Identifying my BMW

[Darryl Flynn]

I know that there is another BMW R100RS site that has an inbuilt VIN decoder that certainly worked for me when checking on on my previous RS.

Unfortunately, the only numbers on my registration document for my current bike are as follows Engine 6098130 Frame 6098130 and a physical check of frame and engine show these to be correct.

The Vin check decoder on the other site requires far more digits/letters none of which i have.

Why does my bike not have these extra letters? It's a 1980 R100RS.

Cheers Darryl

[2valve]

hi daryl , if i knew how to link the site i would do so . so have looked up your number and its reads: series K57 / R100RS /BMW type code 0377 / europe / production 01/1980. hope this helps.

[Kurt in S.A.]

The site you were looking at probably wants the full 17-digits that came out later. This site:

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

only wants the last 7 digits of the larger number or just the 7 digits that you have for the older bikes. You can also go to RealOEM.com and enter your 7 digits and it will also tell you the info about the bike.

Kurt in S.A.

[Darryl Flynn]

Brilliant Guy's , many thanks.

Cheers darryl

[ME 109]

What are the other numbers stamped into the casing of a /7 at the bottom, left front?
The numbers are on a machined surface which would have the oil filter cavity immediately behind it.
I once had trouble with registration trying to convince the dude that those numbers were not the engine number.

[Jean]

Darryl, I have an old BMW book that lists your bike as being built between Sept 1977 and Aug 1978. (serial nrs. 6 086 001
to 6 095 000. These are European delivery numbers. It is officially an RS if you were in doubt of that.
I also have a Euro bike (the R100s) , but it is older. It was built in 1978, but is registered as a "79" for some obscure reason.
Up to 6 095 000, the model is officially a 1978.
After 6 095 001, the model is to be called a 1979.

[Darryl Flynn]

Darryl, I have an old BMW book that lists your bike as being built between Sept 1977 and Aug 1978. (serial nrs. 6 086 001
to 6 095 000. These are European delivery numbers. It is officially an RS if you were in doubt of that.
I also have a Euro bike (the R100s) , but it is older. It was built in 1978, but is registered as a "79" for some obscure reason.
Up to 6 095 000, the model is officially a 1978.
After 6 095 001, the model is to be called a 1979.

Hi Jean, i bought Bill Stermers book on the R100RS and am pretty certain mine was produced very late 79 or very early 1980 due to the fact that it has the oil cooler and the enclosed front panel. This ties in with his model year description in his book and also your numbering ie you state 6095001 is 1979 and mine is 6098130 which is quite a way on in the numbering from that

Thanks again Jean. Cheers Darryl

[Jean]

I knew your number from the first post, also that it was at least a 1979. Must have had a brain fart tho, to not notice the 098. I think I read 089. It seems (note - SEEMS) they change model year on September 1, and on the plate that used to be on the steering head, the month of manufacture was stamped. I guess now they do not install a builders plate there anymore, but if you look on yours, there may be one there...or it got removed. This DOES happen.
OK. Back to the book. 6 095 001 thru 6 100 000 was manufactured thru August 1980 and is listed as "modell-79".
My book was printed in 1983 so only models that started in September 1980 and listed as "81" are listed.
This book keep refering to is called the "Auxilliary Catalogue for BMWR100 - R100RT" and it cost me about $25 a long time ago. On the other hand it has been valuable since it lists all the part numbers for EVERYTHING on ALL the R100 series bikes made up to 1983...with notes as to special delivery-options for various countries. Also options for "Official" (Police, I guess) bikes in case you need to replace the flashing BLUE lights or the radio box, or get GREEN body parts.

[Darryl Flynn]

Thanks Jean, that sounds one hell of a useful book that you have there.

Darryl