How to decode a 1999 BMW 328iC VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1999 BMW 328iC VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the 1999 BMW 328ic, the WMI “WBA” designates it as a vehicle produced by BMW AG. This indicates that the car is manufactured in Munich, Germany, and falls under the category of a passenger car. Through the WMI, one can discern essential information about the vehicle, such as its country of origin and the type of vehicle it is, even without delving into the rest of the VIN. This system provides a standardized method to quickly identify key vehicle details globally.
List of WMI Codes for a 1999 BMW 328iC
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1996, 1999
- Example VIN: WBABK7332XET67476
- 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 1999 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 1999 BMW 328iC:
| Known VDS for a 1999 BMW 328iC | |
|---|---|
| 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 1999 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 1999 BMW 328iC VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| X | 1999 |
11th Character in the 1999 BMW 328iC VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1999 BMW 328iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBABK7332XET67476 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 BMW 328iC
The final 6 characters in a 1999 BMW 328iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 328iC’s VIN below:
How to find a 1999 BMW 328iC’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1999 BMW 328iC is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1999 BMW 328ic. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
- Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of your BMW 328ic for a VIN sticker where the door latches shut.
- Check the front of the engine block, as VINs are often stamped onto a part of the engine in vehicles like the 1999 BMW 328ic.
- Inspect the trunk under the spare tire, where a sticker or plate with the VIN might be placed in your BMW 328ic.
- Look at your vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card, which should list the VIN of your BMW 328ic.
What info can a 1999 BMW 328iC VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN might reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN can possibly detail that the vehicle is a Passenger Car with a specific body type like Convertible/Cabriolet, indicating both the style and functionality of the vehicle.
- Engine Details: Specifics such as the engine manufacturer being BMW-AG, along with a displacement of 2.79L or 2790.00CC and a horsepower of 190, may reveal considerable details about the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Safety Features: Essential safety information, including the possible presence of 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) front airbags and details about the restraint system, like a Driver and Passenger Depowered Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), can be inferred.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, might provide insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Manufacturing Details: The manufacturing location being Regensburg, Germany, gives a clue about the vehicle’s origin and could hint at quality or prestige associated with the manufacturing region.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: This information, indicating a Class 1 rating of 6,000 lb or less, could help understand the vehicle’s size and potential usage limitations.
Don’t have your 1999 BMW 328iC’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 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 | 1999 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Depowered Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBABK733*XE |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBABK7332XET67476 |
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today