Where is the VIN number in BMW 3 Series (E36)?

This guide covers where to find the VIN (chassis number) on the BMW 3 Series (E36) produced between 1992–1997, based on real inspection footage and common E36 VIN placement.

Chassis Number Locations

Engine Bay – Cowling/Firewall Stamping (Primary)

• Where to look: Open the hood and go to the rear of the engine bay at the firewall/cowling area under the windshield wipers. The VIN is stamped into the metal and can be seen through/under the plastic cowl vent trim (near the center, often slightly to the right on LHD cars).
• Access: Generally easy to reach, but it’s set deep and lighting is poor. Expect dust/grime buildup—wipe and scrub lightly to reveal the stamping.
• Note: The reference vehicle shown is LHD (Japan import). Left/right here is described in direction of travel.
• Tip: Because it’s shadowy under the cowl, use the flashlight + OCR to scan it directly with your phone instead of fighting the glare and shadows.

Door Jamb / B-Pillar VIN Sticker (If Equipped)

• Where to look: Check the driver-side door jamb/B-pillar for a VIN/production label sticker (some E36 markets have it, others may not, and older stickers can be missing).
• Access: Usually very easy—open the door and inspect the sticker area for fading, peeling, or paint work.
• Note: If your E36 is an import or has had bodywork, the sticker may be absent or unreadable.
• Tip: If the label is faded, use the high-contrast VIN reader to capture characters cleanly without misreading similar digits (like 8/B or 5/S).

Rear License Plate Area (Sticker – US Specific / Forensic Check)

• Where to look: Behind the rear license plate, on the trunk lid metal where the plate mounts, there may be a sticker label (common on some US-spec setups).
• Access: Harder barrier—usually requires a screwdriver to remove the plate and can be inconvenient in a parking lot.
• Note: Not present on all markets; treat it as a supporting check, not your primary VIN source.
• Tip: Since you’re working in an awkward position, scan it in one shot to avoid writing it down while holding the plate and screws.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: BMW's 320i 1995 VIN Chassis Number Location #viral ... - YouTube

▶ Watch BMW 3 Series VIN Location Guide

• Real inspection footage on an E36 that rules out common wrong spots (like the strut tower) and shows the correct cowling/firewall VIN stamping.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Too dark under the cowl: The stamping sits deep under plastic trim and shadows hide the numbers—clean first, then use strong light from an angle.
• Dirt/grime on the stamped metal: Road film collects at the firewall; scrub with a rag and mild cleaner so the characters “pop.”
• Sticker mismatch warning: Door/trunk stickers can be missing, repainted over, or swapped—always confirm the VIN matches the stamped chassis VIN before purchase/registration.

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