Manufacture date stickers throughout car

[BPe90M3]

I was waiting for my tires to come in the other day, and decided to poke around the car a bit. I noticed that there were dates on many parts. For example, the headlight yellow sticker says ".15.07.11". (Mine is a MY2011). Also the front shocks had dates from near that same time as well, and also the radiator.

Are these just put on parts that will most likely be changed out at some point. Any other areas where these can be found?

On a side note, i think this is a good "tool" to use when looking at e9xs used. If its 2011 and the date on the headlight or shock indicates 2014 or some other date, its a pretty good sign it was either in an accident if not because of wear.

[SkysTheLimit]

I'm pretty sure they are manufacture dates for the individual parts. For example many of the parts will have a date prior to your build date since they're all made in batches.

Most of the parts on the car have this date - even silly pieces like the steering wheel trim have it. I don't think it necessarily signifies a part that will be changed out.

It's definitely a good indicator when shopping, but the thing to note is a lot of us fanatical guys will change things out for the sake of changing and not because it was needed or in an accident. Fresher shocks, new trim pieces, etc don't necessarily signify an accident.

But, of course use your judgement - the owner should have a story behind anything that doesn't belong. If it doesn't add up then move along. If one control arm is 2018 and one 2011...uh oh
On the other hand, if you're looking at an average mileage 2008 and the shocks are 11/07...I don't think that's necessarily a good thing either. I personally would hope the shocks were done by this point.

[BPe90M3]

Originally Posted by SkysTheLimit

I'm pretty sure they are manufacture dates for the individual parts. For example many of the parts will have a date prior to your build date since they're all made in batches.

Most of the parts on the car have this date - even silly pieces like the steering wheel trim have it. I don't think it necessarily signifies a part that will be changed out.

It's definitely a good indicator when shopping, but the thing to note is a lot of us fanatical guys will change things out for the sake of changing and not because it was needed or in an accident. Fresher shocks, new trim pieces, etc don't necessarily signify an accident.

But, of course use your judgement - the owner should have a story behind anything that doesn't belong. If it doesn't add up then move along. If one control arm is 2018 and one 2011...uh oh
On the other hand, if you're looking at an average mileage 2008 and the shocks are 11/07...I don't think that's necessarily a good thing either. I personally would hope the shocks were done by this point.

Yes of course it does not mean that there WAS an accident. But it could be a good tool to ask the seller further questions about.

[deansbimmer]

If you know where to look, just about every single last part in a car has some sort of date code on it to indicate when it was manufactured (as well as the part number). Either a sticker like you found, a silkscreen print, or a molded rotary date code.

It can help identify whether the part has been replaced. Obviously a 2011 car wouldn't have original parts mfg in 2013 so the date codes help identify previous work. For example, if the headlights, radiator support, bumper, etc all have date codes later than the model year then it's quite likely it had been in an accident at some point.. On the other hand, a lot of guys will replace parts just because they're cosmetically blemished.

[BPe90M3]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

If you know where to look, just about every single last part in a car has some sort of date code on it to indicate when it was manufactured (as well as the part number). Either a sticker like you found, a silkscreen print, or a molded rotary date code.

It can help identify whether the part has been replaced. Obviously a 2011 car wouldn't have original parts mfg in 2013 so the date codes help identify previous work. For example, if the headlights, radiator support, bumper, etc all have date codes later than the model year then it's quite likely it had been in an accident at some point.. On the other hand, a lot of guys will replace parts just because they're cosmetically blemished.

Yes his is exactly what I was getting at. Well said. I wonder if the same is done for body panels (bumpers, side skirts, etc).

[smyles]

There's a whole science around dates on parts in Europe, esp. the more you go East, because of car theft, accidents, rollbacks, etc. Like how you're supposed to check all seatbelts, stickers (apparently they forge them too!), VIN in all spots, and so on. You can hire inspectors to do just that, separate from the usual PPIs. Very entertaining youtubes.

[BPe90M3]

Originally Posted by smyles

There's a whole science around dates on parts in Europe, esp. the more you go East, because of car theft, accidents, rollbacks, etc. Like how you're supposed to check all seatbelts, stickers (apparently they forge them too!), VIN in all spots, and so on. You can hire inspectors to do just that, separate from the usual PPIs. Very entertaining youtubes.

Yea but the Vin stickers don't exists on the e9x. I think BMW stopped this after the e36.

[Scrippy]

OP I'm on my 2nd rear bumper only because I've hammered the top of it getting my hockey gear out of the trunk so many times. I've also replaced all kinds of trim pieces inside too due to wear of button print or scratches. I will probably replace my center counsel soon due to color fading. Having a jet black car can be a bitch when you love it so much!

[smyles]

Originally Posted by BPe90M3

Yea but the Vin stickers don't exists on the e9x. I think BMW stopped this after the e36.

The one on the driver door jamb? Mine has it.

[BPe90M3]

Originally Posted by smyles

The one on the driver door jamb? Mine has it.

Yea that would be the only panel besides the trunk (under license plate) that displays the vin