How to decode a BMW 328xi VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 328xi VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code at the beginning of a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) that signifies the automobile manufacturer and the country of origin. For the BMW 328xi, the WMI is WBA, which identifies the vehicle as being manufactured by BMW AG. This prefix is specific to BMW models produced in Germany, where the company’s headquarters are located. By analyzing the WMI, one can determine that the 328xi is part of BMW’s prestigious lineup, designed with the brand’s signature blend of luxury and performance. This code is essential for vehicle identification and provides a direct link to the manufacturer.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 328xi
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2007-2008
- Example VIN: WBAVT73507FZ35391
- 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 328xi 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 328xi:
| Known VDS for a BMW 328xi | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VT735 | VC735 | WC335 | WV535 | VC935 |
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 328xi 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 328xi VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 8 | 2008 BMW 328xi |
| 7 | 2007 BMW 328xi |
11th Character in the BMW 328xi VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 328xi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Munich | Germany | WBAVC73507A236114 | ||
| F | Munich | Germany | WBAVT73507FZ35391 | ||
| K | Munich | Germany | WBAVC73507KP30323 | ||
| P | Regensburg | Germany | WBAWC33507PC86024 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 328xi
The final 6 characters in a BMW 328xi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 328xi’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 328xi is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look for the VIN on the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side.
- Open the door on the driver’s side and check around the area where the door latches to the car frame, typically on the door jamb.
- Inspect the engine bay. The VIN may be stamped onto the firewall or another component.
- Review your vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card; the VIN will be printed there.
- If the car has a spare tire well, the VIN might sometimes be found in that area.
- Check the vehicle’s service or maintenance book, which typically includes the VIN.
- Look under the hood and examine the front of the engine block for the VIN stamp.
What info can a BMW 328xi VIN reveal?
- Make: The VIN suggests that the vehicle is a BMW, as indicated by the manufacturer code.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN provides the manufacturer name, potentially pointing to BMW AG as the maker of the vehicle.
- Model: The VIN decodes the model name as 328xi, suggesting the specific model of the BMW.
- Model Year: The VIN indicates the model year of the vehicle as 2008, providing insights into the age and historical value of the vehicle.
- Plant City: The VIN reveals the city where the vehicle was manufactured, in this case, Munich, providing information about the vehicle’s place of origin.
Don’t have your BMW 328xi’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 328xi
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2995.5552992 |
| Displacement (CI) | 182.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.0 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 230 |
| 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 | 328xi |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14. |
| Plant City | Munich |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Trim | SULEV |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAVC735*8K |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAVC73508KP37242 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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