Decoding MINI VIN Numbers...

[Theo]

To All,

I'm trying to get a handle on the decoding of MINI VIN numbers. I've found sites that generically decode VINs, but I am particularly interested in the MINI's VIN codes.

The codes I am most interested in are in positions 4 thru 8 and the single character in position 12.

Example: WMW RE334 34T D 99999

May I ask you to provide me with the following info for your MINI?

Model: Cooper, MINI ONE, MINI D, Cooper S
Transmission: 5-speed, 6-speed, CVT
VIN code group (position 4-8 only):
VIN code character (position 12 only):

When I have reliably decoded this info I will post my results.

Thanks in advance!

Theo
(twmatthias@earthlink.net)

[naparish]

My VIN has 33453 and D in those spots; it's an MCS, and obviously a 6-spd

[Paul]

This has been covered before, a search will probably help.

To be honest, I personally wouldn't want to share my car and VIN details with someone I don't know, no offense to you, but it's a pretty unusual first post, and certainly raises a few questions for me.

What others decide is up to them, but you don't even say why you have this interest in MINI vin numbers?

[malk0vich]

isn't this obvious? why would someone give out those details to somebody they don't know? I think Paul has said it all...

[NEMINI]

To be fair he didn't ask for the entire VIN # but yes this has been done before.

[AKmini]

This same post was also put up on the roadfly forums. Sounds like some sort of scam to me. I wouldn't give anyone this sort of personal information.

[blackadder]

if you want a Mini that bad, just go and buy one!!!

[speacock]

Here is my decode of the VIN:

WMW - Europe, Germany, BMW
RC3/RE3 - Make & Model (Mini Cooper/Mini Cooper S)
1/2/3 - Specification (UK/Euro/US)
4 - Restraint system (Dual Airbags)
(0-9 or X) - Check Digit
3 - Year (2003)
T - Plant (Oxford, GB)
C/D/other letter - (5-speed/6-speed/CVT)
12345 - Serial

Sean

[EBMCS03]

Cool interesting information speacock.

Well maybe he just wanted to know what the VIN stands for. I know I've always wanted to know but because I know VINs have always been a touchy issue I never asked. I figured its not important to know but interesting none-the-less. I'm not defending Theo or anything just stating my opinion.

But hey have u guys seen this site? just with your Serial they can decode a lot of information of your car. I know its for BMW but it works for MINIs too, I wonder why.

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

[naparish]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

To be honest, I personally wouldn't want to share my car and VIN details with someone I don't know, no offense to you, but it's a pretty unusual first post, and certainly raises a few questions for me.

It's so easy to find lots of MINI VINs using the WW website, and after looking at a few of them, it sure seems like the only digits that are indivualized (i.e., not based on the car's specifications) are the last five, that I don't see the harm. Besides, I'm curious as well.

[Paul]

I'm not saying there is anything dodgy going on, just for people to be careful.

[Paul]

These are two 'decoding' related threads:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...=VIN+number%2A
and
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...=VIN+number%2A

[vegasmini]

hmmm....according to the bmw decoder site, my MCS that I ordered would actually be built on Sep. 2000, would be right hand steering, and be a Cooper, not a Cooper S. For some reason, I do not think that site is correct on all models.

[stryder]

Just to add to the 'weirdness' logic. Does Earthlink have service in Uruguay or is Theo's location just incorrect?

Anyway, most of the information is in either of those threads, though why Coopers are
TC 5 speed
TE CVT (or is it F)
and S is
TD 6 speed

in the US, but TC in Oz is a bit confusing.

And no one has said what is up for a One both in the TC area and the RE3/RC3 area.

Honestly, if you don't give out the serial #, anyone who knows how the system works could surmise the first 2/3 of the VIN based on your spec, so I don't see this as a huge worry, just very random for someone so new to post about.

[Theo]

Perhaps I am too trusting and should be more carefull. I did not mean to cause anyone distress. Here is what I posted on MCO about my request:

--------------------------------------

I assure you this is not a scam. If I had known this post and the one on Roadfly and MINI2 would cause such a concern, I'd never have done it in the first place.

I'm just trying to make sense of the VIN codes for the MINIs. I thought that if I could collect some data from my fellow MINI owners, I might have a shot at the decode. It would then, of course be shared with the community.

I'm sorry that some of you have taken this whole thing to "the dark side" but I do understand the concern, especially in today's world. I'd also like to say thank you to those who have contributed so far, your data does help.

It's simple - if you want to contribute, then thank you! If you would rather not contribute, then I certainly understand. Just please don't accuse me of promoting a scam!

Thank you,

Koopah (Theo)

-----------------------------------------

Thanks speacock! This is exactly what I have been looking for. My searches to date have turned up little information or conflicting information. I will go back to the MINI OL and post your info to my fellow 9/26 production date community members.

Again, I'm so sorry that I caused such a ruckus. Thanks for your understanding.

Theo