i ordered a set of splash gaurds for my wifes bmw from ebay and i got this email

i know vin can give infor mation on the config of a car like the tl ua6 reg ua7 types but that in 3 digits at the front of the vin. isnt the last part of a vin that makes it specific? they obviosly know where i live from the shipping addy and vin number can get you a key made from a dealership....

also i know bmw uses body codes to say what fits and what dosent and its more specific than year and model such as e90 body type encompases lots of years and differnt "models" but all e90 fitment/compatability is interchangeable and should be all the need from my understanding. the seller has good rep with ebay but i wanted to hear AZ thoughts.

 

Most dealerships won't make a key without proof of ownership, at least that's how my Hyundai dealer is. I can imagine it would be even more so with a luxury brand.

 

He's not ordering a key though... he is ordering splash guards. Model and color should be fine.

OP, try calling your local dealership and ask them if that's normal. Heck they may even match the price and then you can have them ASAP.

 

call paypal

 

^thanks.

 

i KNOW they dont require much as far as proof of ownership when I locked my wifes purse in the trunk on accident we got a new key made from VIN and out of state registration and I dont remember them calling to verify it. In Washington state how would they know if my GA registration card is legit without calling? but i will call bmw of seattle and see what they say.

 

Don't need your VIN for splash guards. Model, model year, and colour code (if they are colour-matched) gives them all the info they need. They don't need to verify that you are an owner or not.....anyone has the right to order splash guard, whether they actually have a BMW or not.

 

If it bothers you, I'd call the place up, say you don't have access to the VIN because its your wife's car and she's at work, and just give the make and model. If that's not adequate enough info for them to give you a pair of splash guards, I'd move on.

 

just got off the phone with bmw of seattle parts and they said bmw uses the last 7 of the vin to identify the cars type and fitment for parts its not specific to my wifes bmw. so that cant get a key made off of that. and they dont do price matching : ( Thanks for the suggestions i wouldnt have thought to just call a dealership.

i guess differnt manufacture make theier vins in different ways i thought it was standard. i know on a 3g tl i can look at it from a distance and know the first part.

 

It's standard for BMW dealers to ask for the last 7 digits of your VIN when getting parts. I asked for Alpine White touchup paint at my dealer and they needed the last 7 digits because apparently BMW made 3 different shades of Alpine White. I'm guessing they need your VIN because depending if your car has regular/sport/M sport trim, it comes with different side skirts, which would make the splash guards fit differently.

 

I ran into this same issue/question when I tried to order a a part of my rear fender liner and I spoke with my friend who works at a BMW dealer about it...it's legit. the last 7 digits allow the dealer to know where your car was made. SOME of the factories had different parts at the time of production. An example in your case, a hole in the fender might have been a little offset at the factory in germany vs the factory in south africa.

 

hyundai always asks for a vin number when i try to get some new oem part..

they said that they ask so they know what specific model car i have and that i get the right part..