How to decode a BMW 328iC VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 328iC VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the unique sequence that begins every vehicle’s VIN, composed of the first three characters. It holds essential information such as the manufacturer and country of assembly. For the BMW 328iC, the WMI is typically WBA, which identifies BMW AG as the manufacturer. This noteworthy German automaker assembles the 328iC primarily in Munich, setting the benchmark for luxury, performance, and precision engineering. The WMI is a global standard, ensuring that every vehicle can be identified and distinguished no matter where it is in the world.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 328iC
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1996, 1999
- Example VIN: WBABK7320TET60379
- 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 328iC 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 328iC:
| Known VDS for a BMW 328iC | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| BK732 | BK832 | BK733 | BK833 |
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 328iC 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 328iC VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| X | 1999 BMW 328iC |
| T | 1996 BMW 328iC |
11th Character in the BMW 328iC VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 328iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBABK7320TET60379 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 328iC
The final 6 characters in a BMW 328iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 328iC’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 328iC is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look on the dashboard, near where it meets the windshield on the driver’s side to find the VIN plate. It’s often visible from outside the vehicle.
- Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb. The VIN could be located on a label or a sticker where the door latches.
- Inspect the engine block. The VIN may be stamped onto the engine itself, usually at the front.
- Check the vehicle registration documents. The VIN will be listed on the registration paperwork.
- Look at the insurance card or insurance policy documents, as the VIN is usually printed there.
- Examine the rear wheel well. Peer into the top of the wheel arch and you might find the VIN.
- Check underneath the spare tire. Sometimes the VIN is located in the area where the spare tire is stored.
What info can a BMW 328iC VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can help in identifying the vehicles’ model year, shedding light on its age and potential historical value, as in the case of the BMW 328iC, where the model year can be revealed.
- Manufacturing Plant: Information regarding the manufacturing plant where the BMW 328iC was produced may be obtainable from the VIN, offering insight into the quality and craftsmanship of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type: Decoding the VIN can aid in determining that the BMW 328iC is classified as a passenger car, providing indications about its intended use and characteristics.
- Body Class: The VIN can specify that the BMW 328iC is a convertible/cabriolet, offering valuable information about its body style and design.
- Fuel Type: The VIN might possibly reveal that the BMW 328iC is powered by a gasoline engine, offering potential buyers insights into its fuel efficiency and performance capabilities.
Don’t have your BMW 328iC’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 328iC
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 2790.00 |
| Displacement (CI) | 170.4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.79 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 190 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| 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) |
| Model | 328iC |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBABK732*TE |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBABK7320TET60379 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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