Certcar
Check VIN

BMW VIN check: 3 Series, 5 Series and X5.

Enter the VIN and see what has been recorded about the car: mileage, damage, services and factory equipment.

Enter VIN number (17 characters)

You see the make and model for free, before you pay.

The boot badge
What each character means
Illustrative example
Power level

It shows the position in the engine range, not the displacement. A 318d and a 320d of the same generation both have a 2.0-litre engine, with different outputs.

Confirm in the report: Technical data: power and displacement
Badges are easy to change and may be missing straight from the factory. The real version is shown by the technical data and equipment in the report.

M Sport package, M Performance or BMW M.

Three versions that look alike in photos but are priced very differently. Each one is confirmed in a different way.

  1. Level 1WBA…

    M Sport package

    320d, 520d, X3 xDrive20d with M package

    The regular car with M bumpers, wheels, steering wheel and suspension. The engine stays standard.

    How to confirm

    The package appears in the equipment list, for example "Model M Sport" on newer models or code 337 on older ones.

  2. Level 2WBA…

    M Performance

    M340i, M550i, X3 M40d

    A more powerful engine and sportier set-up, built on the normal production line. The VIN starts like any other BMW's.

    How to confirm

    In the technical data: the engine and power must be those of the M Performance version.

  3. Level 3WBS…

    BMW M

    M3, M4, M5, X5 M

    Cars developed by the M division, with their own engine and body. They are the most often imitated.

    How to confirm

    The VIN usually starts with WBS. M SUVs built in the US may start with 5YM.

The first three characters of the VIN show who built the car; they don't guarantee the version. Confirm it with the engine and equipment in the report.

BMW equipment list: the factory options.

Starting from the VIN, the Certcar report decodes the option codes and shows the car's original configuration, from the M Sport package to the comfort equipment.

  • 07LFM Sport package

    The M Sport package is part of the car's original configuration.

  • 0704M Sport suspension

    The M Sport suspension was included in the equipment ordered from the factory.

  • 0320No model badge

    Removing the model badge was ordered from the factory.

  • 0536Auxiliary heating

    The auxiliary heating system is included in the original equipment.

Illustration of the front of a BMW
Sample reportSee the full report
Specifications and equipment
Find out how the car left the factory. We check the full equipment list.
Note
Compare the equipment and specifications in the report against the car's actual configuration. Differences may indicate later modifications or items advertised in a listing but missing from the car.
01AG
Larger Fuel Tank
01CB
CO2 Equipment
01PL
19" Light-alloy wheel Dbl.spk.791M Em.Op.
0230
Extra Package, EU-specific
0248
Steering Wheel Heater
0258
Tyres With Runflat Properties
02PA
Locking Wheel Bolt
02TB
Sport Automatic Gearbox
02VB
Tyre Pressure Display
02VL
Variable Sport Steering
0302
Alarm System
0319
No Description Available
0320
Deleted, Model Lettering
03KA
Acoustic Comfort Glazing
0420
Sun Protection Glazing
0428
Warning Triangle And First Aid Kit
0430
Interior/Outside Mirror With Auto Dip
0431
Interior Mirror With Automatic-dip
0465
Through-loading System
0481
Sports Seat
0488
Lumbar Support, Driver And Passenger
Scroll inside the section

BMW generations: E, F and G.

Ads and forums use codes such as E90, F30 or G20. They identify the exact generation and help you compare prices properly.

Eapprox. 2003–2013
Fapprox. 2010–2019
Gfrom 2017, the newest
Seria 3
E902005–2012
F302012–2019
G202019–
Seria 5
E602003–2010
F102010–2017
G302017–2023
X3
E832003–2010
F252010–2017
G012017–2024
X5
E702006–2013
F152013–2018
G052018–

Which question, which section.

Sections appear when there is data for the car checked.

See the sample report →
  • Is the mileage on the dashboard real?MileageThe readings found, on a chart. A drop against an older reading is flagged.
  • Has it been damaged, here or in another country?DamageDamage from Romania and other countries, where records exist. A total loss is flagged separately.
  • Does it have the equipment in the ad?Factory equipmentThe options ordered, when available for the VIN.
  • What was done at the garage?Service historyThe records found, with the date and mileage. They vary from car to car and country to country.
  • Is it listed as stolen?Theft checkA search of the VIN in stolen vehicle databases.
  • Does it have a valid inspection?InspectionOnly for cars registered in Romania.
  • Is the asking price fair?Market valueAn estimate for the Romanian market, shown as a range.

At the viewing.

The report shows what was recorded in the past. These you check on the car.

  • The VIN in three places

    On the windscreen, on the door pillar sticker and in field E of the registration document. Where to find it.

  • Tyres on xDrive cars

    With all-wheel drive, the tyres must be the same size and have similar wear on every wheel.

  • Run-flat or not

    Many BMWs leave the factory on run-flat tyres with no spare wheel. If they were replaced with regular tyres, ask whether there is a repair kit.

  • Proof of servicing

    For services done at BMW dealers, ask for the invoices or a printout from the garage.

  • Diagnostics before payment

    Fault codes stored in the car's control units don't appear in a history report. A garage reads them with a diagnostic tool.

  • The keys

    Ask for every key that came with the car and check that each one opens and starts it.

BMW questions.
What buyers want to know before putting down a deposit on a used BMW.
Enter the 17 characters of the VIN on this page. You see the make, model and year for free, then you can buy the full report: mileage, damage, service history, factory equipment and the other sections available for that car.
The first digit is the series (3), the next two show the power level within the range (20), and the letter shows the fuel: d for diesel, i for petrol, e for plug-in hybrid. On newer models the number no longer matches the engine size, so check the power and displacement in the technical data.
An M3 or M5 usually has a VIN starting with WBS and its own engine. A 320d with the M Sport package starts with WBA, has the regular engine, and the package appears in the factory equipment list, when available.
The report shows the service records found for the VIN, with the date and mileage. For services the seller mentions, ask for the invoices or a printout from the garage.
Yes, when equipment information is available for the VIN. You see it in the report with each option code and its name.
No. The report shows what has been recorded in the car's history. The current condition is checked with a garage diagnostic and a test drive.
Didn't find the answer?
See all frequently asked questions

Also check.

Found the right BMW?

Check it before you pay a deposit or travel to see it.

Enter VIN number (17 characters)