Where is the VIN number in BMW X1 (F48/F49) (2015-2020)?

On the 2015–2020 BMW X1 (F48/F49), the “real” VIN/chassis number is typically found as a stamped marking in the engine bay, with additional VIN references on labels and through the glass.

Chassis Number Locations

Right Front Shock Tower (Engine Bay)

• Where to look: Pop the hood and go to the right-hand suspension strut dome (right front shock tower). The VIN is stamped directly into the metal on the top surface of the dome, running parallel to the fender. It sits between the coolant expansion tank and the air intake ducting.
• Access: Easy to reach with the hood open, but the stamping can be hard to read because it’s painted over and the area can be dusty/grimy. Hood/engine-bay components can cast shadows across the characters.
• Note: On BMWs, this stamped VIN is almost always on the RIGHT side of the car, regardless of LHD/RHD.
• Tip: If the letters/numbers “disappear” in flat light, use ScanVin.app’s High Contrast AI Mode and a flashlight angled from the side to create shadows inside the stamped grooves.

Windshield (Dashboard)

• Where to look: Look through the windshield at the lower corner of the dashboard on the driver’s side (LHD context). You’ll see a VIN plate visible through the glass.
• Access: Very easy to spot from outside the car, but glare/reflections on the windshield can block the view.
• Note: This is a common BMW VIN display location, useful for quick verification, but always match it to the stamped chassis VIN if you’re checking identity.
• Tip: If glare is fighting you, use ScanVin.app to capture the VIN instantly (no manual transcription errors while you’re leaning over the glass).

B-Pillar / Driver’s Door Jamb Certification Label

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and inspect the driver-side B-pillar (the post between front and rear doors). Look for a black certification/VIN sticker with contrasting text.
• Access: Easiest location—good lighting, no tools needed. The label is often vertical, so take a straight-on photo.
• Note: Great for a quick match-check, but stickers can be replaced—use it as a secondary confirmation against the stamped VIN.
• Tip: Use ScanVin.app here to scan quickly—high contrast labels scan fast and prevent mix-ups between similar characters (8/B, 5/S, 0/O).

Engine Block / Transmission Housing Label (Secondary)

• Where to look: Deep in the engine bay on the side of the engine block or transmission housing, there may be a white component label with a barcode and alphanumeric text.
• Access: Very difficult—you’ll be reaching deep, working blind, or needing zoom. Labels can be oil-soaked, heat-damaged, peeling, or faded.
• Note: Treat this as a secondary reference, not your primary VIN source.
• Tip: Because it’s awkward to reach and read, scanning with your phone helps you avoid writing it down while contorted—use ScanVin.app and zoom in to capture the text cleanly.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Bmw X1 Chassis and engine number location #vin location

▶ Watch BMW X1 VIN Location Guide

• Silent walkaround of a BMW X1 showing the stamped chassis VIN location on the right strut tower under the hood.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Stamped VIN hard to read (engine bay): Dust/grime and body-color paint over the stamping reduce contrast. Scrub lightly with a rag and use angled light to make the grooves stand out.
• Windshield VIN unreadable: Reflections and glare wash out the plate. Change your viewing angle, shade the area with your hand, and scan with your phone instead of copying by eye.
• Sticker vs. stamped VIN: Door-jamb stickers are useful, but stickers can be replaced or damaged. For legal/identity verification, the stamped chassis VIN is the one you should rely on.

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