Where is the VIN number in BMW 3 Series (G20/G21/G28)?

This guide covers 2019–2021 BMW 3 Series models (G20 sedan, G21 touring, and G28 long-wheelbase variants).

Chassis Number Locations

1) Driver’s Side B-Pillar (Door Jamb)

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and inspect the B-pillar frame / lower door-jamb area. You’re looking for a black tamper-proof sticker (often part of the certification/tyre information label) that includes the 17-character VIN.
• Access: Very easy—no tools. Best readability overall, but dirt buildup is common because it’s low and gets kicked.
• Note: This guide is written for LHD vehicles (US/EU). On these cars, it’s normally on the driver’s side pillar/jamb area.
• Tip: If the label is dusty, wipe it, then use ScanVin.app to capture it cleanly—high contrast labels are usually the fastest for OCR.

2) Windshield (Dashboard VIN Plate)

• Where to look: Stand outside the car and look through the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side, down at the dashboard. You’ll see a metal VIN plate with the 17-character code.
• Access: Easy to access, but glare/reflections from sun/sky can make it frustrating to read.
• Note: On LHD cars, this is typically visible at the lower driver-side windshield corner.
• Tip: For heavy reflections, use ScanVin.app to grab the VIN quickly without manually transcribing characters that are partially washed out by glare.

3) Engine Bay (Strut Tower Stamp)

• Where to look: Open the hood and inspect the top of the right-hand (passenger-side) suspension strut tower area. The VIN/chassis number may be stamped into the metal (sometimes partly obscured by covers or grime).
• Access: Moderate difficulty—lighting under the hood is often poor, and dust/grease can fill the stamped characters. A flashlight helps.
• Note: “Right-hand” means passenger side on LHD (vehicle-right when sitting in the car).
• Tip: If the stamping looks faint or dirty, scrub the area lightly and use ScanVin.app High Contrast AI Mode to help decipher stamped characters.

4) License Plate Area (Optional / Regional)

• Where to look: Behind the rear license plate mounting area, on the trunk lid metal, there may be a VIN sticker.
• Access: High effort—typically requires removing the license plate (screwdriver) and you may find rust or corrosion depending on climate.
• Note: This location is not consistent across all markets and shouldn’t be your first choice.
• Tip: If you do remove the plate, scan it with your phone to avoid copying the VIN while bent over in an awkward position.

5) Digital Display (iDrive / Vehicle Menus)

• Where to look: The VIN may be displayed inside the car via the iDrive/infotainment or instrument cluster menus (varies by software version/region).
• Access: Requires the vehicle powered on and navigating menus—useful for cross-checking.
• Note: This is for verification, not a physical chassis stamping.
• Tip: If you’re comparing documents vs. vehicle, use the on-screen VIN as a quick cross-check—then confirm against a physical VIN location.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Where to find your BMW's VIN | How - To | BMW Northwest

▶ Watch BMW 3 Series VIN Location Guide

• A dealership walkthrough on a modern BMW 3 Series showing the windshield VIN and the driver-side door jamb label.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield glare: Reflections from clouds/sun can hide characters. Change your viewing angle, shade the glass with your body, and scan quickly.
• Dirty stamped or low-position labels: Door-jamb labels can get scuffed, and under-hood stampings can collect grime. Wipe/clean first, then scan.
• Sticker vs. legally binding VIN: Pillar stickers can be replaced/damaged—always verify the VIN matches the windshield plate and (when possible) a stamped chassis location before purchase/registration.

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