Where is the VIN number in BMW Seria 2 (F45)?

This guide shows the VIN (chassis number) locations on the BMW Seria 2 Active Tourer (F45) produced between 2018–2019, including the quickest places to check and the best spots to scan with your phone.

Chassis Number Locations

Manufacturer label on the B-pillar (front right door jamb)

• Where to look: Open the front passenger door (front right on LHD cars) and look on the lower section of the B-pillar/door jamb for a black sticker with white text (often includes a barcode/data matrix).
• Access: Very easy access—no tools needed. The label is upright/vertical, clean, and usually not faded because it sits behind the door seal.
• Note: On this F45 Active Tourer, the label is confirmed on the front right (passenger) side for LHD vehicles.
• Tip: Because the text is vertical and small, scan it directly with your phone to avoid misreading characters like 8/B or 1/I.

VIN plate visible through the front windshield (dashboard corner)

• Where to look: From outside the car, look through the windshield at the lower corner on the driver’s side (left side on LHD)—a small VIN plate is embedded at the edge of the dashboard.
• Access: Easy to find, but glare is common. Dirt, reflections, and windshield curvature can make it hard to read in bright sun.
• Note: Written for LHD cars: driver side = vehicle’s left.
• Tip: If reflections wash out the numbers, capture it instantly with the VIN scanner so you don’t have to squint and manually transcribe through glass.

Engine bay chassis stamping (right strut tower)

• Where to look: Pop the hood and locate the VIN stamped into metal on top of the right strut tower (passenger side) near the fender/engine cover area.
• Access: Moderate effort—hood must be opened. The stamping is often painted over (low contrast) and can collect dust/grease, so you may need to wipe it clean and angle a light across it.
• Note: This is a physical body stamping—useful for cross-checking the car against the label and windshield plate.
• Tip: If the characters are faint or dirty, wipe the area and use the High Contrast AI scan mode to pull the stamped digits out of the shadows.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Where is the VIN Location in BMW Series 2 F22-F23-F45-F46 Active ...

▶ Watch BMW Seria 2 VIN Location Guide

• Walkthrough showing the B-pillar label, engine bay stamping, and the windshield VIN plate.

Video Tutorial: Where is VIN number of my BMW Series 2 F22-F23-F45-F46 ( 2013

▶ Watch BMW Seria 2 VIN Location Guide

• Short confirmation video focusing on the passenger-side door sticker and the engine bay stamping.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield VIN glare: If sunlight reflects off the glass, shade the corner with your hand or move the car slightly, then re-check the plate from outside.
• Engine stamping hard to read: Painted-over, greasy, or dusty stampings need a quick scrub with a rag; use a low-angle flashlight to make the debossed numbers cast shadows.
• Sticker validity warning: A missing, damaged, or replaced door-jamb label can happen after bodywork—always cross-check with the windshield VIN and the engine bay stamping before buying.

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