How to decode a 1996 BMW 318ti VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1996 BMW 318ti VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a critical element of a vehicle’s identification number (VIN), designed to uniquely identify the manufacturer of any given vehicle globally. The first three characters of the VIN, the WMI, denote the vehicle manufacturer, country of assembly, and vehicle type. For instance, in the case of a 1996 BMW 318ti, the WMI “WBA” specifies that the vehicle was produced by BMW AG, a renowned manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. This particular model falls within the passenger car vehicle type category. The WMI not only confirms the brand behind the vehicle but also provides a hint to its origins, offering a layer of authenticity and traceability for the vehicle.
List of WMI Codes for a 1996 BMW 318ti
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1995-1996, 1999
- Example VIN: WBACG8321TAU36307
- 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 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 1996 BMW 318ti:
| Known VDS for a 1996 BMW 318ti | |
|---|---|
| CG832 | 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 1996 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 1996 BMW 318ti VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| T | 1996 |
11th Character in the 1996 BMW 318ti VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1996 BMW 318ti Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Munich | Germany | WBACG8321TAU36307 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 BMW 318ti
The final 6 characters in a 1996 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 1996 BMW 318ti’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1996 BMW 318ti is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 318ti, near where the windshield meets the dash. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb. Your 1996 BMW 318ti should have a VIN plate or sticker located where the door latches.
- Check under the hood of your BMW. The VIN might be stamped on the engine block or affixed to the firewall or the radiator support.
- Review your vehicle’s paperwork. The VIN for your BMW 318ti will be listed on the title, registration, and insurance documents.
- Inspect the trunk area. Sometimes the VIN is located inside the trunk under the mat or on the trunk lid.
What info can a 1996 BMW 318ti VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was assembled in Munich, Germany, suggesting its European origin and possibly influencing its design and engineering standards.
- Vehicle Specifications: Basic BMW 318ti information is included, alongside engine details such as a 1.90 L displacement, 137 horsepower, and a 4-cylinder engine manufactured by BMW-AG, revealing performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, highlighting its energy source and potential fuel efficiency.
- Body Class and Size: It’s characterized as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 3 doors, offering insights into its design and utility space.
- Safety Features: Equipped with front air bags located in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger and supplemented with a Manual type seat belt system, indicating the vehicle’s safety provisions.
- Vehicle Type: Classified as a Passenger Car, detailing its intended use and likely features catering to comfort and daily commuting needs.
Don’t have your 1996 BMW 318ti’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 BMW 318ti
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Displacement (CC) | 1900.00 |
| Displacement (CI) | 115.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.90 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 137 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 318ti |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| 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 | WBACG732*TA |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBACG732XTAS96686 |
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