If you want to know exactly what features your BMW left the factory with, whether you’re researching a car you own, planning to buy a used BMW, or are simply curious, the build sheet is the definitive record to check. It documents how the vehicle was originally configured when it left the assembly plant, including every installed option, trim level, paint and upholstery code, transmission or differential specification, and other factory data.
While some automakers make these records and their original window stickers publicly accessible, the level of availability depends on both the brand and model year. To simplify this process, we created a BMW Build Sheet by VIN lookup tool. By entering the VIN, you can instantly view a car’s original build information when it’s obtainable from official BMW sources. If BMW doesn’t offer a complimentary build sheet for that VIN, our system automatically checks for a free OEM window sticker instead, another document that contains important information on what equipment a vehicle had when new. If neither document can be accessed directly, we collaborate with an authorized and trusted data partner to recreate the build sheet or original window sticker using verified factory records to ensure accuracy.
The FAQ below explores every aspect of BMW build sheets in detail—where to find them, how to read them, and why they’re essential for confirming a vehicle’s authentic factory configuration.
A build sheet reflects the internal configuration for a specific car: model and “type key,” production plant and date, paint and trim codes, and the complete list of factory‑installed equipment using BMW option codes (the SA/SALAPA/VO codes). In the U.S., customers typically see this as a dealer printout called a Vehicle Inquiry Report (VIR) or as a VIN‑based options list pulled from BMW’s back‑end databases. It’s not a legal sales document and it usually doesn’t include pricing. Community and dealer references consistently use “VIR” as the dealer’s build‑sheet equivalent.
A window sticker (aka Monroney label) is required by U.S. federal law on every new car at the point of sale. It shows MSRP (original base pricing) and option prices, EPA/NHTSA info (fuel economy, emissions scores, crash ratings when available), parts‑content, and destination charges. It’s a public-facing consumer disclosure while the build sheet is an internal document used by the manufacturer. Dealer‑installed add‑ons appear on a separate dealer addendum, not the Monroney; port‑installed options normally do show on the Monroney with pricing.
Ask the selling dealer for the Vehicle Inquiry Report (VIR). It lists the exact equipment and build data for that VIN. Dealers can print it from BMW’s DCS systems; some stores only provide it for an in‑stock or customer-ordered car, but it’s the most authoritative “build sheet” a consumer can get.
Call BMW USA “Genius.” They can confirm equipment for recent model years tied to your VIN and point you to owner resources. BMW Genius Hotline: 1‑844‑4GENIUS (443‑6487).
Use the My BMW / My Garage portal to add your VIN or production number; you’ll see model details and (for new car orders) build status, sometimes with equipment summaries. It’s not as granular as a VIR but can be useful for verification.
Third‑party sites such as Build Sheet by VIN may have access to build sheet information; enter your VIN to see what is available.
BMW Group Classic “Birth Certificate” (digital). BMW will issue a VIN‑specific document listing production/delivery dates and identifiers; on many ’1980s or later cars it also includes option details. As of 2025, BMW Classic quotes €150 for the digital certificate. Expect to provide proof of ownership and chassis/engine photos.
BMW Group Archive. Owners and researchers can contact the Archive for historical data; coverage and detail vary by era.
Physical build sheets on older cars. Many ’70s/’80s BMWs (E12/E23/E28/E30, etc.) had a paper build slip taped under the rear seat bottom, beneath carpet, or behind trim. They’re often brittle or missing decades later; don’t be surprised if you don’t find one.
Identifiers: VIN (17‑digit for 1981+), model code (e.g., G20), type key, plant, production date. The 10th VIN character encodes model year in the U.S. scheme.
Colors/Trim: paint code (e.g., 300 Alpine White), upholstery and trim codes.
Options: the SA/SALAPA list—four‑digit alphanumerics like S704A (M Sport Suspension), S710A (M leather steering wheel), plus U.S. market packages such as ZPP (Premium Package) grouped for marketing.
Regulatory/market flags & deletions: codes such as 6UY (“Deletion of Touchscreen” during the 2021–22 chip shortage) or other temporary changes; these can appear on both build sheet and Monroney label.
