Online VIN decoder vs. What I have

[JoViX]

Ok, so I'm browsing around looking for stuff for my baby, one of the sites has a VIN decoder, I type in the last 7 digits and.... Info doesn't match. So I google for more VIN decoders and try some more..... Same info, one gives me lots of detail, but it doesn't match what I have.

I have: E36 316i Auto 1998 Alpine White 3 with Black Leather.
VIN Decoders all say: E36 318i Auto 1998 Alpine White 3 with Graphite Fabric.

Double checked the BMW sticker under the hood, it says 316A.

WTF?

 
 VIN  WBACA08030XXXXXXX
 Type code  CA08
 Type  318I (EUR)
 E series  E36 (4)
 Series  3
 Type  LIM
 Steering  RL
 Doors  4
 Engine  M43
 Displacement  1.80
 Power  85
 Drive  HECK
 Transmission  AUT
 Colour  ALPINWEISS 3 (300)
 Upholstery  STOFF KLEE/ANTHRAZIT (D6AT)
 Prod.date  1998-08-24


I'll translate the features it lists in German and compare to my car tomorrow and post it.

 

[Twinz]

I have no idea. Perhaps the 116 was a detuned version of the 118...so essentially a 118 motor...but what do i know about the e36 heritage :thumbs:

 

[Psymon69]

Also check realoem and try your engine number aswell to see what it says.

 

[JoViX]

Ok, so i've pulled the rest of the information from my VIN and it all matches what my car is.

Code Description (EPC)
S243A Airbag for front passenger
S246A Manually adjust. steering column
S255A Sports leather steering wheel
S302A Alarm system
S341A Bumpers completely in body colour
S354A Green windscreen, green shade band
S411A Window lifts,electric,front/rear
S441A Smoker package
S528A AUTOMATIC AIR FLOW CONTROL
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S548A Kilometer-calibrated speedometer
S556A Outdoor temperature indicator
S687A Radio preparation
S694A Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer
S717A Comfort Edition
S785A White direction indicator lights
S864A Retailer Directory Overseas
S877A Delete cross-pattern operation
S880A On-board vehicle literature English
S510A Headlight aim control
S832A Battery in luggage compartment
S853A Language version English

So from what I can see here, everything matches my vehicle, except for the 318i and Fabric seats. The seat I have is black leather in very good condition, so they might have been replaced not too long ago. But what is inline with the VIN spec is the door panel trim instert is the ANTHRAZIT cloth.

Now I just want to figure out WHERE on my engine is the Engine model number so I can see if it is a M43B16 or a M43B18?


BTW the site i'm using is www.bmwvin.com - Have a look and pull your specs.

 

[Rayzor]

Checked mine and its spot on :thumbs:

 

[Loom]

Our E36 316i also shows as a 318i on RealOEM (and another site of which I've forgotten the name) but I shrug it off as the SA 316i having a 1.8 engine whereas the 316i was a 1600 on some overseas markets. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_(E36)

 

[Rooi_Willie]

So mine gives :

S694A CD-WECHSLER VORBEREITUNG Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer

Does anyone know EXACTLY what this means??

 

[netercol]

So mine gives :

S694A CD-WECHSLER VORBEREITUNG Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer

Does anyone know EXACTLY what this means??

it has the wiring pre-prepared for a cd changer..

 

[Rayzor]

it has the wiring pre-prepared for a cd changer..

+1 :thumbs:

 

[Bazza]

Thanks for the site!

I found out that mine has HIFI sound, I just thought the system was standard.

Also found out it has a "smoker package" and "delete cross-pattern operation" what the hell do those entail?

 

[LordPhoenix]

Mine is exactly the same, was always confused as to why.

I also seem to have wiring for certain things that are not installed in the car by default.

Front Fogs, CD Changer.

 

[JoViX]

Knowing if your Car has the wiring helps ALLOT when thinking of getting upgrades, you should then be able to buy just the equipment and plug in.

I'll hopefully be able to check this weekend if I can jack the car and look for the Engine Number.

Hope the VIN decode site helps some people atleast

 

[Rooi_Willie]

So mine gives :

S694A CD-WECHSLER VORBEREITUNG Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer

Does anyone know EXACTLY what this means??

it has the wiring pre-prepared for a cd changer..

Does that mean that the cd changer cable is already there? If so, I could just plug a unit in and it should work, right?

 

[netercol]

So mine gives :

S694A CD-WECHSLER VORBEREITUNG Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer

Does anyone know EXACTLY what this means??

it has the wiring pre-prepared for a cd changer..

Does that mean that the cd changer cable is already there? If so, I could just plug a unit in and it should work, right?

yep, should be plug and play, MIGHT be a bit of coding involved, not sure..

btw this decoder is spot on for my cars..