Free 2008 BMW 328i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2008 BMW 328i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 BMW 328i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of characters assigned to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe, providing vital information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing location and year. For instance, the WMI code for a 2008 BMW 328i reveals it as a passenger car crafted by BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany. Specifically, this designation indicates a production span that includes the years 1996 to 2000 and then again from 2007 to 2016, showcasing the broad range of models BMW produces under its prestigious banner. Unique identifiers like this help in categorizing vehicles accurately and provide a standardized method to recognize the origin and essential characteristics of vehicles internationally. Moreover, the WMI is an essential component of the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), aiding in vehicle tracking, registration, and identification across various platforms and regulatory bodies.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 BMW 328i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2007-2016
• Example VIN: WBAWV13508P118350
• 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 BMW 328i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2008 BMW 328i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 BMW 328i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 BMW 328i

The final 6 characters in a 2008 BMW 328i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2008 BMW 328i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN may suggest the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating this car is from the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN decoding might reveal the vehicle as a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon body type, offering hints about the car’s general shape and use.
• Engine Specifications: It is possible that the VIN can uncover engine details such as a 3.0 L displacement across 6 cylinders, potentially pinpointing the engine’s size and power capability.
• Fuel Type: The VIN could possibly identify the vehicle’s primary fuel type as Gasoline, potentially providing valuable information on fuel compatibility and efficiency.
• Safety Features: The VIN decode may provide safety details, including the location of front airbags in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, and the inclusion of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) of the Direct type, potentially ensuring vehicle safety and compliance with regulations.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN might possibly offer insights into the car’s manufacturing, including the plant city Rosslyn and the country South Africa, potentially offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin and assembly location.
• Additional Vehicle Specifications: The VIN decoding may reveal key specifications like the vehicle having 4 doors, a manual seat belt type, and belonging to the 3-Series with a trim of SA, further describing its features and potential market positioning.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 BMW 328i