Confirm the VIN and model year. If it’s pre‑1981 and lacks a 17‑character VIN, plan on using BMW Classic/Archive or period documentation; modern decoders won’t work.
Note the model code/type key. This ties the spec to a platform (e.g., F22 = 2 Series coupe).
Paint & interior codes. Translate the paint code and upholstery code to full descriptions; dealers and community code lists help validate you’re reading them correctly.
Decode the SA (option) codes. Use a reliable SA list to translate items like S5AS (Active Driving Assistant) or S2NH (M Sport brakes). Be aware some lists are Europe‑centric; confirm U.S. applicability.
Unpack U.S. “Z‑packages.” Codes like ZPP (Premium), ZDA/ZDB (Driver Assistance/Driver Assistance Plus) bundle SA items; package contents change by model year, so compare against a period‑correct ordering guide when precision matters.
Look for deletion/credit codes. During supply constraints BMW added codes (e.g., 6UY) and a corresponding credit on the Monroney; don’t assume missing hardware is a mistake.
Cross‑check against a Monroney reproduction. This will validate pricing alignment and port‑installed accessories; dealer add‑ons won’t be on the Monroney.
Physically verify critical hardware. A build sheet can say “S2NH M Sport brakes,” but wheels, brakes, and a differential are easy to swap; examine the car.
Archive it. Keep a PDF of the VIR/SA list with any reproduction window sticker—useful for insurance, resale, and parts ordering.
SA (“Sonderausstattung”) are the option codes (e.g., S710A).
SALAPA elements are the option strings stored in the car’s order/vehicle order (VO) and used by BMW diagnostic/coding systems. Full lists exist publicly for reference and retrofits.
Not reliably across all U.S. models. Example: for an F22 M235i—the LSD most buyers want was typically an M Performance accessory installed at the dealer, not a factory option, so it won’t appear on the build sheet or Monroney even if the car has it. You must verify physically or via dealer service history/parts invoices.
Common spots were under the rear seat bottom, under carpet, or behind interior panels; many have disintegrated or gone missing over the past 30–50 years. Handle carefully; they tear like tissue.
“A window sticker is a build sheet.” No. The window sticker is a legal pricing/consumer label; the build sheet is a technical document.
“If it’s on the build sheet, it must still be on the car.” Not necessarily; after decades or even months it’s possible retrofits or removal of parts have happened.
“Every classic BMW has a paper build sheet in the car.” Many don’t due to deterioration or previous owners finding and removing them. And even if the build sheet is still with the car, what’s left is often unreadable.
“All options show up the same way.” U.S. packages (Z‑codes) change over time; check a period guide to confirm what each code means.
“Anything missing was a dealer mistake.” During shortages BMW used deletion codes and provided credits; this should be documented on the build sheet and/or window sticker.
Use My BMW / My Garage to track status with a production number or VIN; dealers can also provide real‑time status on the back end. Enthusiast guides explain the common status codes you may hear about (112, 150, 155, etc.).
Ask the dealer to re‑pull a fresh VIR and compare line‑by‑line.
Check the Monroney (or a reproduction) for what equipment was priced and delivered new.
If a critical feature is missing due to a documented deletion (e.g., 6UY), expect a credit rather than a retrofit unless BMW has issued a service procedure that enables it with updated hardware/software.
U.S. online decoders are built for 17‑character VINs (1981+). For older cars you’ll rely on BMW Group Classic/Archive and period documentation; some clubs and forums maintain partial tables, but they’re not authoritative.
Community SA lists (e.g., E90post/Bimmerfest) cover thousands of codes and are effective for lookups; they’re not official, but broadly accurate for decoding meanings.
Comprehensive third‑party PDFs (e.g., retrofit and coding catalogs) can help when you’re mapping obscure SALAPA elements. Use them as references, not proofs.
No. Use BMW’s VIN recall portal or NHTSA tools for that. Build sheets list what was built, not subsequent repairs.
If you have any issues or questions, feel free to reach out to our support team via info at buildsheetbyvin dot com.