How to decode a 1997 BMW 328i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1997 BMW 328i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, its type, and the country where it was produced. For the 1997 BMW 328i, the WMI “WBA” reveals that it was manufactured by BMW AG, a prestigious car maker based in Munich, Germany. This specific vehicle is categorized as a passenger car, indicating its primary use for personal transportation. The model years covered under this WMI range from 1996 to 2000 and then again from 2007 to 2016, showcasing the longevity of this model’s production and relevance. This identifier not only ensures the vehicle’s traceability and authenticity but also provides valuable information for regulatory, service, and repair purposes.
List of WMI Codes for a 1997 BMW 328i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2007-2016
- Example VIN: WBACD3322VAV20974
- 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 1997 BMW 328i 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 1997 BMW 328i:
| Known VDS for a 1997 BMW 328i | |
|---|---|
| CD332 | CD432 |
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 1997 BMW 328i 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 1997 BMW 328i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| V | 1997 |
11th Character in the 1997 BMW 328i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1997 BMW 328i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Munich | Germany | WBACD3322VAV20974 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 BMW 328i
The final 6 characters in a 1997 BMW 328i’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 1997 BMW 328i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1997 BMW 328i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 328i by peering through the windshield, where a small plate often displays the VIN.
- Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 1997 BMW 328i, where a sticker with the VIN can be found where the door latches when it is closed.
- Examine the engine bay, as the VIN may be stamped directly onto the engine block or attached to it on a plaque in your BMW 328i.
- Review your BMW 328i vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents, which will have the VIN listed.
- Look underneath the spare tire in the trunk area of your 1997 BMW 328i, as the VIN might sometimes be found there.
What info can a 1997 BMW 328i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Location: The vehicle was assembled in Munich, Germany, hinting at the manufacturing standards and practices of the region.
- Vehicle Specifications: The basic model information encoded within the VIN reveals it is a 328i, providing specific insights into the vehicle’s performance characteristics and market segment.
- Body Class and Size: Through the VIN, one can learn that the vehicle is categorized as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, indicating its body style and size which typically influences its practicality and usage scenarios.
- Safety Features: The VIN details that the vehicle comes with 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) front airbags, underscoring key safety features available for occupants.
- Transmission and Seat Belt Type: It specifies an Automatic transmission and manual seat belt type, offering details about the vehicle’s operational mechanics and basic safety equipment.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN reveals a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) classified under Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), providing a clue about the vehicle’s weight class and potential load capacity.
Don’t have your 1997 BMW 328i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 BMW 328i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| 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 | 328i |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| Plant City | Munich |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBACD432*VA |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBACD4320VAV53204 |
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today