How to decode a 2016 BMW 328d VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW 328d VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of characters assigned to each automotive manufacturer. For the 2016 BMW 328d, the WMI is “WBA”, which signifies BMW AG as the manufacturer. This indicates the vehicle was produced by BMW, headquartered in Munich, Germany, underlining its origin and the company’s global presence. Specifically, the WMI informs us that this passenger car is part of a high-quality lineage of vehicles developed by one of Germany’s premier automotive manufacturers. Thus, the WMI serves as a key identifier, ensuring every vehicle can be traced back to its maker, model, and year of production.
List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW 328d
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2014-2018
- Example VIN: WBA8E5C50GK388223
- 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 2016 BMW 328d 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 2016 BMW 328d:
| Known VDS for a 2016 BMW 328d | ||
|---|---|---|
| 8E5C5 | 8F1C5 | 8J1C5 |
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 2016 BMW 328d 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 2016 BMW 328d VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| G | 2016 |
11th Character in the 2016 BMW 328d VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2016 BMW 328d Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K | Munich | Germany | WBA8E5C50GK388223 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW 328d
The final 6 characters in a 2016 BMW 328d’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 328d’s VIN below:
How to find a 2016 BMW 328d’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2016 BMW 328d is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 328d. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield on a metal or plastic plaque.
- Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb for a sticker that often contains the VIN on your 2016 BMW 328d.
- Check your BMW 328d’s engine bay, as the VIN might be stamped on the engine block or affixed on a plate nearby.
- Examine the trunk area, specifically under the trunk mat or on the trunk wall, to find a VIN sticker on your BMW.
- Review your BMW 328d’s vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents, as the VIN will be printed there.
- Look at the vehicle’s maintenance records if available, as service shops typically record the VIN of the cars they work on.
What info can a 2016 BMW 328d VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, indicating a sedan/saloon with 4 doors for the 3-series 328d, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Type: The VIN discloses that the vehicle is equipped with a 2-liter diesel engine, providing insight into the vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency.
- Safety Features: Safety features such as curtain airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for both the driver and passenger, knee airbags, and side airbags in the first row are mentioned, highlighting the importance of safety in the vehicle.
- Fuel Type: The VIN specifies the primary fuel type as diesel, indicating the vehicle’s efficiency and potential environmental impact.
- Manufacturing Information: The VIN presents detailed manufacturing information, such as the vehicle being assembled in Munich, Germany, offering insight into its production origin.
- Advanced Vehicle Details: Additional features like a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and the presence of pretensioners for the driver and front passenger seats are uncovered, indicating high attention to both convenience and safety.
Don’t have your 2016 BMW 328d’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 BMW 328d
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Wagon |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Displacement (CC) | 1994.3056888 |
| Displacement (CI) | 121.7 |
| Displacement (L) | 2 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 181 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| 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) |
| Knee Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Model | 328d |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger. |
| Plant City | Munich |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-series |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Trim | xDrive Sport Wagon |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBA8J1C5*GK |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBA8J1C50GK458386 |
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