How to decode a 1989 BMW 325iC VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1989 BMW 325iC VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes form the initial segment of a vehicle identification number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the maker of the vehicle and provides crucial vehicle information. For the 1989 BMW 325ic, the WMI is “WBA,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, a renowned car manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. This code is critical in the automotive industry for tracking, registration, and identifying vehicles. It suggests that this specific model falls in the category of passenger cars and hails from a production period between 1987-1991 and briefly in 1994-1995. Originating from a historic city known for its automotive prowess, the 1989 BMW 325ic carries with it a legacy of German engineering excellence.
List of WMI Codes for a 1989 BMW 325iC
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1987-1991, 1994-1995
- Example VIN: WBABB1302K8274760
- 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 1989 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 1989 BMW 325iC:
| Known VDS for a 1989 BMW 325iC |
|---|
| BB130 |
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 1989 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 1989 BMW 325iC VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| K | 1989 |
11th Character in the 1989 BMW 325iC VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1989 BMW 325iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Regensburg | Germany | WBABB1302K8274760 | ||
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBABB1300KEC00080 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1989 BMW 325iC
The final 6 characters in a 1989 BMW 325iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 325iC’s VIN below:
How to find a 1989 BMW 325iC’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1989 BMW 325iC is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver-side of your 1989 BMW 325ic; the VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
- Examine the driver’s side doorjamb; the VIN should be on a sticker where the door latches.
- Check under the hood; a VIN plate is often mounted on the front engine block.
- Inspect the rear wheel well; sometimes the VIN can be found above the tire.
- Look at your vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance papers; the VIN for your 1989 BMW 325ic will be listed on these documents.
What info can a 1989 BMW 325iC VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1989, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: From the VIN, it may be possible to ascertain detailed engine specifications. For example, the engine could be manufactured by BMW-AG, have a displacement of approximately 2.49 liters or 152 cubic inches, be equipped with 6 cylinders, and deliver engine brake horsepower of 168.
- Fuel Type: The VIN can provide information on the primary fuel type for the vehicle, which in this case, may be Gasoline, showcasing the vehicle’s compatibility and environmental footprint.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN discloses that the vehicle’s body class is a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, giving insights into the design and functionality of the car.
- Safety Features: Although specific safety features are not detailed, the VIN might provide information about the presence of manual seat belts, hinting at the safety mechanisms in place.
- Manufacturing Details: Information such as the manufacturing location being Regensburg, Germany, and the engine’s manufacturer, BMW-AG, might be specified, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin and build quality.
- Vehicle Type and Series: It can uncover that the vehicle type is a Passenger Car, being part of the 3-Series E30, and specifically the 325iC model, enriching the understanding of the car’s market segment and design lineage.
Don’t have your 1989 BMW 325iC’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1989 BMW 325iC
| 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 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 | 1989 |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Series2 | E30 |
| Trim | Cabrio |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBABB130*K8 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBABB1302K8274760 |
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