How to decode a 1992 BMW 318iC VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1992 BMW 318iC VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) forms the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the manufacturer of the vehicle. It reveals not only the manufacturer’s name but also the vehicle type and the country of manufacture. For example, in the case of a 1992 BMW 318ic, the WMI “WBA” specifies that the vehicle was produced by BMW AG, categorizing it as a passenger car. This particular vehicle was manufactured in Munich, Germany. WMIs are essential for distinguishing between manufacturers globally, ensuring each vehicle has a unique identifier.
List of WMI Codes for a 1992 BMW 318iC
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1991-1992, 1994-1996
- Example VIN: WBABA7314NEJ12908
- 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 1992 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 1992 BMW 318iC:
| Known VDS for a 1992 BMW 318iC | |
|---|---|
| BA731 | BB131 |
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 1992 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 1992 BMW 318iC VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| N | 1992 |
11th Character in the 1992 BMW 318iC VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1992 BMW 318iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBABA7314NEJ12908 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1992 BMW 318iC
The final 6 characters in a 1992 BMW 318iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 318iC’s VIN below:
How to find a 1992 BMW 318iC’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1992 BMW 318iC is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 318iC. Typically the VIN can be seen through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb. The VIN is often located on a sticker or plate where the door latches.
- Check under the hood of your BMW 318iC. The VIN might be found on the front of the engine block.
- Take a look at the rear wheel well. Sometimes the VIN is placed above the tire.
- Inspect the trunk area of the BMW 318iC. The VIN could be located on the underside of the trunk lid or in the spare tire compartment.
- View the vehicle’s documentation. The VIN will be on the title, registration, or insurance documents of the BMW 318iC.
What info can a 1992 BMW 318iC VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1992, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Plant Country: The manufacturing plant’s location is identified as Germany, which may indicate where the vehicle was produced.
- Vehicle Specifications: The VIN provides detailed specifications for a BMW 325iC, including a gasoline-powered engine with a displacement of approximately 2.5 liters and six cylinders, offering a broad understanding of the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
- Body Class and Doors: It specifies the body class as a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and functionality.
- Engine Details: Engine specifics such as the manufacturer being BMW-AG, the engine model being described as a 4-Value, and the engine’s brake horsepower starting from 168.00 hp are encoded in the VIN, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s engineering and performance attributes.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is noted as Gasoline, signaling important information on what fuel the engine runs on.
- Safety Features: The mention of an Other Restraint System Info detailing a Dr. Supplemental System (SRS) indicates the presence of specific safety features designed for passenger protection, potentially enhancing the vehicle’s safety profile.
Don’t have your 1992 BMW 318iC’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1992 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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