Free BMW 318iC VIN Decoder

Unlock the luxurious allure and nimble prowess of your BMW 318iC! Use our free VIN Decoder below to explore the unique history of your sleek convertible and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

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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
BA731BB131BK532BH832BH732

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

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Check the front of the car frame, near the container that holds windshield washer fluid.
  4. Inspect the rear wheel well directly above the tire; sometimes, the VIN is found there.
  5. Examine the documents associated with the car, such as the title, registration, or insurance policy, where the VIN is often listed.
  6. Look under the hood at the front of the engine block for the VIN stamp.
  7. Inspect the trunk area under the spare tire, as some vehicles have the VIN located there.
VIN Decoder

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.
VIN Decoder

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

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