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Vehicle makers may group their body repair manuals (BRM) in several different ways. Sometimes the BRMs are grouped by a year range, some are listed as VIN specific, and others are arranged by a body code. Let’s take a look at BMW/Mini to see how they group their BRMs.
BMW/Mini uses a model code to identify what vehicles service information is being viewed. For example, a 2022 BMW 330i has a model code of 63FF. The model code is determined by the following information:
- Brand (make)
- Model series
- Development code (3-character code)
- Body style
- Sales designation (specific model name)
- Engine
- Electric motor (if it has one)
- National-Market version (USA or Europe)
- Steering
- Transmission
- Type (passenger car, for example)
The above information can be individually entered on the service site to find the BRM, however, there are many variables within each category, that you may not be viewing the BRM for your exact vehicle.
The best way to ensure that the correct manual is being used is to search for service information using only the VIN.
Body codes are important when it comes to ordering parts, looking up repair procedures, and measuring the vehicle. This is especially true when a vehicle maker continues to build a previous generation model when the new generation model is being produced as well. With different body codes comes differing procedures and precautions. Always make sure the correct BRM is selected before beginning repairs.
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