Original Build Data

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Phil
Joined: Sun 09 Mar, 2008 10:43
Posts: 2697

  M roadster S54
Location: Solihull

Original Build Data

Post by Phil »

If you want to find out all the info about your specific car as it came off the production line try this.
You need the last 7 digits from the vin number and hey presto

http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html (English)

http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html (Deutsch)

Just used it for both the Alpina and the M and it gave me things I didn't realise were there.

Mod Edit: Added English link. R.

MOD EDIT 19/12/2016 - the above link seems to have been broken, the link supplied by grandadg90 works http://www.etk.cc/bmw/EN/vin/decoder/online
Sapphire black/Imola red and black interior/ red roof/ S54 - the only RHD one made.

"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
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Gazza
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 20:58
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  M roadster S54
Location: Romford Essex

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Gazza »

Good find Phil :)

I've made it a 'Sticky'
Gazza

"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"

Z3 S54 M roadster Image, BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
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Phil
Joined: Sun 09 Mar, 2008 10:43
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  M roadster S54
Location: Solihull

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Phil »

I am not worthy to be made a sticky - or maybe I'd like to be a sticky afterall. :lol: :lol:

Interesting point for those with S54s - they came with a hard top as standard. I did think that was the case and it might have been for S50s. Not sure. But anyone buying an S54 should, in theory, have a hard top.

My Alpina spec is amazing as it details where the changes were made ie which other BMWs contributed parts and which are Alpina parts..
Sapphire black/Imola red and black interior/ red roof/ S54 - the only RHD one made.

"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
///M_aniac
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  M roadster S50
Location: Belfast

Re: Original Build Data

Post by ///M_aniac »

Not without errors though - they have Hamish's build date wrong. :nerd:
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Gazza
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 20:58
Posts: 9521

  M roadster S54
Location: Romford Essex

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Gazza »

Phil wrote:Interesting point for those with S54s - they came with a hard top as standard. I did think that was the case and it might have been for S50s. Not sure. But anyone buying an S54 should, in theory, have a hard top.
Not sure that is correct according to Jonttt's S54 sheet http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6666 ... 202012.pdf
Gazza

"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"

Z3 S54 M roadster Image, BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
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Phil
Joined: Sun 09 Mar, 2008 10:43
Posts: 2697

  M roadster S54
Location: Solihull

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Phil »

Stand corrected. Looks like most didn't have the hardtop.
Sapphire black/Imola red and black interior/ red roof/ S54 - the only RHD one made.

"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
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pingu
Joined: Fri 30 Apr, 2004 16:01
Posts: 3412

  M roadster S50

Re: Original Build Data

Post by pingu »

AFAIK, BMW cannot sell the cars with hardtops, as they have not been crash-tested. They are a dealer-supplied after-market option. After-market options don't have to be as stringently tested.
Pingu
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Original Build Data

Post by BladeRunner919 »

pingu wrote:AFAIK, BMW cannot sell the cars with hardtops, as they have not been crash-tested. They are a dealer-supplied after-market option. After-market options don't have to be as stringently tested.
Whilst I have no doubt you are right, it seems rather farcical that a removable hard-top would need to be crash tested on a car that comes with a canvas roof as standard!
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Gazza
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 20:58
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  M roadster S54
Location: Romford Essex

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Gazza »

Mine was supplied with hardtop :D
Gazza

"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"

Z3 S54 M roadster Image, BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
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pingu
Joined: Fri 30 Apr, 2004 16:01
Posts: 3412

  M roadster S50

Re: Original Build Data

Post by pingu »

Gazza wrote:Mine was supplied with hardtop :D
Is it on the BMW build list or was it dealer supplied?
Pingu
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Gazza
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 20:58
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  M roadster S54
Location: Romford Essex

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Gazza »

It's on Jontt's S54 thread and the Data Sheet
Gazza

"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"

Z3 S54 M roadster Image, BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
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Jonttt
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Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
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  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Jonttt »

From memory they were a factory installed option on all Z3's but came standard on none.

