Free BMW 320i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 320i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 320i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the BMW 320i, the WMI is WBA, indicating that it is a passenger car produced by BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany. This specific WMI covers vehicles manufactured during select years from 1981 to 1983 and more recently from 2013 to 2018. It serves as a critical component in automotive identification, allowing for the easy tracing of a vehicle’s origin, make, and model. Such identifiers are essential for regulatory compliance, recall management, and vehicle tracking across the globe.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 320i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1983, 2013-2018
• Example VIN: WBAAG3304B8000016
• 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 320i 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 320i:

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 320i 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 320i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 320i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 320i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 320i

The final 6 characters in a BMW 320i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 320i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2017, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: Manufacturing details, such as the production city being Munich, Germany, enhances the vehicle’s traceability right back to its origin, adding value to its history.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, which may indicate a Sedan/Saloon with details about the number of doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine and Performance: Details about the engine, including its displacement (e.g., 2 liters or 121.8 cubic inches) and horsepower starting from 180.00 hp, provide valuable insights into the vehicle’s power and efficiency.
• Safety Features: The VIN often specifies the inclusion of standard or optional safety features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and the availability of airbags in various locations, underlining the vehicle’s commitment to passenger security.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: Identifying the primary fuel type, such as gasoline, can help users understand fuel compatibility and potentially infer fuel efficiency based on engine size and vehicle class.
• Drive Type and Capacity: Information like the car being equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and seating for up to 5 passengers suggests its versatility in accommodating family travel and navigating diverse road conditions.
• Innovative Technology: The presence of standard or optional tech amenities, including a backup camera, keyless ignition, and Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), highlights the vehicle’s adaptation to modern driving conveniences and safety improvements.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 320i