Crank Seriel Number ID - I'm Certain No Kittens...

[dma]

Okay, found great info on the FAQ on how to interpret numbers on blocks (thank you c.d.), but not cranks. Is the 7 digit number on the crank, a vin?

[c.d.iesel]

numbers on the crank are just "CASTING" numbers

other "CASTING" numbers which are not BMW part numbers

are found on steering box, cam, diff housing, intake manifold, exhaust

manifild, cylinder block, etc. Casting numbers are internal vendor/supplier codes

unless I'm wrong ?

what numbers ya got ? ________________________?

[dma]

At one end of crank I have: 1232415

At other end is looks like EB

Supposed to be stock 02 crank. I would be a very happy camper if this were the was an 02 crank.

Sadly, my "stock m10" block is not so lucky

Serial number near starter housing is 2593589

Other numbers include:

Numbers arranged in clock fashion: 321987

On side: 18 and 3a

[c.d.iesel]

"2593589" looks like a USA 1971 2002

[dma]

Thanks c.d. Do you know the source and accuracy of this chart? The reason i ask is it is another data point in a sting of confusion:

Serial: 2593589

1. Machinist in consult with BMW SF: 1988 e30

2. RealOEM: 1988 e30

3. Maximillian's: 1988 e30

4. Your chart: 1971 m10

5. FAQ vin chart: 1973 m10 [http]

Jeeze, can this really be this complicated? The strange thing about the FAQ chart is it say Mod 71 with 1973 production dates.

To make matters worse there is a block mark similar to a head casting date that say 73, but I've read that that number should not be construed as a casting date.

It LOOKS like an m10 block, but not sure what to think. Any suggestions?

[MarkB]

DMA,

If your interested I have a 2002 block you can have. I'm located in Mountain View. email me.

[dma]

Mark,

That is a very kind offer. Email sent.

[Bill_Riblett]

Thanks c.d. Do you know the source and accuracy of this chart? The reason i ask is it is another data point in a sting of confusion:

Serial: 2593589

1. Machinist in consult with BMW SF: 1988 e30

2. RealOEM: 1988 e30

3. Maximillian's: 1988 e30

4. Your chart: 1971 m10

5. FAQ vin chart: 1973 m10 [http]

Jeeze, can this really be this complicated? The strange thing about the FAQ chart is it say Mod 71 with 1973 production dates.

To make matters worse there is a block mark similar to a head casting date that say 73, but I've read that that number should not be construed as a casting date.

It LOOKS like an m10 block, but not sure what to think. Any suggestions?

I guess it really is that complicated!

The first 3 appear to all be using some sort of VIN decoder, all of which are only reliable for VINs after 1980 when a 17-digit standard format was created. These only occasionally work at all for the old 7-digit VINs, such as those used for 02s, if the number sequence was not used for some other later model BMW.

In CD's chart, the "Modell" designations are misleading as I believe they designate model changes.

The FAQ number is the only accurate one. You can see that your VIN at least falls within the Modell 71 range CD's table shows.