Free 1996 BMW 328iC VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 BMW 328iC VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 BMW 328iC VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. It provides specific information, such as the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and the country of origin. For the 1996 BMW 328ic, the WMI “WBA” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, a prestigious car manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. This identifier indicates that the 1996 BMW 328ic is classified as a passenger car. The WMI is an essential tool for tracking, registering, and recalling vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 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 1996 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 1996 BMW 328iC:

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 1996 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 1996 BMW 328iC VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 BMW 328iC VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 BMW 328iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 BMW 328iC

The final 6 characters in a 1996 BMW 328iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1996 BMW 328iC VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 1996, offering insights into the vehicle’s age and market value.
• Vehicle Type and Specifications: It can provide comprehensive vehicle specifications, including the type - in this case, possibly a Convertible/Cabriolet, and detailed engine information like a 2.79L engine from BMW-AG with 6 cylinders, and horsepower.
• Fuel Efficiency and Type: The type of fuel a vehicle uses, such as Gasoline, can possibly be decoded from the VIN, offering insights into potential fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Safety features, including the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger, and manual seat belts, might be encoded within a VIN, possibly highlighting the vehicle’s focus on safety.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN may indicate manufacturing details, possibly identifying the plant city as Regensburg and the country as Germany, pointing to the vehicle’s potential origin and build quality.
• Body Class and Size: Through the VIN, one might determine the vehicle’s body class and size, possibly such as a 2-door Convertible/Cabriolet, providing insight into the vehicle’s potential space, usability, and style.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN can reveal the GVWR, possibly categorizing the vehicle within Class 1 (6,000 lb or less), which could be important for understanding potential vehicle handling, towing capacity, and registration requirements.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 BMW 328iC

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