How to decode a 2011 BMW 128i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2011 BMW 128i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing insight into the vehicle’s make, country of origin, and sometimes even the type of vehicle it is. For the 2011 BMW 128i, the WMI “WBA” reveals that BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This code is critical for distinguishing this passenger car from others and ensuring its authenticity. By analyzing this WMI, we can confirm that the vehicle falls within the model years 2008-2013, pinpointing its production to a specific time frame. The WMI is an invaluable tool for tracking the origins and characteristics of vehicles worldwide.
List of WMI Codes for a 2011 BMW 128i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2008-2013
- Example VIN: WBAUP7C50BVK78462
- 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 2011 BMW 128i 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 2011 BMW 128i:
| Known VDS for a 2011 BMW 128i | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| UP7C5 | UP9C5 | UL7C5 | UN1C5 |
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 2011 BMW 128i 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 2011 BMW 128i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| B | 2011 |
11th Character in the 2011 BMW 128i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2011 BMW 128i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Leipzig | Germany | WBAUP7C50BVK78462 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2011 BMW 128i
The final 6 characters in a 2011 BMW 128i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 128i’s VIN below:
How to find a 2011 BMW 128i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2011 BMW 128i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 128i. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield on a little placard attached to the dashboard.
- Check the door post or door jamb on the driver’s side of your BMW 128i when you open the door, as the VIN is often located on a label or tag in that area.
- Inspect the front of the engine block. You may find the VIN engraved on the engine itself in your BMW 128i.
- Look inside the trunk area, especially under the trunk lid or on the trunk walls, for a sticker or plate with the VIN for your BMW 128i.
- Review your BMW 128i’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or service records, where the VIN will be recorded.
- Examine your BMW 128i’s vehicle title or the Vehicle Certificate of Compliance label typically found in the driver’s side door jamb or near the latch.
What info can a 2011 BMW 128i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 2011, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Type: It specifies that the vehicle boasts a 3.0L engine with 6 cylinders, which can possibly contribute to the vehicle’s performance and power.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 2011 BMW 1-Series 128i, this may indicate a Coupe with 2 doors, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s design and style.
- Safety Equipment: Essential safety features are encoded within the VIN, including airbags for both the driver and passenger, side airbags, and a sophisticated restraint system, highlighting the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
- Fuel Efficiency and Emissions: The presence of SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) trim may indicate enhanced fuel efficiency and lower emissions, providing potential value to those interested in environmental impact and fuel economy.
- Manufacturing Information: The VIN discloses that the vehicle was manufactured in Leipzig, Germany, offering insights into the vehicle’s origin, which might be of interest to those who value European engineering.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System: It is confirmed that the vehicle employs a Direct TPMS, an advanced feature that possibly enhances safety and maintenance by providing real-time tire pressure information.
Don’t have your 2011 BMW 128i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2011 BMW 128i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 182.9 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 230 |
| 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 | 128i |
| Model Year | 2011 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Head Inflatable Restraint for Driver and Front Passenger. Knee Inflatable Restraint for Driver and Front Passenger. Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger. |
| Plant City | Leipzig |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 1-Series |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Trim | SULEV |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAUN1C5*BV |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAUN1C50BVH77932 |
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