How can I find out the original spec of a car?

[Scamp's Walker]

In the process of narrowing down cars to look at and want to compare them, how do I go about getting the original build spec?

[MigX]

ask bmw? if you have the vin number they should give you that information. they printed out all the specifications of my car when i bought it but i had the key and they used the key reader. sure they can do the same just with the vin number.

[Scamp's Walker]

thanks

[4rephill]

MigX said:

ask bmw? if you have the vin number they should give you that information. they printed out all the specifications of my car when i bought it but i had the key and they used the key reader. sure they can do the same just with the vin number.

They don't always give you that information though. Some Dealerships will happily print off the original order sheets for you whilst others will simply follow BMW's official procedure and advise you to ring the customer helpline (at £1 per min!).

See here: http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/about/cservices

"Should you wish to obtain details of a vehicle's specification, or information on the visits to a dealership of a particular vehicle, this is only available by calling our dedicated team on: 0906 209 0001 (Calls are charged at £1 per minute). Lines are open 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Calls may be recorded for training purposes." (Quoted from the link above)


When I first got My E36 I asked My local Dealership if they could still get the original order sheets for it, which a friendly sales guy duly printed off. However, when I asked what the avus suspension option was, he rather worryingly told Me: "I'm not sure, but I think it means the shock absorbers are blue because avus is a colour option! ".

(Luckily the service advisers were a bit more clued up!).

[addsvrs]

I found my build sheet under the rear bench seat in my E36, which was apparently where they put them from the factory, probably wont be the same for newer BMW's but always worth a look.