I would imagine the m3 would be the same

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 10:32 pm

On my M that is the same, strut and windscreen.

pvw10 · Post by **pvw10** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 10:14 am

[quote=""B5tew""]From memory the vin on my 330 was one at the bottom of the nearside windscreen and the other on the suspension strut under the bonnet it was engraved in and covered with a clear film.
I would imagine the m3 would be the same[/quote]

Yes your right i can visualise it now, sort of written in punches/dots.

mikem · Post by **mikem** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 7:05 pm

`Miss mine when the sun is out !

mattyp · Post by **mattyp** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 7:16 pm

make sure it has had the running in service aswell.

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M3 question, i know this is X forum (",)

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