Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

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Bob
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Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by Bob » Mon Nov 22, 2021 10:20 pm

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).

:cry:
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by Jules Sunleu » Tue Nov 23, 2021 1:05 am

This would be a sad change. Part of the charm is the back story to this.
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by v8 ego » Tue Nov 23, 2021 11:25 am

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.
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by Bob » Tue Nov 23, 2021 12:39 pm

Hopefully not, but it is certainly one step closer.

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
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by simon13 » Tue Nov 23, 2021 11:50 pm

i'm sure the fine tradition of uneducated clueless BMW main dealer staff will continue with aplomb!
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by Bri-E » Wed Nov 24, 2021 6:26 pm

simon13 wrote:
Tue Nov 23, 2021 11:50 pm
i'm sure the fine tradition of uneducated clueless BMW main dealer staff will continue with aplomb!
It might even help BMW UK to find your car!!
Bri-E




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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by nealpina » Thu Nov 25, 2021 3:48 pm

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?
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by Bob » Thu Nov 25, 2021 4:29 pm

nealpina wrote:
Thu Nov 25, 2021 3:48 pm
Need to ask just to rule it out. Is there a law or a new one in Sweden that prohibits a second VIN?
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.
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by nealpina » Thu Nov 25, 2021 6:42 pm

Bob wrote:
Thu Nov 25, 2021 4:29 pm
nealpina wrote:
Thu Nov 25, 2021 3:48 pm
Need to ask just to rule it out. Is there a law or a new one in Sweden that prohibits a second VIN?
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.
ok thanks

Another thing, for cars outside North America it was a quick way to confirm the authenticity of the car being genuine
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by Bob » Thu Nov 25, 2021 6:55 pm

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.
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by nealpina » Thu Nov 25, 2021 8:43 pm

Bob wrote:
Thu Nov 25, 2021 6:55 pm
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.
I am confused
Bob wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 10:20 pm
which didn't get the trademark second ALPINA VIN stamped alongside the struck out BMW one.
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?
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by Bob » Thu Nov 25, 2021 11:05 pm

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
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by JohnW » Sat Nov 27, 2021 6:37 am

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.
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by nealpina » Sun Nov 28, 2021 9:57 am

JohnW wrote:
Sat Nov 27, 2021 6:37 am
The electric power plants
Something else that may or will change is the ALPINA logo :shock: :cry:
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Re: Sad News: The End of Second VIN Numbers

Post by Marc 76 » Sun Nov 28, 2021 2:43 pm

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?"
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