How to Check the Date on BMW Car Glass?

[LeEli]

BMW car glass production date can be checked as follows: There is a series of symbols and numbers in the lower left corner of the glass, which indicates the production date. Here are the specific details about vehicle glass production dates: 1. Meaning of the symbols: On the bottom line, there are several small dots followed by numbers. Taking "...4" as an example, the number 4 represents the year. If the black dots are before the 4, it indicates production in the first half of the year. The calculation formula is "7 minus the number of black dots." For example, 7-3=4, so the glass was produced in April 2004. If the black dots are after the 4, it indicates production in the second half of the year. The calculation formula is "13 minus the number of black dots." For example, "4..." means the glass was produced in October (13-3=10). 2. Different production dates: It is normal for new car glass to have inconsistent production dates. Different batches of glass naturally have different production dates, and this does not indicate that the car has been involved in an accident or has other issues.

[Hall]

I researched this when helping a friend inspect a used car. BMW glass dates are hidden in the lower left or right corner of the driver's side window, marked with a dotted code. The number represents the last digit of the year - for example, '3' could mean 2023 or 2013, depending on the car's age. Dots before the number indicate the first half of the year, with each dot subtracting a month; dots after mean the second half, using 13 minus the number of dots. For example, a windshield marked '3••' would be April 2022 (23 minus two dots in front), while '•3•' would be October 2022 (13 minus one dot). Remember to clean the glass and use a phone flashlight for better visibility. If an older car's glass date differs by more than two years from the vehicle's age, it might have been replaced.

[McMackenzie]

Last month, I replaced the windshield on my BMW and specifically learned the trick to check the date. Usually, look for small black characters and dot patterns in the corner of the glass: the digit in the center represents the last digit of the production year. If the dots are in front of the digit, subtract the number of dots from 7 to get the month; if the dots are behind the digit, subtract the number of dots from 13 to get the month. For example, if the passenger-side window is engraved with ‘2●●’, it means May 2022 (two dots after the digit: 13-2=11 months? No, if the dots are in front, it’s 7-2=5 months). Pay special attention to the rear windshield, as the date is marked on the edge and can only be seen when the door is open. If the dates on the four pieces of glass differ by more than six months, be cautious about it being a salvage vehicle. Scratch the markings with your fingernail—factory engravings are very clear.

[SanKyle]

Three steps to determine: 1. Locate the code under the front window on the driver's side; 2. Identify the large digit as the last digit of the year; 3. Observe the dot positions. Dots on the left = 7 minus the number of black dots = month, dots on the right = 13 minus the number of black dots = month. For example, if the windshield is engraved with '●●●1●': the digit is 1 (2021 or 2011), three dots on the left 7-3=April. For vehicles over ten years old, check if the dots are hollow—solid dots indicate original factory craftsmanship. By the way, there's also a brand logo in the corner of the glass; BMW's original factory glass features a framed BMW logo.