How to decode a 2006 BMW X3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2006 BMW X3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code made up of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. In the case of the 2006 BMW X3, the WMI “WBX” corresponds to BMW AG, based out of Munich, Germany. This WMI indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW, a renowned automaker known for its luxury vehicles. The designation specifically identifies a multipurpose passenger vehicle (MPV), which in the context of BMW’s lineup often refers to their range of SUVs, including the X3 from the years 2004-2010 and more recent models in 2022-2023. This coding system is an essential tool for tracking the origin and important details of vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 2006 BMW X3

WMI: WBX

Model Years Covered: 2004-2010, 2022-2023
Example VIN: WBXPA93406WA32425
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 2006 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 2006 BMW X3:

Known VDS for a 2006 BMW X3
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 2006 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 2006 BMW X3 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
6	2006

11th Character in the 2006 BMW X3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2006 BMW X3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
W	Graz		Austria		WBXPA93406WA32425

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2006 BMW X3

The final 6 characters in a 2006 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 2006 BMW X3’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2006 BMW X3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW X3. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield on a small metal or plastic plaque.
Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side door of your BMW X3. The VIN can often be found on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
Look under the hood of your BMW X3; the VIN might be stamped onto the engine block or on a plate attached to the engine compartment.
Examine the trunk area, specifically underneath the spare tire where a sticker with the VIN may be present in your 2006 BMW X3.
Review your BMW X3’s vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents, as the VIN will be printed on these official documents.

What info can a 2006 BMW X3 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2006, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Specifications: The BMW X3 3.0i SAV boasts a 3 L engine displacement and a 225 horsepower engine from its 6 cylinders, indicating its performance capabilities.
Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates the vehicle is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, providing insights into its design and family utility.
Safety Features: Equipped with front airbags for both the driver and passenger, along with a dual-stage supplemental restraint system (SRS), it underscores the vehicle’s emphasis on occupant safety.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which can be crucial for prospective owners to know for fuel economy and environmental considerations.
Manufacturing Details: Production location in Graz, Austria adds an international dimension to the vehicle’s backstory.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): The TPMS type being direct indicates advancements in vehicle safety and maintenance features, enhancing tire life and performance.

Don’t have your 2006 BMW X3’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2006 BMW X3

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	2979.1682352
Displacement (CI)	181.8
Displacement (L)	3
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	225
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	2006
Other Restraint System Info	Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14.
Plant City	Graz
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Austria
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	3.0i SAV
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	WBXPA934*6W
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Wheel Base (inches) From	110.1
Sample_VIN	WBXPA93406WA32425