details via VIN#?
 

Just looking thru lot inventories and I have access to VIN#s... but no actual details on the vehicle except the color. Is there a way to look up details with the VIN# somewhere? Checked owner's circle but no dice.

That info can be found on BMW's internal server, Centernet (aka Dealerspeed). Unfortunately you need either work at a dealership or BMW NA. (or a friend that works for either one and is willing to share their username and password with you ;))

I'm wondering then why they even have this info showing on dealer's internet websites. For example you can go to http://www.rallyebmw.com and look thru their X5 inventory... it will show colors and VIN only with no additional detail. It would've been beneficial to publish the basics at least, like what packages are on them.

All dealerships that I've seen post the VINs of the cars that they have in inventory, not only BMW dealerships. I would imagine that there is some law that requires dealerships to disclose the VINs of their in stock inventory, or some mandate by the manufacturers that require the VIN for their dealerships.

It would be nice for the dealership to include the options on the car, some do and others do not.

I think it is just that the VIN is how everyone in the industry tracks vehicles and inventory, e.g., if you are interested in a particular vehicle listed at a particular MSRP, the VIN is the easiest way to identify the vehicle and see if it is still in inventory or sold and/or pull the detailed sticker/information.

I just bought a Ford Taurus this month for my Mother, and about 95% of Ford websites will show an image of the window sticker, which is almost certainly tracked and "pulled-up" by the VIN.