Option code was S982A = hardtop preparation and hardtop

They could also be retofitted by dealers

Mine did not have one and was retrofitted by the second owner.
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Lewy
Joined: Mon 22 Oct, 2012 17:34
Posts: 206

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Wolverhampton

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Lewy »

And here's another one that I've used in the past - they'll no doubt share the same database but thought I'd share anyway :D http://www.bmwvin.com/
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knighthawk
Joined: Mon 17 Oct, 2011 11:45
Posts: 30

  Z3 roadster 2.2i

Re: Original Build Data

Post by knighthawk »

Phil wrote:If you want to find out all the info about your specific car as it came off the production line try this.
You need the last 7 digits from the vin number and hey presto

http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

Just used it for both the Alpina and the M and it gave me things I didn't realise were there.
Very interesting post, thank you :o
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Original Build Data

Post by lightning »

I was in the parts department at my local BMW dealer and the lady dealing with my parts order asked me if l wanted the build data printout for my Z3.
I said yes and she gave me the printout there and then. Great service.
dixie4
Joined: Sun 22 Jun, 2014 09:53
Posts: 11

  Z3 roadster 2.2i

Re: Original Build Data

Post by dixie4 »

Phil wrote:If you want to find out all the info about your specific car as it came off the production line try this.
You need the last 7 digits from the vin number and hey presto

http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

Just used it for both the Alpina and the M and it gave me things I didn't realise were there.
How do you get the build data in English?
bertiejaffa
Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
Posts: 1733

  M roadster S50
Location: Manchester

Re: Original Build Data

Post by bertiejaffa »

dixie4 wrote:
Phil wrote:If you want to find out all the info about your specific car as it came off the production line try this.
You need the last 7 digits from the vin number and hey presto

http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

Just used it for both the Alpina and the M and it gave me things I didn't realise were there.
How do you get the build data in English?
Use Google chrome as your internet engine - it will ask you if you want to translate
Here come the girls.....
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Original Build Data

Post by lightning »

My post was skipped over, but why not ask the BMW dealer, as l suggested?
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Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
Posts: 2505

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Brian H »

dixie4 wrote:How do you get the build data in English?
http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

Click above link, same site in English :)

Edit: Mods, could you change the website address in the OP?
peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
Posts: 963

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

Re: Original Build Data

Post by peter2b »

Just checked my z3 build date 10/04/2001 blue soft top blue /blakc seats green tint screen
Great stuff
Peter
Pierrick
Joined: Fri 31 Aug, 2012 22:47
Posts: 484

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Pierrick »

Good link. Apparently I have a bettery master switch... never seen that!
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Robert T
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  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Robert T »

You won't. It would have been removed after the car completed it's journey accross the Atlantic. :wink:

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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siwilson
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 09:54
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  M roadster S54
Location: Horley

Re: Original Build Data

Post by siwilson »

Pierrick wrote:Good link. Apparently I have a bettery master switch... never seen that!
You mean that pyrotechnic thingy that disconnects the battery during a crash. Not really a switch as you would think.
2001 M roadster S54 Laguna Seca Blue
peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
Posts: 963

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

Re: Original Build Data

Post by peter2b »

just checked my z3 it came with sport seats and a M starng wheel,M gear knob,, green wind screen surround, special blue soft top
peter2b
Bonzo
Joined: Wed 21 Mar, 2012 21:52
Posts: 866

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Norfolk

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Bonzo »

You mean you couldn't tell this just by looking at it?? :shrug
Cheers,
Bonzo.
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
Grandadg90
Joined: Thu 23 Jun, 2016 23:18
Posts: 39

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Grandadg90 »

The above decoders didn't work for me. Mine is M54 engine. I used this one.

http://www.etk.cc/bmw/EN/vin/decoder/online

Worked a treat.
nang
Joined: Sat 25 Jun, 2016 03:27
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Original Build Data

Post by nang »

Strange, This link worked for my Z3 but when I put a vin for a 328ci I was looking at It gave me a different car. I put in the last 7 numbers but It gave me a different prefix which didn't match. Any thoughts please ?
Tony.
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Gazza
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 20:58
Posts: 9521

  M roadster S54
Location: Romford Essex

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Gazza »

