HSN/TSN identifier

TMdZ3

Newbie
Joined
Aug 17, 2024
Points
1
Hello~

I'm the 'new' owner of a vintage (1997) BMW Z3 e36 Roadster. So, pretty much on a learning curve for this new - to me - vehicle. As other Z3 owners are aware, this vehicle is an absolute delight to drive; handling is scary tight. Well done, BMW!

I was wondering if there is a way to discern what the HSN/TSN identifier of the vehicle is? Also, what is the difference between the 142 KW (193 PS) & 143 KW (194 PS) specs. that the vehicle refer to? Important info. to source parts for it.

Thanks very much for sharing your knowledge & experience.

Cheers!
 

Zephyr

Zorg Guru (III)
Supporter
Joined
Aug 10, 2022
Points
136
The manufacturer number (HSN) is a four-digit number that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle.

The combination of the HSN and the three-digit type code number (TSN) consisting of numbers and letters uniquely identifies the type of the vehicle.
 

TMdZ3

Newbie
Joined
Aug 17, 2024
Points
1
Thank you, Zephyr; appreciated! Do you know where I may locate the HSN/TSN information? Is it posted anywhere on the vehicle? Or, is there a website that would provide the info. based on the VIN of the vehicle? Cheers.
 

Shelly

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Points
201
Location
Norfolk
Model of Z
Z4 2.0 20i M Sport sDrive

Zephyr

Zorg Guru (III)
Supporter
Joined
Aug 10, 2022
Points
136
Thank you, Zephyr; appreciated! Do you know where I may locate the HSN/TSN information? Is it posted anywhere on the vehicle? Or, is there a website that would provide the info. based on the VIN of the vehicle? Cheers.
If the car was initially registered in Germany its on the papers of registration. But why would you need that, its just German coding.
 

NeRo

Moderator
Staff member
Global Moderator
British Zeds
Scottish Zeds
Joined
Dec 6, 2011
Points
122
Location
Linlithgow
Model of Z
Z3

TMdZ3

Newbie
Joined
Aug 17, 2024
Points
1
If the car was initially registered in Germany its on the papers of registration. But why would you need that, its just German coding.
👍. Thanks again for your response. The car is registered in 🇨🇦. Knowing this information is important - to enable me to procure certain parts for it. Given this, I thought the info. might be more readily available. Cheers
 

TMdZ3

Newbie
Joined
Aug 17, 2024
Points
1
If you're looking for parts/part numbers, the usual goto website for diagrams is https://www.realoem.com

I've drilled down a bit further for Z3s https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select?product=P&archive=1&series=Z3&body=Roa

HTH
Hey, Shelly~ Thanks so much for taking your time to do that to help me; much appreciated.

I did look at the realoem.com website; unfortunately, it was of little help with the issue.

Seems that Z3 models manufactured in 🇩🇪 come with a registration paper that confirms their authenticity of pedigree. But, the same does not appear to be the case for models shipped to the NA market. The inconsistency from BMW in this regard is surprising.

I appreciate the responses from folks on this platform; it is quite active ... in terms of helping other Z3 owners.

Again, Thank you.


Regards,

TMdZ3
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
As far as I'm aware Z3s were made at Spartanburg, SC. and shipped back to Europe, including Germany?

Tony.
 

Zephyr

Zorg Guru (III)
Supporter
Joined
Aug 10, 2022
Points
136
Hey, Shelly~ Thanks so much for taking your time to do that to help me; much appreciated.

I did look at the realoem.com website; unfortunately, it was of little help with the issue.

Seems that Z3 models manufactured in 🇩🇪 come with a registration paper that confirms their authenticity of pedigree. But, the same does not appear to be the case for models shipped to the NA market. The inconsistency from BMW in this regard is surprising.

I appreciate the responses from folks on this platform; it is quite active ... in terms of helping other Z3 owners.

Again, Thank you.


Regards,

TMdZ3
Probably you are after the specs of the vehicle as far as I undersrand.
input your VIN here and check them


The HSN/TSN is just a German thing, will not help much.
 

TMdZ3

Newbie
Joined
Aug 17, 2024
Points
1
As far as I'm aware Z3s were made at Spartanburg, SC. and shipped back to Europe, including Germany?

Tony.
You're correct, Tony. Made in Greer, SC - by BMW Spartanburg. The first BMW model manufactured solely outside of Germany. The things one learns from Google every day, huh? LOL. Still leaves the question about why the HSN/TSN info. was provided for German-registered vehicles ... but as yet not readily-apparent for NA units. Maybe there's still a missing piece for this puzzle? Thanks very much for your pointer to this. Cheers, TMdZ3
 

DomiMik

Zorg Guru (II)
German Zeds
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Points
114
Location
🇭🇷 》Croatian living in Germany《 🇩🇪
Sorry if I need to ask, but still don't understand what you need the HSN/TSN for?

Those are simply identification numbers issued by the Federal Ministry for Transport here in Germany which are unique for every car brand and model (HSN = manufacturer number, TSN = model number). This is mainly used for insurance purposes. If you need car parts your vehicle can be identified via the VIN or if you use a parts catalogue like the ones listed above.

In case you definitely need the HSN/TSN numbers, here they are for the Z models available in 1997:

1.8 (116 bhp): 0005 / 586
1.9 (140 bhp): 0005 / 587
2.8 (192 bhp): 0005 / 614
 
Last edited:

TMdZ3

Newbie
Joined
Aug 17, 2024
Points
1
Thank you very much for your response. The HSN/TSN information you've shared does correlate to the transmission-related component I need for my vehicle, DomiMik. FYI, one spec. I saw cites 193 bhp for the '97 2.8L e36 Z3. But I don't believe the difference is substantive enough for my purpose. For certain components, accuracy is important ... and it sometimes matters less what someone might need the info. for - than the fact that they're reaching out to try to find it. I'm simply researching to accumulate a thorough file for the car. Thank you very much; your info. is helpful - and I appreciate it. Cheers - TMdZ3
 

DomiMik

Zorg Guru (II)
German Zeds
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Points
114
Location
🇭🇷 》Croatian living in Germany《 🇩🇪
and it sometimes matters less what someone might need the info. for - than the fact that they're reaching out to try to find it.
Indeed, although the answers will be more precise if we know the background to the questions, hence the asking.

FYI, if the vehicle was first registered in 1997 it should have 192 bhp as it's a pre facelift model with the M52B28 single vanos engine, followed by the facelift model with M52B28TU twin vanos 193 bhp engine two years later. There never existed a 194 bhp engine. The difference between these two is not insignificant when it comes to engine and exhaust parts.
 

TMdZ3

Newbie
Joined
Aug 17, 2024
Points
1
Indeed, although the answers will be more precise if we know the background to the questions, hence the asking.

FYI, if the vehicle was first registered in 1997 it should have 192 bhp as it's a pre facelift model with the M52B28 single vanos engine, followed by the facelift model with M52B28TU twin vanos 193 bhp engine two years later. There never existed a 194 bhp engine. The difference between these two is not insignificant when it comes to engine and exhaust parts.
Maybe I need to maintain contact with you on a more regular basis, DomiMik; I intend to keep my Z3 for a long time. Thanks for your follow up.
Could the 194 bhp motor have been used on later Z3 models - and then transitioned to the Z4 platform? My vehicle was manufactured in April '97, I believe (so an 'early' '97 model?).
Anyway, Thanks for the added info. Cheers - TMdZ3
 
Top