Where is the VIN number in BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93)?

For the 2005–2011 BMW 3 Series (E90 sedan, E91 touring, E92 coupe, E93 convertible), the VIN (chassis number) can be found in a few standard BMW spots—some easy to view, others more “mechanic-style” in the engine bay.

Chassis Number Locations

B-Pillar (Driver’s Door Jamb) Safety Label

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and look on the B-pillar/door frame near the latch striker area or lower sill. You’re looking for a black compliance sticker with the VIN printed horizontally, often beside a barcode.
• Access: Wear and Tear. These labels get scuffed and faded from shoes, cleaning chemicals, and weather. The print is small, so you’ll need steady focus.
• Note: Written for LHD (US/EU) cars as shown in the inspection report.
• Tip: Use ScanVin.app here—this spot often has a barcode, so the app can grab the VIN instantly and prevent misreading tiny characters.

Lower Windshield (Driver’s Side)

• Where to look: From outside the car, stand by the driver’s side and look through the lower corner of the windshield. The VIN plate is on the dashboard and is partly surrounded/obscured by the black ceramic frit (dot matrix) on the glass.
• Access: Reflection/Obstruction. Sun glare is common, and the wiper or dirt on the glass can block the view.
• Note: On LHD E90s, this is normally on the driver’s side lower windshield.
• Tip: Reflections cause transcription mistakes—use ScanVin.app to capture it cleanly, and shade the glass with your hand/jacket for a sharper scan.

Front Strut Tower (Engine Bay) — Passenger Side

• Where to look: Pop the hood and go to the passenger side front strut tower (suspension turret). The VIN is stamped/engraved into the metal on top of the tower, between the three mounting bolts.
• Access: High Contrast/Glare. Painted metal can glare (especially silver/light colors), and engine bay grime can fill the stamped characters.
• Note: This is a true stamped chassis marking style location (harder to fake than stickers).
• Tip: Clean the area, then use ScanVin.app High Contrast AI Mode and angle a flashlight across the stamping to cast shadows in the engraving.

Rear License Plate Recess (Behind Plate)

• Where to look: On the trunk lid/tailgate, directly behind the rear license plate. There may be a VIN sticker on the plastic/painted surface hidden by the plate.
• Access: Inaccessible. You usually have to remove the license plate (tools required). Screws may be rusty and stain the area.
• Note: This is a “backup” location—use it if the windshield/pillar areas are missing or unreadable.
• Tip: This is awkward to work on—scan it with ScanVin.app so you’re not trying to write the VIN down while holding the plate and screws.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Where to Find Your BMW VIN Number - Quick and Easy Guide

▶ Watch BMW 3 Series VIN Location Guide

• Clear close-ups of VIN locations (door jamb, windshield, strut tower, and behind the license plate). While the car shown isn’t an E90, the physical VIN locations match this BMW era.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield glare: If you can’t read the digits through the glass, move the car into shade or cover the VIN window with your hand to cut reflections before scanning.
• Engine bay grime/glare on stamped metal: Scrub the strut tower stamping with a rag and mild degreaser, then use angled light to make the engraving stand out.
• Sticker vs. stamped VIN: Door jamb stickers can be replaced—if you’re verifying identity for purchase/registration, cross-check the stamped VIN (engine bay) against the windshield and paperwork.

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