How to decode a 1999 BMW 323iC VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1999 BMW 323iC VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. In this case, the WMI “WBA” indicates that the vehicle is manufactured by BMW AG, headquartered in Munich, Germany. These codes are crucial for vehicle identification, allowing for the extraction of essential information such as the vehicle type, production year, and more. For example, a BMW 323ic from 1999 would have a VIN starting with “WBA”, signifying it as a passenger car produced by the renowned German automaker. WMIs are standardized globally, ensuring consistent vehicle identification across the automotive industry.
List of WMI Codes for a 1999 BMW 323iC
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1997-1999
- Example VIN: WBABJ8330XEM23715
- 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 1999 BMW 323iC 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 1999 BMW 323iC:
| Known VDS for a 1999 BMW 323iC | |
|---|---|
| BJ833 | BJ733 |
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 1999 BMW 323iC 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 1999 BMW 323iC VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| X | 1999 |
11th Character in the 1999 BMW 323iC VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1999 BMW 323iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBABJ8330XEM23715 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 BMW 323iC
The final 6 characters in a 1999 BMW 323iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 323iC’s VIN below:
How to find a 1999 BMW 323iC’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1999 BMW 323iC is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 323ic, close to where it meets the windshield. The VIN is typically visible from outside the vehicle.
- Examine the door pillar on the driver’s side when you open the door. There should be a sticker or a plate with the VIN on it where the door latches.
- Check under the hood of your BMW 323ic for a VIN plate located on the engine block, which may contain the vehicle identification number.
- Inspect the trunk area of your BMW 323ic, sometimes the VIN can be found on the lid or in the compartment where the spare tire is kept.
- Review your BMW 323ic’s vehicle registration, insurance documents, or title, as the VIN will always be printed on official vehicle documents.
What info can a 1999 BMW 323iC VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1999, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 1999 [Make] [Model], this may indicate a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Type and Power: The VIN provides details about the engine manufacturer, displacement, and horsepower, indicating this vehicle has a BMW-AG engine with 2490 CC displacement and 170 horsepower, which can provide a general understanding of the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Safety Features: The VIN can provide insight into safety features, including front airbag locations in the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) and details about the restraint system - a Depowered Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) for both driver and passenger, possibly enhancing the overall safety of the vehicle.
- Fuel Type: Information on the type of fuel a vehicle uses can be discerned, indicating this vehicle runs on Gasoline, influencing potential fuel costs and environmental impact.
- Manufacturing Information: The VIN provides insight into where the vehicle was produced, highlighting the plant city as Regensburg and the country as Germany, potentially impacting perceptions of quality and craftsmanship.
- Vehicle Identification: The VIN provides a format that implies the model and possibly other specifications, assisting in accurate identification and clarity in the vehicle’s documentation.
Don’t have your 1999 BMW 323iC’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 BMW 323iC
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 2490.00 |
| Displacement (CI) | 152.2 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.49 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 170 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| 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 | 323iC |
| Model Year | 1999 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Depowered Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBABJ833*XE |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBABJ8330XEM23715 |
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