How to decode a 2013 BMW M3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2013 BMW M3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, its type, as well as the country of manufacture. For instance, BMW M GmbH, known for producing high-performance passenger cars, is represented by the WMI “WBS”. This identifier is standard for various model years of BMW vehicles, including but not limited to, 2013 BMW M3 models. Manufactured in the iconic city of Munich, Germany, vehicles bearing the WMI “WBS” signify precision engineering and luxury, characteristic of BMW’s reputable M series. The WMI thus serves as a crucial element in tracking and identifying vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 2013 BMW M3

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
Example VIN: WBSKG9C50DJ592802
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 2013 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 2013 BMW M3:

Known VDS for a 2013 BMW M3
KG9C5	DX9C5

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 2013 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 2013 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
D	2013

11th Character in the 2013 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2013 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
E	Regensburg		Germany		WBSDX9C50DE785341
J	Regensburg		Germany		WBSKG9C50DJ592802

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2013 BMW M3

The final 6 characters in a 2013 BMW M3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2013 BMW M3’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2013 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, particularly where it meets the windshield. The VIN is usually visible from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and examine the door pillar. The VIN might be found on a label or sticker where the door latches when it is closed.
Check the front of the engine block. For the 2013 BMW M3, the VIN is often stamped onto the engine itself.
Take a look at the rear wheel well. Sometimes the VIN can be found above the tire.
Explore the trunk area. The VIN for your BMW M3 might also be located under the trunk carpet or on the trunk lid.
Review the vehicle’s paperwork. The VIN will be listed on the title, registration, and insurance documents.

What info can a 2013 BMW M3 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 2013, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Make and Model Information: The VIN provides precise make and model classification, identifying the vehicle as a member of the 3-Series, with the specific model being M3.
Engine Specifications: The VIN specifies that it is equipped with an 8-cylinder engine that displaces 4.0 liters (244.1 cubic inches) and produces an engine brake horsepower of 414, outlining the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Body Class and Features: The VIN classifies the vehicle as a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, showcasing the diverse body style information that can be pinpointed through a VIN.
Fuel Type and Efficiency Potential: It can be inferred from the VIN that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, providing insights into fuel-related specifications and potential efficiency.
Safety Features Overview: The VIN discloses the presence of a comprehensive suite of airbags located in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, alongside manual seat belts and a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), indicating the range of safety features.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The vehicle falls under Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), hinting at its size and potential usage constraints without explicitly stating weight, highlighting the significance of GVWR in understanding vehicle classifications.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2013 BMW M3

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Convertible/Cabriolet
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
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)
Knee Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Model	M3
Model Year	2013
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	WBSDX9C5*DJ
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBSDX9C54DJ840557