Free 1996 BMW 318iC VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 BMW 318iC VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 BMW 318iC VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing key information about the vehicle’s make, country of origin, and vehicle type. For instance, the WMI ‘WBA’ specifically identifies vehicles produced by BMW AG, which is located in Munich, Germany. This code is crucial for recognizing the authenticity and origin of vehicles, including passenger cars like the 1996 BMW 318ic. The WMI forms the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which further helps in tracking important details such as year of manufacture and specific vehicle characteristics. Such identifiers are essential for vehicle registration, recall identification, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 BMW 318iC

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1991-1992, 1994-1996
• Example VIN: WBABH8320TEY11279
• 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 1996 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 1996 BMW 318iC:

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 1996 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 1996 BMW 318iC VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 BMW 318iC VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 BMW 318iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 BMW 318iC

The final 6 characters in a 1996 BMW 318iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 318iC’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1996 BMW 318iC VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating a 1996 production year, providing insights into the vehicle’s age and market value.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN decoding may indicate the body class and size of the vehicle as a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Details: Crucial engine specifications, such as the manufacturer being BMW-AG, displacement metrics (1.90L/1900.00CC/115.8CI), and engine power output starting from 137 horsepower, are encoded within the VIN, providing valuable insights into the vehicle’s performance and power.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, indicated in this VIN as Gasoline, can provide insights into fuel efficiency and performance, contributing to a better understanding of the vehicle’s operating costs and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: VIN decoding can provide details on safety features, such as the presence of front airbags for both driver and passenger in the first row and a manual seat belt type, offering potential insights into the safety and protection provided by the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN can pinpoint manufacturing details, including the plant city and country, showcasing that this vehicle was assembled in Regensburg, Germany, providing insights into the vehicle’s origin and manufacturing quality.
• Series and Model: The VIN reveals the model as a 318iC from the 3-Series, offering insights into vehicle performance, luxury level, and market positioning, helping to understand the vehicle’s market segment and potential target audience.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 BMW 318iC

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