Free 1999 BMW 323i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1999 BMW 323i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 BMW 323i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. Comprising the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the WMI reveals key information such as the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and production country. For the 1999 BMW 323i, the WMI is “WBA”, indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG. This specific WMI also tells us that the vehicle is a passenger car and was produced in Munich, Germany. The WMI forms an essential part of a vehicle’s DNA, providing a globally recognized identifier for automotive manufacturers.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 BMW 323i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1999-2000
• Example VIN: WBAAM3330XCA82725
• 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 1999 BMW 323i 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 1999 BMW 323i:

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 1999 BMW 323i 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 1999 BMW 323i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1999 BMW 323i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 BMW 323i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 BMW 323i

The final 6 characters in a 1999 BMW 323i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1999 BMW 323i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1999, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Plant Location: Details such as the city (Munich) and country (Germany) where the vehicle was produced are encoded in the VIN, offering insight into its origin.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN can provide comprehensive engine details, including the manufacturer (BMW-AG), displacement (2.49 liters/152.2 cubic inches), and horsepower (170 hp), along with the number of cylinders (6), offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s power and performance.
• Vehicle Type and Model: The VIN can specify specific vehicle type information, indicating it as a Passenger Car, and further detailing the model as a 323i part of the 3-Series, giving insight into the vehicle’s category and model within the brand’s lineup.
• Body Class and Doors: It can reveal the body class as a Sedan/Saloon and specify the number of doors, which is 4, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Safety Features: Information regarding safety features, including the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row and the type of seat belts (Manual), may be available, offering knowledge about the vehicle’s safety equipment.
• Fuel Information: The primary fuel type utilized by the vehicle can be identified as Gasoline, which is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s environmental impact and fuel consumption.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 BMW 323i