How to decode a 2011 BMW M3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2011 BMW M3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique 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), offering crucial details about the vehicle, including the manufacturer’s identity and the place of manufacture. For example, BMW M GmbH, recognized for producing the high-performance variant of the 2011 BMW M3, is assigned the WMI ‘WBS,’ indicating that the vehicle was manufactured in Munich, Germany. This specific detail signifies that the M3 is a passenger car engineered for excellence, reflecting the craftsmanship and automotive heritage of its German origins. The usage of WMIs ensures that every vehicle can be accurately identified and traced back to its manufacturer, guaranteeing a level of standardization and authenticity in the global automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 2011 BMW M3

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
Example VIN: WBSPM9C50BE202611
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 2011 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 2011 BMW M3:

Known VDS for a 2011 BMW M3
PM9C5	DX9C5	KG9C5

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 2011 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 2011 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
B	2011

11th Character in the 2011 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2011 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
E	Regensburg		Germany		WBSPM9C50BE202611

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2011 BMW M3

The final 6 characters in a 2011 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 2011 BMW M3’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2011 BMW M3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW M3 2011. You should be able to see the VIN through the windshield on a metal or plastic plate.
Examine the driver-side door jamb on your 2011 BMW M3. The VIN can often be found on a label or sticker where the door latches when it is closed.
Check the front of the engine block. On your 2011 BMW M3, the VIN may be stamped on the engine itself, which can be seen when you open the hood.
Review the paperwork associated with your BMW M3, such as the title, registration, or insurance policy, where the VIN is usually indicated.
Inspect the rear wheel well above the tire. Occasionally, the VIN is located inside the wheel well of the 2011 BMW M3.
Look beneath the spare tire in the trunk area. Sometimes, the VIN is located in the storage compartment where the spare tire is kept in your BMW M3 2011.

What info can a 2011 BMW M3 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 2011, providing insights into the age and potential technological advancements of the vehicle.
Engine Specifications: The engine is detailed as having an 8-cylinder configuration with a displacement of 4.0 liters and 414 horsepower, showcasing its possible performance capabilities based on the provided information.
Body Class and Size: The vehicle is categorized as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering information on its potential body structure and available space within the vehicle.
Safety Features: Safety elements including front airbags for the driver and passenger, side airbags for the first row, and an advanced restraint system with pretensioners are detailed, highlighting the possible emphasis on occupant safety in the vehicle.
Fuel Type: The reported fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, indicating its possible energy source and potentially providing insights into fuel economy and environmental impact.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was possibly manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, offering clues about its potential production origin and the quality of manufacturing.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type: It is reported to be equipped with a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System, emphasizing the possible modern safety and convenience features of the vehicle.

Don’t have your 2011 BMW M3’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2011 BMW M3

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Displacement (CC)	4000.0
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	2011
Other Restraint System Info	Head Inflatable Restraint for Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Outboard Driver-side and Rear Outboard Passenger-side. Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger.
Plant City	Regensburg
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Pretensioner	Yes
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	3-Series
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	WBSKG9C5*BE
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBSKG9C50BE367754