How to decode a BMW 325i/325is VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 325i/325is VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an essential part of any vehicle identification number (VIN), serving as the opening sequence in the standardized 17-character code. Specifically for BMW 325i/325is models, the WMI is typically represented by the characters ‘WBA’, a unique code that designates BMW AG as the manufacturer. These three characters are crucial as they not only confirm the brand identity but also provide a link to the country and even the specific facility where the vehicle was constructed. This identification process ensures the traceability and authenticity of the vehicle, which is particularly useful in the case of recalls, registrations, and verifications of legality. When it comes to the classic BMW 325i/325is, the WMI codes solidify their celebrated German heritage and engineering precision.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 325i/325is
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1989
- Example VIN: WBAAA2301KAE71354
- 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 325i/325is 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 325i/325is:
| Known VDS for a BMW 325i/325is | |
|---|---|
| AA230 | AA130 |
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 325i/325is 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 325i/325is VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| K | 1989 BMW 325i/325is |
11th Character in the BMW 325i/325is VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 325i/325is Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Munich Or Dingolfing | Germany | WBAAA2300K4257113 | ||
| 8 | Regensburg | Germany | WBAAA1300K8255008 | ||
| A | Munich | Germany | WBAAA2301KAE71354 | ||
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBAAA2303KEC49522 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 325i/325is
The final 6 characters in a BMW 325i/325is’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 325i/325is’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 325i/325is is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 325i/325is. The VIN is typically located in the corner where the dashboard meets the windshield.
- Examine the driver’s side door jamb. The VIN can often be found on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Inspect the engine bay. The VIN may be stamped onto the engine block or on a metal plate affixed to the engine bay area.
- Check your vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card. The VIN will be listed on these documents.
- Review the title of your vehicle. The VIN should be clearly printed on the vehicle’s title.
- Look beneath the spare tire. Sometimes the VIN is located in the area where the spare tire is stored inside the vehicle.
- Examine the front frame of the car. The VIN could be stamped on the frame near the windshield washer fluid container.
What info can a BMW 325i/325is VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1989, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN identifies the manufacturer as BMW AG, suggesting a connection to the renowned German automaker.
- Body Class: The VIN indicates the body class of the vehicle as a sedan/saloon, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Type: The VIN reveals the vehicle is equipped with a 6-cylinder engine, providing information about its performance and power capabilities.
Don’t have your BMW 325i/325is’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 325i/325is
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2495.74984720 |
| Displacement (CI) | 152.30 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.49574984720 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 168 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Model | 4-Value |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 325i/325is |
| Model Year | 1989 |
| Plant City | Munich |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3 |
| Series2 | E30 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAAA230*KA |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAAA2301KAE71354 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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