How to decode a 2008 BMW M3 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2008 BMW M3 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designating the manufacturer, the type of vehicle, and the country of manufacture. For the 2008 BMW M3, the WMI “WBS” specifically pinpoints BMW M GmbH as the manufacturer. This segment signifies that the vehicle is a passenger car produced by BMW’s high-performance division in Munich, Germany. The WMI code is an essential part of the VIN, which helps in identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer and provides specific information related to the vehicle’s origin and type. By analyzing the WMI, it’s possible to learn about the history, manufacture location, and the distinct maker of the vehicle.
List of WMI Codes for a 2008 BMW M3
WMI: WBS
- Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
- Example VIN: WBSWD93508PY39085
- 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 2008 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 2008 BMW M3:
| Known VDS for a 2008 BMW M3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| WD935 | WL935 | VA935 |
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 2008 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 2008 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 8 | 2008 |
11th Character in the 2008 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2008 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBSVA93508E041301 | ||
| P | Regensburg | Germany | WBSWD93508PY39085 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 BMW M3
The final 6 characters in a 2008 BMW M3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW M3’s VIN below:
How to find a 2008 BMW M3’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2008 BMW M3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW M3. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield on a small metal or plastic plate.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 2008 BMW M3. The VIN might be found on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Check under the hood of your BMW M3; the VIN might be stamped onto the engine block or affixed to the firewall or the strut tower.
- Examine the trunk area of your BMW M3. The VIN might be located on the floor right below the spare tire or on the walls of the trunk.
What info can a 2008 BMW M3 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN can pinpoint the vehicle’s specific type, in this case, a Passenger Car, alongside detailing the body class as a Sedan/Saloon, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and utility.
- Engine Specifications: Engine details such as a displacement of 4.0 Liters, 414 horsepower, and the presence of 8 cylinders can be ascertained, potentially highlighting the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Safety Features: Information on safety equipment, including the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger and a detailed restraint system, possibly showcasing the vehicle’s commitment to safety.
- Fuel Type: The VIN identifies the primary fuel type the vehicle operates on, which is Gasoline, providing important information for fuel economy and environmental considerations.
- Manufacturing Details: Specific manufacturing details like the plant city Regensburg and plant country Germany are revealed, offering insights into the vehicle’s origin and potentially its build quality.
- Additional Features: The VIN might also include further details such as the vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system being of the Direct type, potentially adding to the comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s specifications and technological features.
Don’t have your 2008 BMW M3’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 BMW M3
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 4000.0823224 |
| Displacement (CI) | 244.1 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.0 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 414 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| 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 | 2008 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14. |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3 - Series |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBSWD935*8P |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBSWD93508PY39085 |
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