How to decode a BMW 325iS VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 325iS VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier, or WMI, is an integral part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and plays a crucial role in distinctly identifying the manufacturer of a vehicle. For the BMW 325iS, the WMI typically consists of the first three characters of the VIN, beginning with WBA. These characters reveal that the vehicle is manufactured by BMW AG, a renowned automaker headquartered in Munich, Germany. This portion of the VIN helps distinguish one vehicle manufacturer from another and can provide insights into the vehicle type, as well as the country and sometimes even the specific factory where the car was assembled. The BMW 325iS, with its classic sporty design and German engineering, carries this identifier as a testament to its high-quality construction and brand heritage.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 325iS
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1987-1988, 1990-1991, 1993-1995
- Example VIN: WBAAA1301H8251753
- 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 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 325iS:
| Known VDS for a BMW 325iS | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA130 | AA230 | AA131 | AA231 | BF331 | BF332 | BF432 |
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 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 325iS VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| S | 1995 BMW 325iS |
| R | 1994 BMW 325iS |
| P | 1993 BMW 325iS |
| M | 1991 BMW 325iS |
| L | 1990 BMW 325iS |
| J | 1988 BMW 325iS |
| H | 1987 BMW 325iS |
11th Character in the BMW 325iS VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 325iS Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAAA1305H2327123 | ||
| 3 | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAAA2309H3112571 | ||
| 4 | Munich Or Dingolfing | Germany | WBAAA1301J4141847 | ||
| 8 | Regensburg | Germany | WBAAA1301H8251753 | ||
| A | Munich | Germany | WBAAA1310LAE58499 | ||
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBAAA2311LEC51764 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 325iS
The final 6 characters in a BMW 325iS’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a BMW 325iS’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 325iS is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Inspect the area where the dashboard meets the windshield on the driver’s side for the VIN, which should be visible from outside the vehicle.
- Look at the driver’s side door pillar; the VIN is usually located on a sticker or plate where the door latches shut.
- Examine the front of the engine block, where the VIN might be stamped onto the metal.
- Check the rear wheel well above the tire; sometimes the VIN is placed in this area.
- Review the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card, which should list the VIN.
- Search under the driver’s side windshield wiper, as the VIN is occasionally located in this recessed area.
- Consult the owner’s manual or service book; there is typically a section in the front or back where the VIN is recorded.
What info can a BMW 325iS VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1995, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Location: The VIN can provide information about the manufacturing city or plant location, such as Regensburg, helping to trace the vehicle’s origin and production history.
- Vehicle Type: From the VIN, it can be determined that the BMW 325iS is classified as a passenger car, indicating its intended use as a personal vehicle.
- Body Class: The VIN can reveal that the BMW 325iS is a coupe, giving details about the vehicle’s body style and design.
- Engine Specifications: Through the VIN, details about the engine such as the number of cylinders, displacement, and fuel type may be obtained, providing insights into the vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency.
- Safety Features: The VIN can give insights into the safety features equipped in the BMW 325iS, such as the presence of front airbags and seat belt type, contributing to an understanding of the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
Don’t have your BMW 325iS’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 325iS
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| 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 |
| Model | 325iS |
| 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 |
| Series2 | E30 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAAA231*LE |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAAA2311LEC51764 |
Decode a BMW VIN
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today