BMW F30/31/34/35 VIN Location — Where to Find Your VIN

Every BMW has a unique Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN. It’s a 17-digit code that tells you everything about the car — from where it was built to its engine type. For BMW 3 Series models like the F30, F31, F34, and F35, knowing where to find this number is important.

You’ll need your VIN for vehicle registration, insurance, recalls, and history checks. It also helps verify a car’s identity when buying or selling a used BMW.

Finding the BMW F30/31/34/35 VIN location is simple once you know where to look. The VIN is placed in several secure spots on the vehicle — the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield, the driver’s door jamb sticker, and under the hood.

Driver’s Side Dashboard Near the Windshield

The easiest place to spot your VIN on a BMW F30, F31, F34, or F35 is on the dashboard. Stand outside the car and look through the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side. You’ll see a small metal plate with the 17-digit VIN etched or stamped into it.

This location is designed for quick access. Law enforcement, service technicians, and buyers can read it without opening the car. The characters are clearly visible through the glass, even in daylight.

If the numbers are hard to read, wipe the area clean from dust or glare. This is the main VIN display area that matches the official records — perfect for quick verification before checking other spots like the door jamb or engine bay.

Driver’s Side Door Jamb VIN Sticker

Open the driver’s door of your BMW F30, F31, F34, or F35 and look along the door frame near the latch area. You’ll find a white or silver sticker — this is the VIN label. It displays the full 17-digit VIN along with other key details like the manufacturing date, paint code, and approved tire pressures.

This sticker is often called the certification or compliance label. It confirms the car’s original build data and helps match the vehicle to its registration papers.

Because this VIN label is printed rather than engraved, make sure it’s intact and not damaged or replaced. Any signs of tampering — such as peeling edges or mismatched fonts — should raise questions, especially when buying a used BMW.

Under the Hood

Another place to find your BMW F30, F31, F34, or F35 VIN is under the hood. Open the bonnet and look for a metal plate or stamping near the front strut tower, engine bay wall, or radiator support. On some models, the VIN may be etched directly into the chassis rail for added security.

This location is used mainly by technicians and inspectors. It helps confirm the car’s identity during service, repairs, or when checking for frame replacements. Because it’s less visible, it’s also harder to tamper with — making it one of the most reliable VIN points.

Use a flashlight if needed, as the engraving can be faint or covered by dust or engine parts. If you’re verifying the car for registration or a history check, make sure the VIN here matches the one on the windshield and door jamb sticker. All numbers should be identical — any difference could signal body repairs or replacement parts.