Underhood Stickers on Fenders Missing

Someone is looking to buy my 2001 325ci convertible and told me the factory stickers are missing under the hood on one or both fenders. I am clueless about what is supposed to be there. Can anyone let me know?

Thanks

I believe there is usually a paint code / name of that particular car on the drivers side strut tower.

Originally Posted by katu

I believe there is usually a paint code / name of that particular car on the drivers side strut tower.

I believe the VIN is also stamped on the strut tower as well.

there is no sticker on the fender. only VIN stamped on the strut tower covered under a clear sticker and your paint ID sticker also on the strut tower.

Have you ever had body work done or know of the shock tower being replaced? Bad body work or shock tower replacement would be the normal reasons...

The hood has a couple stickers IIRC, of the accessory/PCV layout, and some kind of a warning label.. But all the factory stickers can be purchased from your dealer for a few $$...

if anyone buying a car is anal about stickers, that person is not very interested in buying the car at all.
unless you are collecting an old Ferrari or something, who really cares about the stickers.

He is making sure there is no body work done. Most auto body shops don't replace those stickers

Originally Posted by jasonbimmer

if anyone buying a car is anal about stickers, that person is not very interested in buying the car at all.
unless you are collecting an old Ferrari or something, who really cares about the stickers.

Not true. It can be significant. Missing VIN (or other body) stickers or overspray on stickers can be a symbol of a poor repair. Especially if the owner claims to know nothing. That does not mean one shouldn't buy the car- but it should be noted. Quality shops will either reapply the sticker/badge or order a new one from BMW, which by the way (afaik) is NOT an easy thing to get. The paint code and vin stickers that is.

Originally Posted by zhp43867

Not true. It can be significant. Missing VIN (or other body) stickers or overspray on stickers can be a symbol of a poor repair. Especially if the owner claims to know nothing. That does not mean one shouldn't buy the car- but it should be noted. Quality shops will either reapply the sticker/badge or order a new one from BMW, which by the way (afaik) is NOT an easy thing to get. The paint code and vin stickers that is.

like I said the vin is stamped onto the strut tower not a sticker.

Originally Posted by jasonbimmer

like I said the vin is stamped onto the strut tower not a sticker.

Some cars have vin stickers too. For example on body panels and the door jambs. I've never seen them on E46 doors and the like if they have one, but the trunk and door jamb are two examples where our cars have VIN stickers. Like I just said.

Yes, he is concerned about body work. So, to clarify, there should be some type of sticker on the fender under the hood?

Thanks,

BB

Originally Posted by zhp43867

Have you ever had body work done or know of the shock tower being replaced? Bad body work or shock tower replacement would be the normal reasons...

I had a strut tower replaced on mine and the replacement does not have the vin stamp.

But I was informed that there are several other locations that the vin in placed for security reasons and I still have the bill showing strut tower replacement.

Edit - Mine has the paint color as a sticker on the other strut tower (driver side)

Originally Posted by pekoe1111

Yes, he is concerned about body work. So, to clarify, there should be some type of sticker on the fender under the hood?

Thanks,

BB

Yep!

1. On the left strut tower (paint code sticker)
2. On the right strut tower (VIN stamped on to body)
3. Underside of hood (2-3 stickers, not sure exactly, with engine information, warnings etc.)
4. On driver's side door jamb (tire inflation pressure and something else)

Called a dealer and they said there should be a paint code sticker or plate with the paint code on the fender where it bolts to the car under the hood. Everyone agree on this?

Might be a reference to the aforementioned paint code label on the driver's side strut tower..

The potential buyer is concerned the fenders were replaced. Does everyone with original fenders have stickers with paint code sticker or plate?

Sorry, don't have the car anymore, others will have to chime in...

Yes it comes with the car. I suppose a bone headed previous owner could remove one though- it isn't that hard. Any pictures of the engine compartment and up close pictures of the towers? There are sometimes giveaways as to whether or not a tower has been replaced- if you know what to look for.

If you get pictures, the more the better!

But do you mean the shock tower or fender? IIRC the fenders themselves on E46s are NOT marked. They are on E36s and older though.

Definitely mean the inner edge of the fender where it is attached. Can't do photo right now.