How to decode a 1995 BMW M3 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1995 BMW M3 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an essential part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identifies the maker of the vehicle. In the context of the 1995 BMW M3, the WMI is “WBS,” which signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW AG focused on high-performance vehicles. This particular WMI indicates the vehicle was produced in Munich, Germany, and categorizes the car as a passenger vehicle. BMW M GmbH is renowned for engineering some of the most iconic and high-performance vehicles in the automotive world, and the 1995 M3 is a prime example of their craftsmanship. The WMI is crucial for providing specific information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing origin and the company responsible for its production.
List of WMI Codes for a 1995 BMW M3
WMI: WBS
- Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
- Example VIN: WBSBF9320SEH00160
- Manufacturer Name: BMW M GmbH
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Munich
- State or Province:
- Country: Germany
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1995 BMW M3 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 1995 BMW M3:
| Known VDS for a 1995 BMW M3 | |
|---|---|
| BF932 | BF032 |
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 1995 BMW M3 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 1995 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| S | 1995 |
11th Character in the 1995 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1995 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBSBF9320SEH00160 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1995 BMW M3
The final 6 characters in a 1995 BMW M3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a 1995 BMW M3’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1995 BMW M3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of the BMW M3. The VIN is commonly visible through the windshield at the lower corner.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 1995 BMW M3. The VIN can usually be found on a sticker where the door latches.
- Inspect the front of the engine block. On the BMW M3, the VIN is sometimes stamped onto the engine itself.
- Check the trunk area, specifically under the trunk mat or on the trunk lid. The BMW M3 might have a VIN label located there.
- Review your vehicle documents, such as the title, registration, or insurance papers, as they will have the VIN recorded for your BMW M3.
What info can a 1995 BMW M3 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1995, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was assembled in Regensburg, Germany, hinting at its origins and potentially impacting its resale value, parts availability, and engineering standards.
- Vehicle Specifications: This is a BMW M3 from the 3 Series, with a body class of Coupe, showcasing the model’s sporty aesthetics and performance-oriented design.
- Engine and Performance: The engine, built by BMW M GmbH, is a 6-cylinder “4-Value” model with a displacement of approximately 2.99 liters and 240 horsepower, highlighting its performance capabilities.
- Safety Features: Equipped with manual seat belts and front airbags for both the driver and passenger, this vehicle incorporates essential safety features that were standard for its time.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which can be important for potential owners considering fuel efficiency and operating costs.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Classified under Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less, indicating its size and how much weight it can safely carry, impacting its utility and performance.
Don’t have your 1995 BMW M3’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1995 BMW M3
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 2990.6391800 |
| Displacement (CI) | 182.5 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.9906391800 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 240 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW M GmbH |
| Engine Model | 4-Value |
| 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 | M3 |
| Model Year | 1995 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3 Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBSBF932*SE |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBSBF9320SEH00160 |
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today