How to decode a 2008 BMW Z4 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 BMW Z4 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code made up of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), representing the manufacturer and the country of the vehicle’s production. For the 2008 BMW Z4, the WMI codes “4US” and “5UM” signify vehicles manufactured by BMW in two different locations. The “4US” WMI indicates a BMW Z4 produced in Greer, South Carolina, United States, highlighting BMW’s manufacturing presence in North America from 2003 to 2008. Conversely, the “5UM” code is associated with BMW Z4s manufactured in Munich, Germany, for the same model years, showcasing BMW’s global footprint. These codes are essential for identifying the origins and manufacturing details of vehicles.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 BMW Z4

WMI: 4US

Model Years Covered: 2003-2008
Example VIN: 4USDU53508LG19618
Manufacturer Name: BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Greer
State or Province: South Carolina
Country: United States WMI: 5UM
Model Years Covered: 2006-2008
Example VIN: 5UMDU93528LM08796
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 2008 BMW Z4 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 Z4:

Known VDS for a 2008 BMW Z4
DU535	DU935	BT935	BU334	BU535	BU335

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 Z4 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 Z4 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

11th Character in the 2008 BMW Z4 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 BMW Z4 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
L	Greer	South Carolina	United States		4USDU53508LG19618

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 BMW Z4

The final 6 characters in a 2008 BMW Z4’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2008 BMW Z4’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2008 BMW Z4 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW Z4. The VIN is usually visible through the windshield on the lower right-hand side.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb area. The VIN can often be found on a label or a sticker where the door latches.
Examine the front engine bay, which in many cars, including the BMW Z4, may have the VIN stamped directly onto the engine block or printed on a plaque attached to the engine bay.
Look at the trunk area of your BMW Z4. Sometimes, the VIN is found on the floor of the trunk under the mat or near the spare tire.

What info can a 2008 BMW Z4 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly being the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Plant Location: The VIN may indicate the manufacturing location, possibly revealing that the vehicle was assembled in Greer, South Carolina, United States.
Vehicle Specifications: Basic specifications for the Z4 model can include a 3.0L engine displacement with six cylinders, potentially producing an engine brake horsepower of 255.
Body Type and Size: The VIN can possibly disclose the body type as a coupe with 2 doors, designed for the passenger car category, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Safety Features: Key safety features can possibly include front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row and a dual-stage supplementary restraint system, potentially fulfilling advanced airbag requirements.
Fuel Type: The VIN could indicate that the vehicle’s primary fuel type is gasoline, possibly indicating the energy source it is designed to run on.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type: A direct type of tire pressure monitoring system is specified, potentially enhancing vehicle safety and efficiency.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 BMW Z4

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Convertible/Cabriolet
Displacement (CC)	3000.0
Displacement (CI)	182.8
Displacement (L)	3.0
Doors	2
Engine Brake (hp) From	215
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	Z4
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	Greer
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	South Carolina
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Z4
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	Roadster 3.0i
Vehicle Descriptor	4USBU335*8L
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	4USBU33508LW61005