How to decode a 1990 BMW 325i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1990 BMW 325i VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. The WMI for the 1990 BMW 325i indicates it is manufactured by BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany, denoting it as a passenger car from a reputable automobile industry. This specific coding system is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which helps in providing detailed information about the vehicle, including its origin. For the mentioned BMW, the WMI reveals it was produced in a period where BMW combined technical innovation with luxury, reflecting in their vehicle lineup during those years. Understanding the WMI is key in pinpointing the vehicle’s manufacturing details, showcasing its heritage and authenticity.
List of WMI Codes for a 1990 BMW 325i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1987-1995, 2001-2006
- Example VIN: WBABB2312LEC20315
- 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 1990 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 1990 BMW 325i:
| Known VDS for a 1990 BMW 325i | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| BB231 | BB230 | AD131 | AD231 |
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 1990 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 1990 BMW 325i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| L | 1990 |
11th Character in the 1990 BMW 325i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1990 BMW 325i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBABB2312LEC20315 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1990 BMW 325i
The final 6 characters in a 1990 BMW 325i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 325i’s VIN below:
How to find a 1990 BMW 325i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1990 BMW 325i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 325i, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN should be easily visible through the glass.
- Inspect the door jamb or door post on the driver’s side of your BMW 325i. The VIN can typically be found on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Check the front of the engine block. Pop the hood of your BMW 325i and look for the VIN engraved on the engine itself.
- Examine the trunk area. In your BMW 325i, lift up the trunk mat or carpet and look for a sticker on the floor or the underside of the trunk lid. The VIN might be printed there.
- Look at the vehicle title and registration documents. The VIN for your BMW 325i will be listed on legal and registration paperwork.
- Inspect the car frame. The VIN might also be stamped on the car’s frame near the windshield washer fluid container inside the engine bay of your BMW 325i.
What info can a 1990 BMW 325i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, with the example being 1990, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: The vehicle features an engine manufactured by BMW-AG, with 6 cylinders and engine brake horsepower starting from 188, indicating a combination of performance capability and engineering.
- Fuel Type: The vehicle runs on Gasoline, highlighting its compatibility with commonly used fuel and giving an idea about its efficiency and operational costs.
- Body Class and Doors: This example is a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, pointing out the body style and the seating arrangement, which directly correlates with the vehicle’s aesthetics and functionality.
- Safety Features: Equipped with a Driver Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), it provides insight into the vehicle’s emphasis on safety through advanced restraint systems.
- Vehicle Type and Series: Classified as a Passenger Car under the 3-Series E30, this denotes the vehicle’s intended use and provides a hint at its comfort, size, and possibly its market segment.
- Plant Country: With the manufacturing location being in Germany, specifically in the city of Regensburg, it suggests the vehicle’s build quality and engineering standards, which are often associated with German manufacturing.
Don’t have your 1990 BMW 325i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1990 BMW 325i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 2495.7498472 |
| Displacement (CI) | 152.3 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.4957498472 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 188 |
| 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 | 1990 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dr. Supplemental System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Series2 | E30 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Trim | Cabrio |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBABB231*LE |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBABB2312LEC20315 |
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