Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
So, I heard today that there is an example of a new ALPINA, built outside the US, which didn't get the trademark second ALPINA VIN stamped alongside the struck out BMW one. The first known example is a G16 B8GC which was delivered to Sweden with only one VIN number that is a hybrid of to two: it starts WAP but then follows the standard BMW formatting. It does however, still have a numbered build plaque but it is unclear if this will continue longer term.
The change is being driven by the increasing production volume's need to streamline processes and optimise costs. It will also probably mean that not all cars need to go via Buchloe en route to the customer unless they include the bespoke ALPINA touches (like Lavalina I presume). The cars which only include standard BMW options can be run off the production line and straight to dealers for delivery.
The second VIN apparently adds quite a lot of time, cost, admin burden to the process as well as the likely savings on transport costs (€€€ & CO2).
The change is being driven by the increasing production volume's need to streamline processes and optimise costs. It will also probably mean that not all cars need to go via Buchloe en route to the customer unless they include the bespoke ALPINA touches (like Lavalina I presume). The cars which only include standard BMW options can be run off the production line and straight to dealers for delivery.
The second VIN apparently adds quite a lot of time, cost, admin burden to the process as well as the likely savings on transport costs (€€€ & CO2).
B3 3.2 TOURING #062
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
This would be a sad change. Part of the charm is the back story to this.
Alpina B5 E61 2005 Touring #007 Special Toy Malachite Green with Caramel Merino Leather. Quaife LSD upgrade
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Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa 2002 Summer Toy
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Volvo XC90 D5 2011 Daily
KTM 990SMT 2013 Summer Toy
Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa 2002 Summer Toy
Kawasaki ZXR750 1993 Summer Toy
Kawasaki ZX6R 1999 Summer Toy
BMW X5 F15 2014 30d M Sport Daily for the other half
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
Is this the start of the eventual purchase/amalgamation of Alpina in to BMW a la AMG and Mercedes?
Of course, with the way that BMW VIN numbers are now, i.e no specific ranges for a model, it will be near impossible for anyone wishing to determine records of the cars other than the manufacturer.
Of course, with the way that BMW VIN numbers are now, i.e no specific ranges for a model, it will be near impossible for anyone wishing to determine records of the cars other than the manufacturer.
Regards,
James
2022 BMW X7 40d M-Sport
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James
2022 BMW X7 40d M-Sport
2019 BMW X5 M50d
2018 BMW M760Li
2017 BMW 530i M-Sport Touring (SOLD)
2012 BMW 520d ED (Gave it back)
2011 BMW 535d GT SE (SOLD)
2008 BMW 730d SE (SOLD)
2007 BMW X5 3.0d SE (SOLD)
2007 D3 Touring 166 (SOLD)
2005 BMW 750i Sport (SOLD)
2005 BMW 730d Sport (SOLD)
2001 B10 V8 Touring 012/1 (SOLD)
2001 B10 V8 saloon 044/1 (SOLD)
1999 BMW 750iL (SOLD)
1997 BMW 750iL (SOLD)
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
Hopefully not, but it is certainly one step closer.
A bit more information has surfaced:
A bit more information has surfaced:
- NA cars will continue to receive the standard BMW VIN, presumably due to the Federalisation requirements
- Going forwards all B8GC, B5 & D5S will get a single VIN which is a BMW VIN prefixed WAP instead of WBA
- All other models will follow with a single VIN next year
- The single VIN will allow better integration into the servicing and connected drive systems
B3 3.2 TOURING #062
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
i'm sure the fine tradition of uneducated clueless BMW main dealer staff will continue with aplomb!
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
It might even help BMW UK to find your car!!
Bri-E
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D3BT Touring (2014) #015
D3BT Touring Swithtronic (2012) #402 Sold
D3 (2007) #538 (Sold but remembered)
120d Sport (2004)
318ti SE Compact (2001)
318tiSport Compact (1998)
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Ford Capri 2.0 Laser (1985) 205,250 miles passed
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
Sad news
Not having a second VIN (outside of NA) could instantly mean a lesser ALPINA. As it has basic spec and by not visiting the factory
Need to ask just to rule it out. Is there a law or a new one in Sweden that prohibits a second VIN?
