BMW E36 VIN decoder

Reads what a 17-character BMW VIN actually encodes — model year, a genuine-M3 check, and the OBD-I / OBD-II split. Colour and options aren't in the VIN; where to find them is explained below.

Enter a 17-character VIN

Nothing is sent anywhere — the VIN is decoded right here in your browser.

Where colour & options actually live

Paint colour and factory options are not encoded in the VIN. They're on the option/paint sticker:

Under the bonnet on the radiator support or a strut tower, and often duplicated in the boot or the service booklet.
A 3-digit paint code (for example 300 = Alpine White III; the sought-after M3 colours are Estoril Blue, Techno Violet and Dakar Yellow) — match your code on a BMW paint chart.
A list of SA option codes for the factory-fitted equipment.
The build date (month/year) is on the manufacturer's label in the driver's door jamb — the definitive way to settle OBD-I vs OBD-II on a borderline early-'96 car.