Free 1983 BMW 320i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1983 BMW 320i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1983 BMW 320i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which signifies the vehicle manufacturer, its country of origin, and the type of vehicle it is. Specifically, for the 1983 BMW 320i, the WMI code indicates that this passenger car was manufactured by BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany. This code is vital for identifying the vehicle’s manufacturing details accurately and is used globally to standardize the classification of motor vehicles. The WMI is not just a random assortment of characters but a structured representation that allows for instant recognition of the vehicle’s manufacturer and pertinent geographical details. Recognizing the WMI is the first step in decoding the history and specifications of any vehicle, including the BMW 320i from 1983.

List of WMI Codes for a 1983 BMW 320i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1983, 2013-2018
• Example VIN: WBAAG3304D8381613
• 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 1983 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 1983 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 1983 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 1983 BMW 320i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1983 BMW 320i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1983 BMW 320i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1983 BMW 320i

The final 6 characters in a 1983 BMW 320i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 320i’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1983 BMW 320i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1983, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN can suggest that the vehicle might have been assembled in Munich, Germany, possibly emphasizing the geographical history of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic vehicle information such as the BMW 320i model, along with engine details like a 1.769-liter displacement and four cylinders, is typically encoded within the VIN.
• Body Class and Doors: From the VIN, the body class can be determined as a Sedan/Saloon, and it may indicate the vehicle features 2 doors, outlining the structural design and access points of the vehicle.
• Fuel Type: The VIN often discloses the primary fuel type the vehicle utilizes, which in this instance could be gasoline, highlighting the engine’s fuel compatibility.
• Safety Features: Information such as the type of seat belt (manual in this case) can be extracted from the VIN, providing insights into the safety features installed in the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type: The VIN can reveal the classification of the vehicle as a Passenger Car, offering a broad understanding of the intended use and capacity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1983 BMW 320i

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