How to decode a 2002 BMW 330i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2002 BMW 330i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an essential component of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designated to uniquely identify the maker of a vehicle worldwide. The first three characters of the VIN, the WMI reveals the manufacturer’s identity and other crucial details about the vehicle. For example, in the case of a 2002 BMW 330i, the WMI “WBA” indicates that the car was manufactured by BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany. This prefix is followed by additional characters in the VIN that specify model year, production plant, and other vehicle characteristics. Understanding the WMI is critical for accurately identifying vehicles, especially for purposes such as registration, insurance, and maintenance.
List of WMI Codes for a 2002 BMW 330i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2001-2006, 2017-2022
- Example VIN: WBAEV53402KM01913
- 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 2002 BMW 330i 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 2002 BMW 330i:
| Known VDS for a 2002 BMW 330i |
|---|
| EV534 |
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 2002 BMW 330i 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 2002 BMW 330i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2002 |
11th Character in the 2002 BMW 330i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2002 BMW 330i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K | Munich | Germany | WBAEV53402KM01913 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2002 BMW 330i
The final 6 characters in a 2002 BMW 330i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 2002 BMW 330i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2002 BMW 330i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 330i. The VIN can typically be found by looking through the windshield on a plate mounted to the dashboard.
- Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your BMW 330i. Look for a sticker or a plate where the door latches when it is closed, as the VIN is often located there.
- Examine the engine bay of your BMW 330i. The VIN may be stamped on the firewall, the partition separating the engine from the cabin.
- Look at the trunk of your BMW 330i where spare tire is stored. Sometimes the VIN is found in that area, affixed to the body of the car.
- Review your BMW 330i’s vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or title, as the VIN will be printed on these documents.
What info can a 2002 BMW 330i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting that it could be from the year 2002, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN suggests that the vehicle is a Passenger Car, specifically a BMW 330i from the 3 series, potentially with a body style of a sedan/saloon and 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Drive Type: The VIN might provide information about the drive type, such as a 4x2 or 4x4 configuration, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
- Engine Type and Power: The VIN data indicates a 3L engine displacement and 225 horsepower, suggesting substantial performance capabilities and power output.
- Fuel Type: According to the VIN, the primary fuel type for this vehicle is likely gasoline, which could be crucial for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: The VIN may include information about key safety features, such as Front Air Bag locations for the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) and a Dual-stage Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), emphasizing the vehicle’s safety provisions.
- Manufacturing Origin: The VIN discloses the vehicle’s manufacturing details, potentially including where it was assembled, which might appeal to those valuing specific engineering and manufacturing standards.
Don’t have your 2002 BMW 330i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2002 BMW 330i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 181.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 225 |
| 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 | 330i |
| Model Year | 2002 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Dual-stage Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Munich |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3 |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAEV534*2K |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAEV53402KM01913 |
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