VIN vs Pre-71 Model Body style

[lngbrd]

I am looking for a little help with puzzle of my car's true identity. My VIN is 2533867, according to VIN numbers is a 1973 automatic. (It has since been changed to a 320i 5-speed). The VIN was located in Mike Maccartney's book BMW '02 Restoration Guide. The body definitely looks like a Pre-71 Model, according to the pictures in Mike Maccartney's book. The vehicle does not have the lower waist trim. If anyone has some knowledge that would clear up the confusion, I would greatly appreciate it. If not, could you direct me to other resources?

Thanks

[SOUTHBAYeric]

Do all three VINs match? It could be that the lower trim was just deleted.

[lngbrd]

The two body VIN's are the same. The engine I know was changed out, 2761680, Jan-72 through Dec-72 tii engine (minus the fuel injection). If they (PO's) took the lower trim off (why?) it was a pretty decent job because I sure cannot find any telltale signs of the bodywork.

Is there any other possible explanation?

[jerry]

another clue:

is it a 6 fuse car, or a 12 fuse car?

6 fuse cars did not have the lower trim.

any other modification can result over the years and can be easily hidden by competent PO.

[Guest Anonymous]

My early 71 is VIN 1679747. As stock it had the short side bumpers with no rubber trim strips, but it had the mid-level protector strips at the "crease level" on the sides. The later 71's had the strips lower than the "crease level" to match the long side bumper ends with the rubber trim strips.

[BarryA]

The two body VIN's are the same. The engine I know was changed out, 2761680, Jan-72 through Dec-72 tii engine (minus the fuel injection). If they (PO's) took the lower trim off (why?) it was a pretty decent job because I sure cannot find any telltale signs of the bodywork.

Is there any other possible explanation?

could have eliminated the lower trim, pull one (or both) of the interior rear quarter panel upholstery pieces.

Doors and front fenders are pretty easy to replace, and could have been swapped out to eliminate the trim holes, but it's very unlikely that both rear side/quarter panels were changed out. Filling in the mounting holes for the lower trim would have pretty much required welding the holes shut, so there should be evidence of the hole-filling project on the inside of the quarter panels, as very few people are going to go to the trouble to grind, fill and paint the inside of the panel to the point of creating an undetectable repair.......

[lngbrd]

Thanks to the info. Mine has 12 fuses. The PO says 1973 date on the title is incorrect, he says the car is a 1971.

Go figure. Anyother tell-tale clues? Anything that is definitive?

[jerry]

Thanks to the info. Mine has 12 fuses. The PO says 1973 date on the title is incorrect, he says the car is a 1971.

Go figure. Anyother tell-tale clues? Anything that is definitive?

your's is a '73. originally an automatic. i have VIN 2534169

other clues that may or may not still exist:

are your heater control switches lighted, have four levers (2/side)

have a 'fasten seatbelt' sign on the dash

your VIN and the 12 fuses tell the complete story. PO is wrong, period.

[lngbrd]

I believe you have put the issue to rest. It is a 1973. Thanks for you clues and thank you, the others that helped solve the puzzle.

Thank you,

lngbrd