How to decode a 2013 BMW 320i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2013 BMW 320i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. Each element of the WMI provides specific information: the first character denotes the country of origin, the second identifies the manufacturer, and the third indicates the vehicle type or manufacturing division. For instance, BMW AG, a renowned vehicle manufacturer based in Munich, Germany, uses the WMI “WBA” for some of its vehicles. This WMI signifies that the vehicle is a passenger car produced by BMW in Germany. An example of a vehicle featuring this WMI includes the 2013 BMW 320i, a model known for its performance and luxury in the compact car segment.
List of WMI Codes for a 2013 BMW 320i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1981-1983, 2013-2018
- Example VIN: WBA3C3C50DF978611
- 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 2013 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 2013 BMW 320i:
| Known VDS for a 2013 BMW 320i | |
|---|---|
| 3C3C5 | 3B1C5 |
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 2013 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 2013 BMW 320i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| D | 2013 |
11th Character in the 2013 BMW 320i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2013 BMW 320i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Munich | Germany | WBA3C3C50DF978611 | ||
| K | Munich | Germany | WBA3B1C50DK128024 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2013 BMW 320i
The final 6 characters in a 2013 BMW 320i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 320i’s VIN below:
How to find a 2013 BMW 320i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2013 BMW 320i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 320i, usually near the windshield where the VIN can often be viewed from outside the vehicle.
- Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side for a label or a sticker where the BMW 320i’s door latches; the VIN might be printed there.
- Check under the hood; the VIN for your 320i might be on a sticker or plaque on the firewall or near the front of the engine bay.
- Peek inside the trunk area; some BMW vehicles display the VIN on a sticker near where the spare tire is housed or on the trunk lid itself.
- If available, review your BMW 320i’s vehicle registration documents or insurance paperwork, as they should include the vehicle’s VIN.
What info can a 2013 BMW 320i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can indicate that the vehicle may be a 2013 model, providing insight into the age and potential technological and safety features of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN may reveal that the vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon body, offering insight into the general size and style of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN may encode detailed engine information such as a displacement of approximately 2.00 liters, 180 horsepower, and a 4-cylinder engine configuration, potentially offering insights into vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
- Safety Features: The VIN might outline a comprehensive suite of airbag locations including the 1st and 2nd rows, knee airbags for the driver and passenger, and pretensioners for front occupants, highlighting the vehicle’s potential emphasis on safety.
- Fuel Type: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle primarily utilizes Gasoline, which could be crucial for prospective owners to consider for fuel economy and environmental impact awareness.
- Manufacturing Information: The VIN could specify that the vehicle was manufactured in Munich, Germany, potentially shedding light on its production origin, influencing perceptions of build quality and design.
- Vehicle Identification: A sample VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is provided, potentially serving as a unique identifier that can be used to access detailed records and history of the specific vehicle.
Don’t have your 2013 BMW 320i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2013 BMW 320i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Displacement (CC) | 1995.9443952 |
| Displacement (CI) | 121.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.00 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 181 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Knee Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Model | 320i |
| Model Year | 2013 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger. |
| Plant City | Munich |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Trim | SA |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBA3B1C5*DF |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBA3B1C50DF078329 |
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