How to decode a BMW 323i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 323i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial three-letter or three-digit code found in a vehicle’s identification number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer. In the case of a BMW 323i from the 1999-2000 model years, the WMI is WBA, which signifies that BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This designation is crucial as it provides specific information regarding the car’s origin, including the company that produced it and the country of production. The WMI is an internationally recognized standard, ensuring that every vehicle has a unique code that specifies its manufacturing background, aiding in identification, registration, and tracking. This system plays a pivotal role in the automotive industry for manufacturers, authorities, and owners alike.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 323i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1999-2000
- Example VIN: WBAAM3330XCA82725
- Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Munich
- State or Province:
- Country: Germany
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a BMW 323i VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a BMW 323i:
| Known VDS for a BMW 323i | ||
|---|---|---|
| AM333 | AM334 | AN334 |
Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.
Character 9 is the “check digit” in a BMW 323i VIN.
Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.
10th Character in the BMW 323i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| Y | 2000 BMW 323i |
| X | 1999 BMW 323i |
11th Character in the BMW 323i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 323i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAAM3330XCA82725 | ||
| F | Munich | Germany | WBAAM3330XFP54763 | ||
| K | Munich | Germany | WBAAM3330XKC59425 | ||
| N | Pretoria | South Africa | WBAAN3340YNC92883 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 323i
The final 6 characters in a BMW 323i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 323i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 323i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 323i. You can usually see the VIN through the windshield on a plate attached to the dashboard.
- Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side. The VIN for the BMW 323i is often located on a sticker or plaque where the door latches when it is closed.
- Open the bonnet and inspect the front of the engine block. BMW 323i vehicles often have the VIN stamped on the engine itself for identification purposes.
- Look inside the BMW 323i’s boot under the carpeting directly beside the spare tire well. VIN stickers or plates can be found in this area as well.
- Check your BMW 323i’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or service records, as the VIN will be recorded on all official documentation related to the vehicle.
What info can a BMW 323i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 2000, indicating the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: This VIN uncovers that the vehicle is a BMW 323i, equipped with a 2.49-liter engine, supporting a displacement of approximately 2494 CC or 152.2 CI, and engineered by BMW-AG.
- Engine and Performance: With an engine capable of producing 170 horsepower, the vehicle boasts a powertrain configured with 6 cylinders, highlighting robust performance metrics.
- Safety Features: The vehicle is designed with safety in mind, featuring front air bags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, alongside a supplemental restraint system that is depowered for both occupants.
- Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN suggests its primary fuel type is gasoline, emphasizing the vehicle’s potential compatibility with common fuel types and efficiency parameters.
- Manufacturing Details: The VIN details manufacturing in Munich, Germany, possibly providing context on the vehicle’s build quality and the prestige associated with vehicles produced in this region.
- Weight Classification: The gross vehicle weight rating falls under Class 1, indicating it weighs 6,000 lb or less, which could classify it within a specific weight category conducive to its size and design.
Don’t have your BMW 323i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 323i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2494.1111408 |
| Displacement (CI) | 152.2 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.49 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 170 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | 323i |
| Model Year | 2000 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Dual-Stage Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Pretoria |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | South Africa |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAAN334*YN |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAAN3340YNC92883 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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