Free 1998 BMW 328i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 BMW 328i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 BMW 328i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter sequences used to identify the manufacturer of vehicles worldwide. For example, the 1998 BMW 328i has a WMI of “WBA,” indicating that it was manufactured by BMW AG in Munich, Germany. These codes are part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system, which helps in providing specific information about any vehicle, including its production details. The WMI not only discloses the manufacturer’s name but also the vehicle’s type, in this case, a passenger car. This system is essential for vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 BMW 328i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2007-2016
• Example VIN: WBACD3325WAV23319
• 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 1998 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 1998 BMW 328i:

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 1998 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 1998 BMW 328i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 BMW 328i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 BMW 328i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 BMW 328i

The final 6 characters in a 1998 BMW 328i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 328i’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1998 BMW 328i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, indicating that it was produced around 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN indicates where the vehicle was made, pinpointing Munich, Germany as the place of manufacture, giving an idea of the vehicle’s origin and quality.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN specifies detailed information on a vehicle, such as it being a BMW 328i with an automatic transmission, offering specific details about the vehicle’s make, model, and transmission type.
• Body Class and Size: From the VIN, one can learn about the vehicle’s body class being a Sedan/Saloon and that it features 4 doors, providing insights into its size and design, allowing for a better understanding of the vehicle’s structure and interior space.
• Safety Features: Information about safety features like the existence of front airbags in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger can be ascertained, indicating the presence of safety measures in the vehicle.
• Weight Classification: The vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating indicates its class, in this case, falling into Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), providing insights into its size and potential usage, with an estimation of its weight and capacity.
• Seat Belt Type: The type of seat belts equipped in the vehicle is identifiable, with this particular vehicle having manual seat belts, offering insights into the safety features and equipment of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 BMW 328i