Not having a second VIN (outside of NA) could instantly mean a lesser ALPINA. As it has basic spec and by not visiting the factory
Need to ask just to rule it out. Is there a law or a new one in Sweden that prohibits a second VIN?
Oscar Wilde & Burkard Bovensiepen: I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.
ALPINA B3 3.2 Coupe Switch-Tronic ALPINA Blue
ALPINA B10 3.3 Saloon Manual Mora Metallic
ALPINA B3 3.2 Coupe Switch-Tronic ALPINA Blue
ALPINA B10 3.3 Saloon Manual Mora Metallic
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
Not that I am aware of, but most of this information has been provided by contacts in BMW & ALPINA so it's not likely to be limited to the requirements in one country.
B3 3.2 TOURING #062
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
ok thanks
Another thing, for cars outside North America it was a quick way to confirm the authenticity of the car being genuine
Oscar Wilde & Burkard Bovensiepen: I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.
ALPINA B3 3.2 Coupe Switch-Tronic ALPINA Blue
ALPINA B10 3.3 Saloon Manual Mora Metallic
ALPINA B3 3.2 Coupe Switch-Tronic ALPINA Blue
ALPINA B10 3.3 Saloon Manual Mora Metallic
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
Genuine ALPINA's will still have a VIN prefixed WAP as opposed to a regular BMW which will start WBA, so you can still spot a wrong 'un.
B3 3.2 TOURING #062
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
I am confused
That reads (or a presumption on my part, because all cars have a BMW VIN, and North America only has one VIN which is the BMW). That the car will only have the BMW VIN. Will new cars which don't visit the factory have an ALPINA or BMW VIN?
Oscar Wilde & Burkard Bovensiepen: I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.
ALPINA B3 3.2 Coupe Switch-Tronic ALPINA Blue
ALPINA B10 3.3 Saloon Manual Mora Metallic
ALPINA B3 3.2 Coupe Switch-Tronic ALPINA Blue
ALPINA B10 3.3 Saloon Manual Mora Metallic
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
The old way: US cars only have a complete BMW VIN and all other cars carry the struck out BMW VIN of the donor along side the full ALPINA VIN.
The new way: US cars continue to get the standard BMW VIN, but the other cars will have a single VIN which is a hybrid: starts WAP but the remaining 14 digits will follow the BMW structure
The new way: US cars continue to get the standard BMW VIN, but the other cars will have a single VIN which is a hybrid: starts WAP but the remaining 14 digits will follow the BMW structure
B3 3.2 TOURING #062
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
The electric power plants would perhaps see the end of the Alpina engine modifications anyway? I envisaged it wouldn’t be long before Alpina become closer to BMW, perhaps the luxury/exclusive/special division.
JohnW
2008 B3 BiTurbo Coupe #161
Previous: 2011 D3 BiTurbo Saloon #373, 2014 F30 320iX M Saloon, 2009 M3 DCT Coupe, 2008 B3 BiTurbo Coupe #074, 2009 E82 123d Coupe, 2006 E92 325i Coupe, 2002 E46 325iSE Coupe, 1998 E36 318iSE Saloon
2008 B3 BiTurbo Coupe #161
Previous: 2011 D3 BiTurbo Saloon #373, 2014 F30 320iX M Saloon, 2009 M3 DCT Coupe, 2008 B3 BiTurbo Coupe #074, 2009 E82 123d Coupe, 2006 E92 325i Coupe, 2002 E46 325iSE Coupe, 1998 E36 318iSE Saloon
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
Something else that may or will change is the ALPINA logo
Oscar Wilde & Burkard Bovensiepen: I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.
ALPINA B3 3.2 Coupe Switch-Tronic ALPINA Blue
ALPINA B10 3.3 Saloon Manual Mora Metallic
ALPINA B3 3.2 Coupe Switch-Tronic ALPINA Blue
ALPINA B10 3.3 Saloon Manual Mora Metallic
Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers
On a positive note it may be easier to get a replacement windscreen without the operator on the phone saying something like "Hmm, Alpina, its not bringing anything up... Is it a motorhome?"
F11 D5 BiTurbo #049
1990 Escort Series 2 RS Turbo
1983 Escort 400bhp Time Attack Car
1990 Escort Series 2 RS Turbo
1983 Escort 400bhp Time Attack Car