How to decode a 2004 BMW X3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 BMW X3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, their country of origin, and the type of vehicle. For the 2004 BMW X3, the WMI is “WBX,” indicating that BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This specific WMI is associated with multipurpose passenger vehicles, pointing towards the BMW X3’s versatile design catering to various passenger and cargo needs. Through this standardized coding system, the WMI provides essential information about the vehicle at a glance, offering insights into its origins and the nature of its construction. As such, the WMI serves as a critical element in vehicle identification, regulatory classification, and tracking.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 BMW X3

WMI: WBX

Model Years Covered: 2004-2010, 2022-2023
Example VIN: WBXPA73404WA77639
Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Munich
State or Province:
Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2004 BMW X3 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 2004 BMW X3:

Known VDS for a 2004 BMW X3
PA734	PA934

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 2004 BMW X3 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 2004 BMW X3 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
4	2004

11th Character in the 2004 BMW X3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 BMW X3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
W	Graz	Styria	Austria		WBXPA73404WA77639

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 BMW X3

The final 6 characters in a 2004 BMW X3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW X3’s VIN below:

How to find a 2004 BMW X3’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2004 BMW X3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW X3, typically where the dashboard meets the windshield. It is visible through the windshield from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb area, where you’ll often find the VIN on a label or sticker, specifically on the B-pillar where the door latches when it is closed.
Examine the engine bay, usually on the front engine block, where the VIN might be stamped onto the metal surface.
Check your BMW X3’s vehicle registration documents, insurance cards, or title, where the VIN is accurately recorded.
Look in the rear cargo area; sometimes there’s a sticker with the VIN under the carpet, or in the compartment where the spare tire is kept.
For comprehensive documentation, review the vehicle’s service or maintenance records, as the VIN is generally noted on these documents.

What info can a 2004 BMW X3 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle, such as it possibly being a 2004 model.
Engine Specifications: It outlines detailed engine specifications, including a 2.5L displacement, 184 horsepower, and a 6-cylinder engine possibly manufactured by BMW Manufacturing Corp, giving an idea of the vehicle’s power and performance.
Fuel Efficiency: The vehicle possibly runs on gasoline, providing details about the fuel type which might hint at the car’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Safety Features: It may include key safety features like front airbags for the driver and passenger, and a Dual-stage Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), emphasizing the vehicle’s focus on safety.
Body Class and Size: The VIN possibly specifies the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, offering insights into the body class and size suitable for various needs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Details such as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating possibly falling within Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) could provide information on its load carrying capacity.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN possibly indicates the vehicle was manufactured in Graz, Austria by BMW, providing specifics on the plant city, country, and state, which might interest those curious about the origin of their vehicle.

Don’t have your 2004 BMW X3’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 BMW X3

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	2500.0
Displacement (CI)	152.2
Displacement (L)	2.5
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	184
Engine Manufacturer	BMW Manufacturing Corp.
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	X3
Model Year	2004
Other Restraint System Info	Driver and Passenger Dual-stage Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Plant City	Graz
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Austria
Plant State	Styria
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	X3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Indirect
Trim	X3 2.5i
Vehicle Descriptor	WBXPA734*4W
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	WBXPA73404WA77639