How to Locate a BMW

1. Gather vehicle information. If available, write down the BMW's Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, the name of the registered owner or the dealership/private seller of the vehicle. In addition, write down specific vehicle information such as the engine type, transmission type and trim level. For correct spelling of identifying marks and features visit a local BMW dealership or visit the BMW web page displaying the specific model and trim level.
2. Contact the registered owner. Call, visit or email the most recent title holder or registered owner of the BMW. Inquire on the location of the vehicle while providing necessary legal or financial documents as needed. In addition, observe the registered owner or title holder's right to privacy when conducting the vehicle search.
3. Visit the recent dealership of purchase. For used BMWs, call, visit or email the most recent dealership of purchase to leads on the possible location of the vehicle. If available, review sales documents to include the most recent bill of sale, any purchased vehicle warranty or the inventory documents maintained by the dealership. Present legal documentation, a form indicating power of attorney or a valid reason for the search.
4. Contact the department of motor vehicles. Visit the department of motor vehicles to conduct a title search for a specific BMW. Present the Vehicle Identification Number or registered owner's address of record or license plate to begin the search. Generally, a title search yields wealth of information regarding both vehicle and registered owner.
5. Contact a vehicle reporting agency. Visit an online-based vehicle reporting agency to gather specific information on the history and current disposition of a BMW. The use of a vehicle reporting service requires user to provide a Vehicle Identification Number to generate a vehicle report.
6. Use an in-vehicle location device or service. For BMWs fitted with a Global Positioning System, or GPS, locator, use an accompanying device to attempt to locate the vehicle. Currently, many US-based vehicles make use of manufacturer-based emergency systems and anti-theft hardware to aid in accident response and the recovery of a stolen vehicle. If needed, contact BMW's emergency service to inquire on the location of a specific vehicle.