How to decode a 1988 BMW 325i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1988 BMW 325i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers. It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as a fingerprint that identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For instance, the 1988 BMW 325i features a WMI of “WBA”, denoting it as a passenger car produced by BMW AG in Munich, Germany. This specific WMI guides the identification of vehicles across global markets, ensuring that each car’s manufacturing origin, brand, and type are easily recognizable. The utilization of WMIs is essential for regulatory compliance, accurate vehicle tracking, and historical record-keeping within the automotive industry.
List of WMI Codes for a 1988 BMW 325i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1987-1995, 2001-2006
- Example VIN: WBABB2300J8858742
- 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 1988 BMW 325i 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 1988 BMW 325i:
| Known VDS for a 1988 BMW 325i | |
|---|---|
| BB230 | AD130 |
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 1988 BMW 325i 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 1988 BMW 325i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| J | 1988 |
11th Character in the 1988 BMW 325i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1988 BMW 325i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Munich Or Dingolfing | Germany | WBABB2307J1944798 | ||
| 8 | Regensburg | Germany | WBABB2300J8858742 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 BMW 325i
The final 6 characters in a 1988 BMW 325i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1988 BMW 325i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1988 BMW 325i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower-right corner of the dashboard, on the driver’s side of your 1988 BMW 325i. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb area. There is often a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches.
- Inspect the front engine block, as VINs are commonly stamped onto the metal in this area on many BMW cars, including the 325i.
- Look at the rear wheel well directly above the tire. On some BMW models, the VIN might be found in this unconventional spot.
- BMW vehicles like the 1988 325i often have the VIN on the vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance documents, so these papers can be handy sources for the VIN as well.
What info can a 1988 BMW 325i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN provides details about the engine manufacturer (BMW-AG), engine model (4-Value), displacement in liters (2.490833728 L), cubic inches (152 CI), and the engine’s horsepower (168 hp), offering insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Body Class and Vehicle Type: The VIN contains information on the body class as a Convertible/Cabriolet and identifies it as a Passenger Car, providing details about the vehicle’s design and functionality for potential buyers or enthusiasts.
- Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which can be crucial for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Transmission and Safety Features: The VIN provides details on the transmission style as Automatic and the seat belt type as Manual, which are key factors in driving experience and safety.
- Manufacturing Details: The VIN points to production specifics such as the Plant Country being Germany, potentially in Munich or Dingolfing, affording insight into the vehicle’s origin and build quality.
- Vehicle Series and Trim: Descriptors like the Series (3-Series, E30) and the Trim (Cabrio) give further clues into the vehicle’s market positioning, design characteristics, and features.
Don’t have your 1988 BMW 325i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 BMW 325i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 2490.833728 |
| Displacement (CI) | 152 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.490833728 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 168 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Model | 4-Value |
| 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 | 325iC |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| Plant City | Munich Or Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Series2 | E30 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Trim | Cabrio |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBABB230*J1 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBABB2307J1944798 |
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