How to decode a 2015 BMW 228i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2015 BMW 228i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code composed of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designated to identify the vehicle manufacturer. In the context of a 2015 BMW 228i, the WMI “WBA” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, one of the world’s leading luxury automobile manufacturers. This particular WMI indicates that the production of the vehicle took place in Munich, Germany, a detail that underscores the vehicle’s origins in a country known for its automotive engineering excellence. Furthermore, the WMI designation helps in specifying the BMW 228i as a passenger car, reinforcing its function and market positioning. Notably, the WMI is an essential tool in vehicle identification, offering a concise way to trace the vehicle’s manufacturing history and lineage.
List of WMI Codes for a 2015 BMW 228i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2014-2016, 2021-2024
- Example VIN: WBA1K7C50FV235036
- 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 2015 BMW 228i 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 2015 BMW 228i:
| Known VDS for a 2015 BMW 228i | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1K7C5 | 1F5C5 | 1F9C5 | 1G9C5 | 1K5C5 | 1F7C5 |
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 2015 BMW 228i 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 2015 BMW 228i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| F | 2015 |
11th Character in the 2015 BMW 228i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2015 BMW 228i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Leipzig | Germany | WBA1K7C50FV235036 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2015 BMW 228i
The final 6 characters in a 2015 BMW 228i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 228i’s VIN below:
How to find a 2015 BMW 228i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2015 BMW 228i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 228i. The VIN should be visible through the windshield.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 2015 BMW 228i. You can usually find a VIN sticker where the door latches when closed.
- Check under the hood of your BMW 228i; the VIN might be found on the front engine block.
- Inspect the rear wheel well on the driver’s side of your BMW 228i. Sometimes the VIN is placed above the tire.
- Review your BMW 228i’s vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or title/ownership documents, which will have the VIN listed.
What info can a 2015 BMW 228i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting it may be from the year 2015, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN can specify the body class, indicating this vehicle may be a Coupe with 2 doors, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Specifications: Details about the engine, such as it being a 2.00 L (2000 CC or 121.8 CI) 4-cylinder engine producing 243 horsepower, may offer insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: The type of fuel the vehicle primarily uses is gasoline, which can possibly help assess fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: Important safety features are highlighted, including airbags located in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, knee airbags, and a direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), reflecting the vehicle’s possible emphasis on occupant safety.
- Plant Information: The assembly location of the vehicle, Leipzig, Germany, may provide background on manufacturing origin which can possibly influence perceptions of build quality and design.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): It falls within Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), which could be pertinent for understanding vehicle classification, performance, and regulation compliance.
Don’t have your 2015 BMW 228i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2015 BMW 228i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 2000.00 |
| Displacement (CI) | 121.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.00 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 241 |
| 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) |
| Knee Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Model | 228i |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| Plant City | Leipzig |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 228i |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Trim | Convertible |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBA1K7C5*FV |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBA1K7C50FV235036 |
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