How to decode a BMW 325xiT VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 325xiT VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that forms the first section of a vehicle’s 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It’s essential for identifying the make and model of a vehicle, as it indicates the manufacturer and the country where the vehicle was produced. For instance, the BMW 325xiT has a VIN that typically starts with the WMI ‘WBA’, which stands for BMW AG located in Munich, Germany. Knowing the WMI can provide specifics like the vehicle’s brand, making it easier to pinpoint further information about the car’s heritage, manufacturing details, and its place within the larger automotive landscape. This code is especially crucial when registering a vehicle, checking its history, or ordering replacement parts.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 325xiT
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2003, 2005-2006
- Example VIN: WBAEP33403PF01662
- 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 325xiT 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 325xiT:
| Known VDS for a BMW 325xiT | |
|---|---|
| EP334 | VT135 |
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 325xiT 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 325xiT VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 6 | 2006 BMW 325xiT |
| 5 | 2005 BMW 325xiT |
| 3 | 2003 BMW 325xiT |
11th Character in the BMW 325xiT VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 325xiT Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Munich | Germany | WBAVT13506AV98018 | ||
| K | Munich | Germany | WBAVT13506KW22778 | ||
| P | Regensburg | Germany | WBAEP33403PF01662 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 325xiT
The final 6 characters in a BMW 325xiT’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 325xiT’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 325xiT is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower-right corner of the windshield where it meets the dashboard on the driver’s side to find the VIN displayed on a small metal or plastic plate.
- Examine the driver’s side door jamb, where the door hinges meet the frame. The VIN can often be found on a label or sticker in this area.
- Check the vehicle registration documents, which should have the VIN listed.
- Inspect the insurance card or policy, as it typically has the VIN printed on it.
- Look under the hood; the VIN might be stamped onto parts such as the engine block or firewall.
- Inspect the trunk area; sometimes the VIN can be found under the trunk lid or in the spare tire well.
- Review the service and maintenance records where the VIN is usually recorded.
What info can a BMW 325xiT VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year of manufacture.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN can identify the manufacturer of the vehicle as BMW AG, offering insights into the brand of the vehicle.
- Series: The VIN can indicate that the BMW 325xiT belongs to the 3-Series series, providing potential insights into the vehicle’s size, performance, and features.
- Trim: The VIN may specify that the BMW 325xiT is a Touring trim, offering potential insights into the vehicle’s specific features and design.
- Body Class: The VIN can provide information that the BMW 325xiT is a wagon, offering potential insights into the vehicle’s body style and design.
Don’t have your BMW 325xiT’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 325xiT
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Wagon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2500.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 152.2 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 184 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | 325xi |
| Model Year | 2005 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14. |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Series2 | Sport Wagon Body Style |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Indirect |
| Trim | 325xiT (Touring) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAEP334*5P |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 107.3 |
| Sample_VIN | WBAEP33405PF05245 |
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