The original links didn't work for me today, I've added an edit to the original post.
Gazza

"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"

Z3 S54 M roadster Image, BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
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colb
Joined: Sat 05 May, 2012 22:46
Posts: 690

  Z3 roadster 1.8 TU
Location: Newport South Wales UK

Re: Original Build Data

Post by colb »

All the links on here are now dead, found a working site here http://bimmer.work/
Colb
1999 BMW 1.8 Z3
2003 BMW 2.5 Z4
1998 Honda Deauville NT650V
Bertie
Joined: Sun 06 Oct, 2019 03:46
Posts: 47

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Montreal Canada

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Bertie »

VIN decoders seem to come and go like snowflakes > I tried several today I found on Google , with mixed results
WWW bimmer Lost me in a death spiral around a Captcha device to prove I was not a robot . I got no useful information here
FPC Euro parts site has minimal build info , but detailed parts lists
mdecoder.com gave the most detailed info . This is a bear of a web page buried in ads for every thing from exotic safaris to useless web page enhancers .It didn't give country of origin , I had assumed my car was a " Bubba Beemer" from the Factory in the Deep South of Trump land .
FPC Euro ' s site says it came from Germany
Most sites advise " Take your VIN to a local BMW dealer , who will reveal all ."
Bertie
petecossie
Joined: Wed 11 Apr, 2007 13:13
Posts: 160

  M coupe S50
Location: Billingham

Re: Original Build Data

Post by petecossie »

Back in 2012 when I bought my M Coupe I managed to contact a guy on the Reddit website (a BMW mechanic/technician) in the USA who was able to furnish the full build spec even down to how many cars were built (4 cars) on the 19th of June 2000 (my build date) and it was the 805th car of the 821 built. So the information is available somewhere, unfortunately I haven't got details of how I contacted the fella in the States.
Pete C

2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black Metallic/Black Interior.

Previous BMWs
2003 E46 M3 6 speed manual - Carbon Black/Black Interior.
2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black/Black Interior
1986 M635
1985 E28 M5
1983 E28 528i Alpina
Bertie
Joined: Sun 06 Oct, 2019 03:46
Posts: 47

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Montreal Canada

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Bertie »

WHERE were z3's built ??
Were they all built in the USA and exported worldwide ?
Were " some " built in Bavaria ? if so which ones ?
I've read that some US built ones were fitted with German VIN plates , allegedly some complex scam revolving around the US plant being in a " Free Port ; enterprise tax and duty free zone ".
Similar logic around the place of origin of the components used in the US assembled Z 3s
Much of this stuff is on the edge of conspiracy/ deep state / black helicopters in the night / they want our guns / social media rubbish .

So back to my original question , Where were Z 3's built ??

Bertie
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Robert T
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  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Robert T »

All Z3s were built at Spartanburg in the USA. It is possible that prototypes were built elsewhere, but that would be a mere handful of cars.

Cheers R.

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Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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Bertie
Joined: Sun 06 Oct, 2019 03:46
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Montreal Canada

Re: Original Build Data

Post by Bertie »

Thanks Robert
amancuso
Joined: Sat 07 Nov, 2009 14:25
Posts: 236

  Z3 roadster 2.3
Location: Burlington

Re: Original Build Data

Post by amancuso »

The VIN decoder is wrong on mine. It says automatic, but it's actually a manual.
That's probably because I swapped it myself. :lol:

It's also wrong on the interior color code, but that's again because I swapped it myself.

:squeeze:


-Al.
2000 Z3 2.3 Topaz Blue Metallic over Black and Sandbeige leather.
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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
Posts: 1232

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Re: Original Build Data

Post by yalden »

I used to use the official BMW Warranty site to obtain the VIN of any BMW using just the registration plate. It was a great way to scope out Z3's when I was looking to buy. Unfortunately they've put an end to that but the same website is still useful at confirming whether your car is a genuine Sport or not (many seem to falsely advertise as a Sport).

https://www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/CarDetails/Index

Vehicle Registration Number A7FNT
Model BMW Z3 3.0I SPORT ROADSTER M54
First Registration Date 18/08/2003
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