How to decode a BMW 318iC VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 318iC VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-character code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code forms the first section of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and identifies the country of origin, the manufacturer, and the vehicle type. For the BMW 318iC, the WMI is WBA, which signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, located in Germany, and it is designated as a passenger car. This identifier is crucial for distinguishing the vehicle’s brand and origin, ensuring that every car has a distinct identity worldwide.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 318iC
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1991-1992, 1994-1996
- Example VIN: WBABA7312MEJ11741
- 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 BMW 318iC 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 BMW 318iC:
| Known VDS for a BMW 318iC | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA731 | BB131 | BK532 | BH832 | BH732 |
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 BMW 318iC 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 BMW 318iC VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| T | 1996 BMW 318iC |
| S | 1995 BMW 318iC |
| R | 1994 BMW 318iC |
| N | 1992 BMW 318iC |
| M | 1991 BMW 318iC |
11th Character in the BMW 318iC VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 318iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBABA7312MEJ11741 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 318iC
The final 6 characters in a BMW 318iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 318iC’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 318iC is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look for the VIN on the lower corner of the dashboard on the driver’s side. Visible through the windshield, this is a common spot for the VIN plate.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb area. The VIN may be located on a sticker or plate where the door latches.
- Check the front of the car frame, near the container that holds windshield washer fluid.
- Inspect the rear wheel well directly above the tire; sometimes, the VIN is found there.
- Examine the documents associated with the car, such as the title, registration, or insurance policy, where the VIN is often listed.
- Look under the hood at the front of the engine block for the VIN stamp.
- Inspect the trunk area under the spare tire, as some vehicles have the VIN located there.
What info can a BMW 318iC VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN indicates that the BMW 318iC was possibly manufactured by BMW AG, providing insight into the vehicle’s origin and production.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN confirms that the BMW 318iC is classified as a passenger car, suggesting it is designed for personal transportation.
- Body Class: The VIN may provide information about the body style of the BMW 318iC, which is possibly a convertible/cabriolet, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN possibly contains details about the engine, including the number of cylinders, displacement, and fuel type, offering insights into the performance and efficiency of the vehicle.
- Safety Features: The VIN might indicate the presence of certain safety features, such as front airbags and seat belt type, suggesting the level of safety and protection the vehicle offers.
Don’t have your BMW 318iC’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 318iC
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 2495.7498472 |
| Displacement (CI) | 152.3 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.4957498472 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 168.00 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Model | 4-Value |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| 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 | 325iC |
| Model Year | 1992 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dr. Supplemental System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBABB131*NE |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBABB1311NEC05141 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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