Free 2016 BMW 328i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2016 BMW 328i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW 328i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or number code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally. For instance, in the case of the 2016 BMW 328i, the WMI is an integral part of its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), indicating that BMW AG in Munich, Germany, manufactured the vehicle. This designation not only confirms the manufacturer but also provides insights into the vehicle type, in this case, a passenger car. WMIs play a critical role in identifying vehicles accurately, especially for registration, insurance, and recall purposes. It essentially serves as a vehicle’s “birth certificate,” linking it to its origins and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW 328i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2007-2016
• Example VIN: WBA8G5C50GK442582
• 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 2016 BMW 328i 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 2016 BMW 328i:

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 2016 BMW 328i 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 2016 BMW 328i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2016 BMW 328i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 BMW 328i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW 328i

The final 6 characters in a 2016 BMW 328i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2016 BMW 328i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 2016 BMW 328i 3-series Sedan/Saloon, this may indicate a sedan with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. In the case of the 2016 BMW 328i, it is powered by a 2L gasoline engine with 241 horsepower and 4 cylinders, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s performance and power capabilities.
• Safety Features: The VIN indicates comprehensive safety features, including front, side, and curtain airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows, knee airbags for the driver and passenger, and pretensioners for the front seats, emphasizing the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
• Fuel Type: The VIN suggests the use of gasoline as its primary source of fuel, denoting the vehicle’s energy source and potential efficiency.
• Manufacturing Information: Production specifics, such as the manufacturing plant located in Dingolfing, Germany, can be disclosed, providing insights into the vehicle’s origin.
• Air Bag Locations and Safety: Key safety equipment locations, such as airbags situated in the first row for the driver and passenger, alongside curtain and knee airbags, emphasize the vehicle’s focus on occupant safety.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 BMW 328i

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