How to decode a 1994 BMW 318iC VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1994 BMW 318iC VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a vehicle’s unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), essential in identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, brand, and country of origin. Specifically, the WMI “WBA” designates vehicles made by BMW AG, a renowned automobile manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. This identifier is crucial for various administrative and regulatory processes, including vehicle registration and safety recalls. For the 1994 BMW 318ic, the WMI “WBA” confirms its production by BMW AG in Germany, ensuring it adheres to the company’s standards for quality and engineering. This coding system plays a pivotal role in the automotive industry, allowing for clear identification and traceability of vehicles worldwide.
List of WMI Codes for a 1994 BMW 318iC
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1991-1992, 1994-1996
- Example VIN: WBABK5320REC82315
- 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 1994 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 1994 BMW 318iC:
| Known VDS for a 1994 BMW 318iC |
|---|
| BK532 |
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 1994 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 1994 BMW 318iC VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| R | 1994 |
11th Character in the 1994 BMW 318iC VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1994 BMW 318iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBABK5320REC82315 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1994 BMW 318iC
The final 6 characters in a 1994 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 1994 BMW 318iC’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1994 BMW 318iC is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1994 BMW 318ic, where it meets the windshield. It’s typically visible through the glass from outside the vehicle.
- Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of the 1994 BMW 318ic; the VIN may be on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Check under the hood of your 1994 BMW 318ic; the VIN might be stamped on the engine block or on a metal plate attached to the chassis.
- Inspect the trunk area, often on the trunk’s hinge or on the trunk lid of your BMW 318ic, as manufacturers sometimes affix VIN plates there.
- For some vehicles, including possibly the 1994 BMW 318ic, the VIN can also be found on the vehicle’s registration documents, insurance cards, or titles.
What info can a 1994 BMW 318iC VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can indicate the vehicle’s model year, possibly revealing that it is from the year 1994, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Location: The VIN may reveal that the vehicle was manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, possibly providing insight into its origin and the quality of craftsmanship associated with that location.
- Vehicle Specifications: The dataset provides detailed specifications for a BMW 318iC, including a 1.796L engine displacement and a power output of 137 hp, possibly painted by BMW-AG. This information is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s performance capabilities and general characteristics.
- Body and Design: The VIN indicates the vehicle is possibly a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering insights into its style and functionality designed for a specific driver experience.
- Safety Features: Essential safety features can be deduced, possibly including the presence of front air bags for both the driver and passenger and the inclusion of a manual seat belt type, emphasizing the vehicle’s safety design focus.
- Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact: By identifying the primary fuel type as gasoline, potential owners can estimate fuel efficiency and environmental impact, key factors in vehicle operation costs and sustainability.
- Engine and Mechanical Details: Information about the engine, such as its model being a 4-Value and its configuration as a 4-cylinder engine developed by BMW-AG, allows for a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s mechanical sophistication and potential maintenance needs.
Don’t have your 1994 BMW 318iC’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1994 BMW 318iC
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 1796.0222144 |
| Displacement (CI) | 109.6 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.7960222144 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 137 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Model | 4-Value |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 318iC |
| Model Year | 1994 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBABK532*RE |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBABK5320REC82315 |
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