Free 1988 BMW 325iC VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 BMW 325iC VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 BMW 325iC VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, providing insights into where a vehicle was built, the manufacturer, and the vehicle type. The WMI for the 1988 BMW 325ic, for instance, denotes that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, a prestigious automaker based in Munich, Germany, specifically indicating that it falls within the passenger car category. The WMI codes serve as the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as a global standard for identifying vehicle attributes. For models like the 1988 BMW 325ic, the WMI not only signifies BMW’s legacy of crafting high-quality vehicles but also highlights its country of origin and the specific type of vehicle manufactured. This information is critical for various automotive processes, including registration, insurance, and recalling vehicle history and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 BMW 325iC

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1987-1991, 1994-1995
• Example VIN: WBABB1302J8272179
• 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 325iC 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 325iC:

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 325iC 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 325iC VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 BMW 325iC VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 BMW 325iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 BMW 325iC

The final 6 characters in a 1988 BMW 325iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1988 BMW 325iC VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating a vehicle from around 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN guides on the body type, indicating a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, illustrating its form and potential capacity.
• Engine Specifications: Details about the engine, such as its manufacturer (possibly BMW-AG), displacement (approximately 2.49 liters or 152 cubic inches), horsepower (around 168 hp), and operating on a gasoline fuel type, offer insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Vehicle Make and Model: The decoded VIN can specify make and model information, pointing to a BMW 325iC from the 3-Series, providing crucial identification data.
• Manufacturing Information: It may identify the plant city as Regensburg and the country as Germany, potentially offering clues on the vehicle’s origin and assembly location.
• Safety Features: The VIN may indicate the type of seat belt (possibly Manual) installed, hinting at safety equipment standards during the time of manufacture.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Information suggests the vehicle falls into Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less, potentially providing insight into its weight classification and potential usage limitations.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 BMW 325iC

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