Free 1993 BMW 318iS VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1993 BMW 318iS VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1993 BMW 318iS VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. For the 1993 BMW 318is, the WMI is “WBA”, indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG in Munich, Germany. This part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is critical for distinguishing the car’s manufacturing origin. As specific to this BMW model, the WMI not only denotes its prestigious German engineering but also specifies BMW AG as the manufacturer, providing a key piece of information for identifying, registering, and servicing the vehicle. The inclusion of a WMI in every vehicle’s VIN is a standardized practice that aids in the precise identification of vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1993 BMW 318iS

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1991-1996
• Example VIN: WBABE5311PJA03991
• 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 1993 BMW 318iS 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 1993 BMW 318iS:

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 1993 BMW 318iS 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 1993 BMW 318iS VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1993 BMW 318iS VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1993 BMW 318iS Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1993 BMW 318iS

The final 6 characters in a 1993 BMW 318iS’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 318iS’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1993 BMW 318iS VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1993, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN can pinpoint the manufacturing location as specifically as Regensburg, Germany, offering insight into the origin of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: Decoding the VIN of a BMW 318iS provides detailed specifications like the body class being Coupe, indicating the shape and size of the vehicle.
• Engine Details: The VIN discloses specifics about the engine, such as its being manufactured by BMW-AG, a 1.8L (1796cc) 4-cylinder engine with a horsepower rating starting from 137, providing insight into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The VIN clarifies the primary fuel type as Gasoline, assisting in understanding the vehicle’s ecological footprint and operating costs.
• Safety Features: Important safety features can be inferred, such as the presence of a supplemental restraint system (SRS), commonly known as airbags, and manual seat belts, hinting at the vehicle’s safety measures.
• Series and Model Information: The decode report includes the series, 3-Series in this case, and the specific model, 318iS, providing insight into the vehicle’s market positioning and features relative to other models in its lineup.
• Doors and Seat Belts: It specifies the number of doors (2) and the type of seat belts (Manual), which can offer clues about the vehicle’s capacity and basic safety mechanisms.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1993 BMW 318iS

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