Where is the VIN number in BMW Seria 5 (E60/E61) [2003-2008]?

This guide covers the most common VIN (chassis number) locations on the BMW 5 Series E60/E61 (2003–2008), including the quickest “open-the-door” check and the stamped chassis number in the engine bay.

Chassis Number Locations

1) Driver’s Side B-Pillar Manufacturer Sticker (Door Jamb)

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and look at the lower section of the B-pillar (door jamb). You’ll see a black sticker with white/silver text; the VIN appears near the top and often starts like “WBAN…”.
• Access: Low difficulty. No tools. Because it’s low on the pillar, it’s easy to get shadows—especially in a garage.
• Note: This is the easiest VIN to find and scan quickly, but it’s still a label (not a metal stamping).
• Tip (ScanVin.app): Turn on Flashlight + OCR in ScanVin.app to eliminate door-shadow and capture the VIN cleanly without mistyping.

2) VIN Stamping on the Right Front Strut Tower (Engine Bay)

• Where to look: Pop the hood and go to the right-hand side of the vehicle (right side in the direction of travel). Find the top of the strut tower dome—the VIN is stamped into the metal on the curved section between the mounting bolts.
• Access: Low to medium difficulty. The stamping can be dusty/greasy, which fills the characters and makes them hard to read. Wipe the area first.
• Note (LHD/RHD): This stamping is consistently on the vehicle’s right side. On LHD cars it’s typically the passenger-side strut tower; on RHD cars it ends up on the driver-side strut tower—but it’s still the vehicle’s right side.
• Tip (ScanVin.app): If the stamp is grimy or low-contrast, wipe it, then use High Contrast AI Mode and angle your flashlight from the side to cast shadows into the stamped letters.

3) Engine Block Stamping (Advanced / Verification Only)

• Where to look: Deep down on the lower engine block (left side when viewed from the front) on a machined flat area, past intake piping/hoses.
• Access: Extreme difficulty. Tight space, very dark, and not camera-friendly. You can burn yourself on hot components if the engine was running.
• Note: This is often an engine serial/number (not the primary VIN location most owners need). Use it only if you’re verifying the engine.
• Tip (ScanVin.app): If you must check it, scan it to avoid copying errors while working in an awkward, cramped position.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: BMW E60 – VIN Number & OBD Port Location | Quick Guide

▶ Watch BMW Seria 5 VIN Location Guide

• Clear walkthrough of the B-pillar VIN sticker and the right strut tower VIN stamping (plus OBD port location).

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Stamping looks “blank” on the strut tower: Dirt and grease fill the stamped characters. Scrub/wipe the metal, then use side-lighting to bring the numbers out.
• B-pillar sticker hard to scan at night: The label sits low and catches shadows from the open door. Use your phone flashlight and hold the camera square to the sticker.
• Registration/inspection mismatch warning: The pillar sticker can be replaced. If you’re verifying identity for purchase/inspection, cross-check the stamped chassis number (engine bay) against paperwork.

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