How to decode a BMW 325/325e VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 325/325e VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or three-digit code that is assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code can be found at the beginning of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and identifies the make of the vehicle as well as the country of manufacture. For the BMW 325/325e, the WMI is WBA, which denotes BMW AG as the manufacturer. This classic BMW model was predominantly produced in Germany, further reflected in the WMI, with the first character W indicating Europe and BA standing for BMW. By examining the WMI, one can confirm the authenticity and origin of their BMW 325/325e.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 325/325e
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1986-1988
- Example VIN: WBAAE5407G0985983
- 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 325/325e 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 325/325e:
| Known VDS for a BMW 325/325e | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| AE540 | AE640 | AB540 | AB640 |
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 325/325e 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 325/325e VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| J | 1988 BMW 325/325e |
| H | 1987 BMW 325/325e |
| G | 1986 BMW 325/325e |
11th Character in the BMW 325/325e VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 325/325e Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAAE5407G0985983 | ||
| 1 | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAAE5401G1506581 | ||
| 9 | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAAB5400G9682919 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 325/325e
The final 6 characters in a BMW 325/325e’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 325/325e’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 325/325e is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side - the VIN should be visible through the glass.
- Open the driver’s door and inspect the door jamb area; the VIN might be located on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Check the front engine bay area, the VIN may be stamped onto a plate on the firewall.
- Examine the rear wheel well; sometimes the VIN is stamped above the tire.
- Inspect your vehicle’s registration documents, insurance papers, or title, as the VIN will be printed on these documents.
- If your BMW 325/325e has maintenance records available, the VIN is usually indicated there as well.
- Look in the trunk under the carpeting near the spare tire area; the VIN may be found on a sticker or plate in this location.
What info can a BMW 325/325e VIN reveal?
- Make: The VIN indicates that the make of the vehicle is BMW, manufactured by BMW AG.
- Model: The VIN specifies the model of the vehicle as the BMW 325/325e.
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating it could be 1986, 1987, or 1988, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is classified as a passenger car.
- Body Class: The VIN may provide information about the body style of the vehicle, such as sedan/saloon, possibly offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Type: The VIN may reveal details about the engine configuration of the BMW 325/325e, possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s performance and power.
Don’t have your BMW 325/325e’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 325/325e
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2687.478496 |
| Displacement (CI) | 164 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.687478496 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 121 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| 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 | 325/325e |
| Model Year | 1986 |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Series2 | E30 |
| Transmission Style | Manual/Standard |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAAE540*G0 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAAE5407G0985983 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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