Where is the VIN number in BMW X5 (E70)?

This guide covers the BMW X5 E70 (2007–2013) chassis/VIN number locations, prioritizing the spots that actually help when you’re inspecting a used X5.

Chassis Number Locations

Engine Bay (Right Strut Tower)

• Where to look: Open the hood and go to the right strut tower (right side of the vehicle as you sit in it). The VIN is stamped directly into the metal of the shock/strut dome, but on the E70 it may be set back and partially tucked under the plastic cowl / air intake (cabin filter) housing, so you may need to peer under the overhang.
• Access: Harder than most BMWs. It’s obscured and shadowed by the plastic overhang—often barely visible unless you get your head in close or use a camera zoom/flashlight.
• Note: On LHD X5s this is typically on the passenger side. On RHD X5s it’s on the driver side (still the right side of the vehicle).
• Tip: Use ScanVin.app flashlight + OCR so you don’t have to contort over the fender and manually copy characters you can barely see in the shadow.

Dashboard / Windshield (Lower Corner)

• Where to look: From outside the vehicle, look through the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side for the VIN plate.
• Access: Easy to reach, but glare/reflections can make characters look wrong (especially “B/8”, “S/5”, “0/O”).
• Note: Best checked in daylight with your body blocking reflections, or from inside with the dash lights off.
• Tip: Use ScanVin.app to capture it instantly—the camera angle + OCR helps avoid transcription mistakes caused by windshield glare.

Driver’s B-Pillar / Door Jamb Sticker

• Where to look: Open the driver door and check the B-pillar/door jamb area (where the door latches). Look for a black sticker label with vehicle info (often tire pressures) that includes the VIN.
• Access: Very easy—clean, high-contrast print most of the time.
• Note: This is a label, not the metal stamping. Great for a quick check, but always compare it to the stamped VIN if you’re buying.
• Tip: ScanVin.app OCR reads these labels very well—scan it to compare against the stamped VIN without typing.

License Plate (Rear – US Spec, market dependent)

• Where to look: On some US-spec vehicles, there may be a sticker/stamping behind the rear license plate/bracket on the tailgate surface.
• Access: High effort—you’ll usually need to remove the plate (screws/bolts) to confirm.
• Note: Market dependent. Commonly mentioned in generic BMW guides, but often not present outside certain regions.
• Tip: If you’re checking this during a purchase, scan other VIN points first—this one is more of a “verification” location than a quick scan.

Digital Cluster (Hidden Menu – referenced)

• Where to look: Some BMWs can display a VIN via the instrument cluster hidden/service menu.
• Access: High friction—requires button sequences and isn’t always shown the same way across trims/years.
• Note: Useful as an extra cross-check, but it’s not a substitute for the stamped chassis VIN.
• Tip: If you do pull it up, scan the display with ScanVin.app to avoid misreading small characters.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: BMW X5 Year 2007 Number Engine & Chassis Location

▶ Watch BMW X5 VIN Location Guide

• Real-world footage showing how the E70 engine bay VIN is tucked under the plastic cowl, and why a phone camera/flashlight is often needed to read it.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• “I can’t see the stamped VIN in the engine bay.” On the E70 it can be recessed under the plastic cowl/air intake housing—get close, change your viewing angle, and use a flashlight or your phone camera zoom.
• Windshield VIN looks incorrect. Glare and reflections can hide characters; scan it from an angle and compare to the door jamb label and the stamped VIN.
• Pillar sticker mismatch or looks tampered with. Stickers can be replaced—always confirm the stamped metal VIN (engine bay) matches before purchase/registration.

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