Free 1988 BMW 325ix VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 BMW 325ix VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 BMW 325ix VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally. This code forms the first segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which helps in identifying the specific details of the vehicle, including its country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. For instance, in the case of the 1988 BMW 325ix, the WMI is “WBA,” indicating that the vehicle was produced by BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany. This vehicle falls under the passenger car category, showcasing the diverse range of information that can be gleaned from just the WMI portion of a VIN. Such specific identifiers are crucial for vehicle registration, identification, and verification processes worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 BMW 325ix

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1988-1989, 1991
• Example VIN: WBAAB9302J2550608
• 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 325ix 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 325ix:

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 325ix 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 325ix VIN — Year Code

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

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

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 BMW 325ix

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

What info can a 1988 BMW 325ix VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as being 1988, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN indicates that the car was manufactured in either Munich or Dingolfing, Germany, providing details about the vehicle’s origin.
• Vehicle Make and Model: The vehicle is identified as a BMW 325ix from the 3-Series, highlighting the specific make and model of the vehicle.
• Engine Type: The BMW 325ix features a 2.5-liter engine with an output of 168 horsepower, offering insights into the car’s performance capabilities.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN suggests that it is a Sedan/Saloon with 2 doors, indicating a compact and sporty design typical of the era.
• Engine Details: The VIN information reveals that the engine is a 6-cylinder model made by BMW-AG, indicating a balance between performance and fuel efficiency for its time.
• Fuel Type: The 325ix model uses Gasoline, which aligns with the majority of cars from the 1980s in terms of fuel preference.
• Safety Features: The presence of Manual seat belts points to the standard safety features expected in vehicles of its production year.
• Vehicle Type and Series Information: It is categorized as a Passenger Car under the E30/16 series2 classification, known for its durability and performance.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 BMW 325ix

Source