Free BMW 328d VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 328d VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 328d VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. For the BMW 328d, the WMI is WBA, which specifies BMW AG as the manufacturer, headquartered in Munich, Germany. This code is crucial in recognizing not just the make but also the country of origin of the vehicle. The WMI forms the initial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the car, including model years, which for this example ranges from 2014 to 2018. This identification system helps in tracking the vehicle’s history, specifications, and authenticity.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 328d

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2014-2018
• Example VIN: WBA3D3C50EF099219
• 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 328d 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 328d:

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 328d 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 328d VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 328d VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 328d Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 328d

The final 6 characters in a BMW 328d’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 328d VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, possibly indicating the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: Information about the engine, including its displacement in liters, horsepower, and the number of cylinders, might be gleaned from the VIN.
• Safety Features: The VIN can provide details on the safety systems of the vehicle, such as the presence of curtain airbags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for the driver and passenger, and knee airbags for added protection in the front row.
• Fuel Type: It can specify the primary fuel type the vehicle utilizes, such as diesel, offering insights into the vehicle’s efficiency and environmental impact.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN reveals the vehicle’s body class, indicating whether it is a Sedan/Saloon, and may include information on the number of doors, suggesting its size and capacity.
• Manufacturing Details: Details about the manufacturing, such as the plant city and the country, can be identified, providing insights into the geographical origin of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Series: Information regarding the vehicle type and the specific series can be decoded from the VIN, offering a clearer picture of the vehicle’s market positioning and design ethos.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 328d