Where is the VIN number in BMW X3 (F25) (2011-2016)?

On the 2011–2016 BMW X3 (F25), BMW gives you a few ways to verify the VIN—some quick for everyday use, and one stamped into the body for inspections.

Chassis Number Locations

1) Windshield (Dashboard VIN Plate)

• Where to look: Stand outside the vehicle and look through the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side. The VIN sits where the dashboard meets the windshield glass, printed white on black.
• Access: Easy—no tools, no door/hood opening. Can be hard to read if there’s glare, reflections, snow/leaves, or a dirty windshield.
• Note: On RHD vehicles (UK/IE, etc.), this is typically on the right side (driver’s side in those markets).
• Tip: If reflections are washing out the digits, use ScanVin.app to capture it instantly and avoid transcription errors.

2) Driver’s Door Jamb / B-Pillar Manufacturer Label

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and inspect the lower section of the B-pillar/door jamb (the body frame where the door latches). You’ll find a large black manufacturer label that includes the VIN plus tire pressures and build info.
• Access: Very easy—just open the door. On older/high-mileage cars the label may be dirty, scuffed, or peeling.
• Note: On RHD vehicles, this label is typically on the right-side front door jamb (driver’s side).
• Tip: This label usually has a barcode—use ScanVin.app to scan it cleanly instead of manually typing a 17-character VIN.

3) Engine Bay (Stamped Chassis VIN) — Right Strut Tower

• Where to look: Pop the hood. Locate the right strut tower (vehicle’s right side; passenger side on LHD, driver side on RHD). The VIN is deeply stamped into the metal on top of the tower or nearby inner fender area.
• Access: Moderate. You may need to wipe grime, move your viewing angle, and use a flashlight because stamped metal is low-contrast and can be partially obscured by dirt/trim.
• Note: “Right” means the vehicle’s right side (orientation in direction of travel), not your right when you’re facing the car.
• Tip: If the stamping is dirty/low-contrast, use ScanVin.app “High Contrast AI Mode” and add angled light to make the characters cast shadows.

4) Digital Display (iDrive VIN Display)

• Where to look: Turn on the vehicle and navigate iDrive: Menu > Vehicle Information > System Status (wording can vary by software version).
• Access: Easy once powered up, but slower than physical VIN checks and not usable from outside the car.
• Note: Useful for cross-checking, but it’s not the best option for quick scanning during a purchase/inspection.
• Tip: If you’re verifying a seller’s VIN quickly, scan the windshield or door label with ScanVin.app instead of digging through menus.

Video Guide

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

▶ Watch BMW X3 VIN Location Guide

• A mechanic clearly demonstrates the door jamb label, windshield VIN plate, and the stamped VIN location in the engine bay on a BMW X3.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield glare/reflections: Tilt your viewing angle or shade the VIN area with your hand; glare can make white-on-black digits disappear.
• Stamped engine-bay VIN hard to read: Dirt/grease and low contrast are common—scrub lightly with a rag and use a flashlight from the side to create shadow lines on the characters.
• Don’t rely on random stickers/tags: Temporary tags/registration printouts (or claims like “VIN on the license plate”) are not a standard, permanent VIN source—verify using the windshield plate, door label, and stamped chassis VIN.

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