[steinbock]

New to the forum here. After 52 airheads (bought/sold/rebuilt) in the last 15 years and land speed racing a Blackbird, my wife sold her CS and said it is time for an LT. So, we're one week into an '05 LT and lovin' it! And gearing up for a few more Iron Butt rides this year!

My question is how and if the engine number (and transmission for that matter) correlates to the VIN and bike year. I'm in the process of changing oils/fluids and got a bit confused when the HiFlo filter book called for the "shorter" 164 filter and I pulled out the taller BMW (equivalent HiFlo 163). The book said the '05 model should use the 164 shorter filter. The dealer had installed the 163 BMW version.

This got me questioning if I might have an '04 engine in my '05 LT. My engine number is 124EC 1904 2260. Is there a link in the archives or other area that address this matter?

Or other info discussing what the individual numbers/letters stand for in the VIN?

 

[K100Dennis]

Assuming the code is the same for early K series - 12 = 1200 cc, 4 = cylinder number EC is to do with fuel I think, and the 1904 means 19th week of year 2004 for manufacture. 2260 is the number of the engine unit in the run. Hope this helps.

 

[steinbock]

Good info. Thanks. That makes more sense with the engine year of '04 taking a different filter even though the bike is an '05.

 

[K100Dennis]

Not too sure about that bit regarding oil filter length. I know there were some longer oil filters made when I had my K100, but they still cleared the cover plate by about 2 mm when installed. previous to that I think there was about 8 mm clearance, so 6 mm (1/4") longer. maybe the same with the K12 engine, I'm not sure.

 

[tips727]

I had two filters left over from the last purchase I made for my '00 LT and wondered if they would fit my '05. According to the parts fiche at Bob's BMW, the part numbers are the same so I am planning on using them.

 

[johnbaker15]

Or other info discussing what the individual numbers/letters stand for in the VIN?

The actual VIN number is located just below and to the rear of the right rider's foot peg. After you get the 17 digit number got to this link http://www.motoverse.com/tools/vin/bmw.asp cut and paste the number in to get make, model, year,number of cylinders etc. or here http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi for production date and other data.