In General BMW vin motorcycles can be identified from the following numbers : Location Vehicle identification number – stamped onto the motorcycle
– on the type plate . BMW engine Number – on the engine block
The following types can be distinguished:
K = In-line engine
R = Boxer engine
F = Single-cylinder or in-line 2-cylinder
BMW vin (Vehicle Identification Number) :
Location of the VIN
BMW VIN Lettering
BMW VIN – 7 to 13-digit number
The BMW VIN has 7 – 13 characters and has 2 parts. The serial number is on the left and the motorcycle type is on the right. The VIN has a BMW symbol on its left and right extremities. This symbol has also been stamped on between the serial number and the motorcycle type.
Each type of BMW motorcycle has been attributed only one particular range of numbers for its serial numbers. (see overview of the range of numbers).
BMW VIN – 17-digit number without an enclosure
VIN – 17-digit number with an enclosure
The VIN is a 17-digit number and enclosed by a star positioned on right and the left sides of the number. The VIN is stamped into a metal plate welded on the frame or is carved into the frame itself. Sometimes the part of the frame into which the VIN is carved has been grinded.
Composition of the VIN:
| WB1 | 0544 | B | 8 | V | ZA23632 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
1 = World Manufacturer Identifier Code BMW
2 = Vehicle type key (see overview number circle)
3 = Engine version
4 = Check digit 0 – 9 or X
5 = Model Year
| T = 1996 | V = 1997 | W = 1998 | X = 1999 |
| Y = 2000 | 1 = 2001 | 2 = 2002 | 3 = 2003 |
| 4 = 2004 | 5 = 2005 | 6 = 2006 | 7 = 2007 |
| 8 = 2008 | 9 = 2009 | A = 2010 | B = 2011 |
6 = Serial number (7-digit)
Attribution of the BMW VIN to a version and date of production
(Status as of March/10)
Serial number:
0010001 – 0492735 1482001 – 5000000 6000001 – 6497130
XA00000 – YB69999 ZA00000 – ZF99999 ZG00000 – ZJ99999
ZK00000 – ZM99999 ZN00000 – ZZ44499
Factory Plate:
Location of the type plate
| A | = | On the mounting plate between the frame and the steering head |
| F 800 GS | ||
| G 450 X | ||
| F 800 R | ||
| S 1000 RR | ||
| B | = | Under the seat |
| F 650 | ||
| R 1200 RT | ||
| HP 12 Sport | ||
| C | = | On the frame |
| K Version | ||
| D | = | On the frame |
| K 1300 GT | ||
| E | = | On the frame |
| K 1300 R | ||
| F | = | On the frame |
| R 1200 GS |
Form and appearance of the type plate
Engine number:
Location of the engine number
R Series – on the crankcase, on the right, beneath the cylinder. On the left on the R 100.
K Series – to the left of the oil–level viewer
Form and breakdown of the engine number
The BMW n 52 engine number consists of a 5-6-character type designation and an 8-character engine number.
Arrangement of the BMW s 54 engine number
| 10 | 4 | E | A | 10 | 09 | 8006 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
1 = Engine displacement
| 47 | = | 470 cc | for Version R 45 |
| 65 | = | 650 cc | |
| 80 | = | 800 cc | |
| 10 | = | 1000 cc | |
| 11 | = | 1100 cc | |
| 12 | = | 1200 cc | |
| 13 | = | 1300 cc |
2 = Number of cylinders
| 2 | = | 2-cylinder |
| 4 | = | 4-cylinder |
3 = Injection valve – carburettor
| E | = | Single injection |
| V | = | Carbuettor |
4 = Body
| A | = | Version | Cylinder bore + piston |
| B | = | Series | Interior bore differs from “A” |
| F | = | Version | Boxer |
5 = Week of the year
6 = Production Year
7 = Serial Number
| 1. characters: | Engine type | |
| e.g.: 0 = Boxer | ||
| 2nd – 4th digits: | Serial number in a given production week |
Vehicle Keys:
BMW motorcycles normally have – 2 – keys. One key has a black plastic cap with the BMW emblem. The spare key is made of metal and has no plastic cap and no BMW emblem.