Where is the VIN number in BMW Seria 1 (F20/F21)?

This guide shows you where to find the VIN (chassis number) on the BMW 1 Series F20/F21, produced 2011–2018—including the fastest places to check when you’re verifying a car before purchase or matching paperwork.

Chassis Number Locations

Engine Bay Chassis Stamp (Primary Location)

• Where to look: Open the hood. Locate the right side of the engine bay (vehicle-right). The VIN is chemically etched or stamped into the metal top of the right front suspension strut tower reinforcement, running roughly parallel with the fender edge.
• Access: Low. Usually visible without removing covers, but it may be dusty—wipe it clean with a rag.
• Note: Orientation stays the same on LHD and RHD cars because it’s referenced to the vehicle side (vehicle-right), not the steering wheel position.
• Tip: If the characters are faint or the area is grimy, scrub lightly and then use High Contrast AI Mode to scan it directly instead of guessing worn stamp marks.

Windshield VIN Tag

• Where to look: From outside the car, look through the lower corner of the windshield on the left side (vehicle-left) where the VIN sits in a dashboard cutout.
• Access: Medium. Easy to spot, but glass glare/reflections often block a clean photo.
• Note: Best checked in shade or with your body blocking direct sun from the glass.
• Tip: When reflections make the digits hard to read, capture the VIN instantly with your phone to avoid transcription mistakes.

B-Pillar Manufacturer Label (Door Jamb)

• Where to look: Open the left front door (vehicle-left) and inspect the B-pillar door jamb (the post between the front and rear doors). The VIN is printed on a black manufacturer label with white text, typically lower on the pillar.
• Access: Low. No tools—just open the door and read/scan.
• Note: This label is excellent for a quick check, but it can be missing or replaced after bodywork.
• Tip: Because it’s high-contrast print, use the free VIN reader to scan it cleanly in one shot and reduce typing errors.

Engine Block Serial Number (Often confused with VIN)

• Where to look: Deep down on the left side of the engine block (vehicle-left) on a machined vertical surface—often hidden behind heat shielding/lines and only visible with a flashlight.
• Access: Extreme. Tight space, poor lighting; you may need a mirror/borescope and gloves.
• Note: This is typically an engine serial number, not the 17‑digit chassis VIN—don’t rely on it for registration/history checks.
• Tip: If you’re contorted over the engine bay, scan the easier chassis VIN locations first so you don’t have to write down codes by hand in a cramped spot.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: BMW 118i Number Engine & Chassis Location - YouTube

▶ Watch BMW Seria 1 VIN Location Guide

• Shows real F20 footage: the engine-bay strut-tower VIN stamp, plus a deep look for the engine serial number.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Stamped VIN hard to read (dust/oxidation): Wipe the strut tower area clean and change your viewing angle; a quick photo with better contrast usually reveals faint characters.
• Windshield VIN glare: Move the car into shade, or block sunlight with your body/hand to cut reflections before scanning.
• Door-jamb label missing or damaged: Stickers can be removed or replaced after repairs—always cross-check the stamped engine-bay VIN against documents before buying.