How to decode a BMW 330xi VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 330xi VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-character code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and provides valuable information regarding the vehicle’s manufacturer and country of origin. For the BMW 330xi, the WMI is WBA, which indicates that the vehicle is manufactured by BMW AG in Germany. This prefix is consistent across various BMW models, signifying the brand’s country of origination and its global standing as a reputable automaker. Understanding the WMI is the first step to unlocking a wealth of information about your BMW 330xi, including its authenticity and origins.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 330xi
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2002-2006
- Example VIN: WBAEW53402PG08885
- 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 330xi 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 330xi:
| Known VDS for a BMW 330xi | ||
|---|---|---|
| EW534 | EV534 | VD335 |
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 330xi 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 330xi VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 6 | 2006 BMW 330xi |
| 5 | 2005 BMW 330xi |
| 4 | 2004 BMW 330xi |
| 3 | 2003 BMW 330xi |
| 2 | 2002 BMW 330xi |
11th Character in the BMW 330xi VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 330xi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K | Munich | Germany | WBAEV53403KM02853 | ||
| P | Regensburg | Germany | WBAEW53402PG08885 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 330xi
The final 6 characters in a BMW 330xi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 330xi’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 330xi is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side. The VIN can typically be found on a small metal plate or sticker.
- Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side. The VIN is often located on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
- Inspect the engine bay, as the VIN can sometimes be found on the engine block, firewall, or other components.
- Review your vehicle’s registration documents, insurance policy, or title, where the VIN will be recorded.
- Check beneath the spare tire in the trunk, as some manufacturers place a sticker with the VIN in this area.
- Explore the area around the radiator. There might be a VIN plate attached to the body or frame.
- Observe the strut towers in the engine bay since some cars have the VIN stamped onto a plate near this area.
What info can a BMW 330xi VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 330xi, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturer: The VIN identifies BMW AG as the manufacturer of the vehicle, indicating the vehicle’s origin and brand.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN indicates the BMW 330xi is classified as a passenger car, providing insights into its primary function and design.
- Assembly Location: The VIN specifies that the BMW 330xi was assembled in Munich, offering information about the vehicle’s production location.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN provides information that the BMW 330xi is a sedan/saloon with four doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN reveals the gross vehicle weight rating of the BMW 330xi falls within the Class 1C range of 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), providing insights into the vehicle’s weight and potential carrying capacity.
Don’t have your BMW 330xi’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 330xi
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 182.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 255 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | 330xi |
| Model Year | 2006 |
| 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 |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAVD335*6K |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 108.7 |
| Sample_VIN | WBAVD33506KL51164 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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