How to decode a BMW 323iC VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 323iC VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial sequence of three letters or numbers found at the beginning of a vehicle’s unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code is crucial as it discloses the manufacturer of the vehicle as well as the country where it was assembled. For the BMW 323iC, the WMI is WBA, which indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany. The BMW 323iC is a luxurious model from the esteemed German automaker, known for its performance and craftsmanship. The presence of a WMI helps in not only authenticating the vehicle’s origin but also providing valuable information during vehicle recalls, registrations, and for tracking its history.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 323iC
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1997-1999
- Example VIN: WBABK8320VEY85502
- 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 323iC 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 323iC:
| Known VDS for a BMW 323iC | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BK832 | BK732 | BK833 | BJ833 | BK733 | BJ832 | BJ733 |
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 323iC 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 323iC VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| X | 1999 BMW 323iC |
| W | 1998 BMW 323iC |
| V | 1997 BMW 323iC |
11th Character in the BMW 323iC VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 323iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Regensburg | Bavaria | Germany | WBABK8320VEY85502 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 323iC
The final 6 characters in a BMW 323iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 323iC’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 323iC is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your BMW 323iC. The VIN should be visible from the outside, just above the dashboard.
- Check the door jamb on the driver’s side where the door latches when closed. There should be a sticker or plate with the VIN on it.
- Inspect the front of the car frame, near the container that holds windshield washer fluid.
- Examine your vehicle’s insurance or registration documents, which will always include the VIN.
What info can a BMW 323iC VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1999, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Body Class: The VIN indicates that the 1999 BMW 323iC falls into the Convertible/Cabriolet body class, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Fuel Type: The VIN shows that the primary fuel type for the vehicle is gasoline.
Don’t have your BMW 323iC’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 323iC
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 2800.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 170.86648346525 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.8 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 190 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| 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) |
| Model | 328iC |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Plant State | Bavaria |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBABK732*VE |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBABK7320VET64354 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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