Vin and engine numbers don't match

Akulaking

Akulaking

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Hi, I must apologise for making my first post a question but, I'm limited for time, I'll do my intro tomorrow! I'm picking up a 2008 GSA 1200 in the morning, just done an hpi check and found the engine and frame numbers don't match. Should they, or is it normal not to match. Hopefully someone can tell me before I go ahead. Thanks.
 
Possibly a engine replacement under warranty at some stage. Contact your local with the reg and chassis number to check this.

What does the seller say, it's a very reasonable question to ask??
 
Thanks for the reply, I'm going to ask the seller in the morning, before I hand over the cash, I've just found a site that says later R models don't match, the engine number contains build dates, Ie this one is engine number 1008**** meaning 10th week of 2008, which would tie in with the 1st reg date of 20/03/2008.
 
Be careful before parting with your money see if the seller has documentation and ask about mismatch numbers if a replacement look in paperwork for who did it and phone them to confirm.
If you have any doubts walk away there are plenty of bikes for sale
 
Just had a chat with the seller, he is the second owner, and owned it from3 months old. He bought it from a main dealer, never had an engine change in his ownership so maybe they just don't match from new?
 
Akulaking said:
Just had a chat with the seller, he is the second owner, and owned it from3 months old. He bought it from a main dealer, never had an engine change in his ownership so maybe they just don't match from new?
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Ring the dealer....they should be able to shed light on it ...;)
 
I would have to look on my log book, but I don't recall mine matching (its an RT, but that shouldn't matter).
You could run a check through here http://bimmer.work. which should give you details of its original build spec to compare with what you are getting.
 
I've had my 2013 GSA from new, Engine and VIN don't match either, and as far as I'm aware they're not meant to. Like Neil says, as long as the V5 is correct that's what matters...... Enter the last 7 VIN digits in here:-

http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

This will give you the spec of the bike and actual date when built.
 
Ok mine don't match ie the frame number is different to the engine number
My vin number looks like this (some numbers changed for security)
WB1045002CZX36508

Engine number

45116327
Ive checked and none of the numbers match
 
Numbers don't match on mine and I've had it from new.

More importantly, physically check the log book details with the VIN plate and stamped-in numbers on the bike. :rob
 
It could be worse, you could have brought a WC with non matching numbers.
 
My understanding is there are two numbers .....the engine one and the frame ( vin) one

But as mentioned as long as they match the V5 and have not been tampered with .... Your ok
 
What's all the fuss about? Most car engine numbers don't match the VIN number. I've never had a bike (or car) with matching frame (aka VIN or chassis) and engine numbers.

Check what's on the V5 and start to worry if that's not up to date.
 
Confused. Are you expecting the chassis number to match the engine number? Or something else?

Seems like an odd expectation.

All that matters is that the numbers on both match the corresponding numbers on the V5.

Btw I have had a vehicle from new and the engine number was never logged on the V5 at registration and engine number on V5 remains blank 11 yrs on !
 
DrFarkoff said:
BMW engine / Frame numbers haven;t matched since the end of the /7 models circa 1979 1980 ish
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100% correct. A mates 1977 R100RS has matching numbers, my 1983 R80ST doesn't which worried me initially but it's perfectly normal. Ignore the doom mongers above.

Good luck:thumb
 
Thanks guys, there is no fuss, it's just that some vehicles do have matching numbers and some don't. It can be a sign of an engine swap. When you're buying a new bike it's good to know if they should or shouldn't match. Anyway it's tucked up in my garage now, next to the Indian and the Thruxton. Some fettling to do as it's been a serious winter bike.
 
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