Where is the VIN number in BMW Seria 1 (F52) ([2017-2018])?

This guide shows where to locate the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the BMW Seria 1 (F52) produced between 2017–2018, including the easiest places to check first and the more hidden backup spots.

Chassis Number Locations

Driver’s Door B-Pillar (Sticker)

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and check the B-pillar door jamb (the vertical metal frame between the front and rear doors). The VIN is printed on a black regulatory sticker, typically lower on the pillar.
• Access: Usually easy to access, but the jamb area can be shadowy and the print is small.
• Note: The vehicle context provided is LHD (left-hand drive), so this sticker is expected on the left side when you open the driver’s door.
• Tip: If the jamb is dark, use your phone’s light and scan it directly with the VIN reader to avoid misreading small characters.

Windshield (Lower Corner)

• Where to look: From outside the car, look through the lower passenger-side corner of the front windshield; the VIN plate sits on the dashboard near the cowl and is visible through the glass.
• Access: Quick to check, but often affected by glare/reflections (sky/clouds) and dirt on the windshield.
• Note: On LHD cars, this location is typically on the right side of the windshield (passenger side).
• Tip: Block reflections with your hand or step to a different angle, then capture it with your phone using ScanVin so you don’t have to transcribe it through glare.

Engine Bay (Strut Tower)

• Where to look: In the engine bay, locate the passenger-side suspension strut tower and look for the VIN stamped into the metal on top of the shock tower dome.
• Access: May be dusty/grimy and can sit in harsh light or shadow; wiping the stamping often makes it readable.
• Note: On LHD cars, “passenger side” is the right side of the engine bay (as viewed from the driver’s seat).
• Tip: If the stamping is dirty or faint, wipe it and use High Contrast scanning in ScanVin to pull the characters out of the metal texture.

License Plate Area (Rear Trunk)

• Where to look: On the trunk lid behind the rear license plate, there may be a VIN sticker hidden under the plate.
• Access: High effort—usually requires a screwdriver to remove/loosen the plate to view the sticker.
• Note: This is a backup check, not a quick verification point.
• Tip: If you do remove the plate, scan the sticker with your phone instead of writing the VIN down while working in an awkward position.

Instrument Cluster (Digital)

• Where to look: The VIN can be displayed in the digital instrument cluster via vehicle menus (often through a hidden/service menu or settings depending on software).
• Access: Requires vehicle power and the correct button/menu sequence; not as fast as checking physical labels.
• Note: Best used as a verification method if you suspect a sticker has been replaced.
• Tip: If you’re comparing VINs across locations, scan the physical VIN with ScanVin to reduce transcription mistakes while cross-checking.

Video Guide

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield glare/reflections: If the VIN is washed out through the glass, change your viewing angle and shade the area with your hand.
• Engine bay grime: Stamped VINs can be hard to read when dusty—scrub lightly with a rag before checking.
• Sticker validity warning: Door-jamb VIN labels can be damaged or replaced after repainting/repairs—always cross-check at least two VIN locations before buying.

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