How to decode a BMW 318ti VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 318ti VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code at the beginning of every vehicle identification number (VIN) that signifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the BMW 318ti, the WMI is WBA, which indicates that the vehicle was produced by BMW AG, a prestigious automaker headquartered in Munich, Germany. This code is essential for confirming the car’s make, providing an immediate assurance of the renowned engineering that BMW is known for. The 318ti, part of BMW’s compact 3-Series lineup, carries this WMI as a mark of its authentic origin and the quality craftsmanship associated with the BMW brand.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 318ti
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1995-1996, 1999
- Example VIN: WBACG6321SAM70797
- 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 318ti 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 318ti:
| Known VDS for a BMW 318ti | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CG632 | CG532 | CG832 | CG733 | CG833 | CG732 |
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 318ti 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 318ti VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| X | 1999 BMW 318ti |
| T | 1996 BMW 318ti |
| S | 1995 BMW 318ti |
11th Character in the BMW 318ti VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 318ti Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Munich | Germany | WBACG6321SAM70797 | ||
| K | Munich | Germany | WBACG7333XKC31691 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 318ti
The final 6 characters in a BMW 318ti’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 318ti’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 318ti is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Inspect the lower-left corner of the dashboard near the steering wheel in your BMW 318ti. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
- Examine the driver’s side door jamb. You should find a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches when closed.
- Look at the vehicle’s registration documents, insurance card, or title, where the VIN is often recorded.
- Check under the hood for a VIN plate located on the engine block or the firewall.
- Peek at the front of the car frame, around the area where the bumper is attached for a stamped VIN.
- Search along the trunk’s interior trim or where the spare tire is usually kept for a VIN sticker or plate.
- If available, review the service or maintenance records as the VIN is often listed on these documents.
What info can a BMW 318ti VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year for the BMW 318ti, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN indicates that the manufacturer of the BMW 318ti is BMW AG, suggesting a high level of craftsmanship and quality associated with this brand.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, as seen in the case of the BMW 318ti, indicating a hatchback/liftback/notchback with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Fuel Type: The VIN reveals that the primary fuel type for the BMW 318ti is gasoline, which can impact the vehicle’s performance and environmental considerations.
Don’t have your BMW 318ti’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 318ti
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Displacement (CC) | 1796.0222144 |
| Displacement (CI) | 109.6 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.7960222144 |
| Doors | 3 |
| 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 | 318ti |
| Model Year | 1995 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Munich |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBACG632*SA |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBACG6321SAM70797 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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