Free 2016 BMW 335i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2016 BMW 335i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW 335i VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle and provides crucial information about the vehicle type and the place of manufacture. For a 2016 BMW 335i, the WMI indicates that the car was produced by BMW AG, signaling a high-quality manufacturing process typical of this reputable German automaker. Specifically, it points out that the vehicle is a passenger car, underlining its primary use for personal or family transportation. The manufacturing facility is located in Munich, Germany, BMW’s headquarters and a city known for its rich automotive history. This specific WMI code not only authenticates the vehicle’s origin but also ties it to BMW’s legacy of engineering excellence.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW 335i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2007-2016
• Example VIN: WBA3X9C50GD869217
• 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 2016 BMW 335i 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 2016 BMW 335i:

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 2016 BMW 335i 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 2016 BMW 335i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2016 BMW 335i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 BMW 335i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW 335i

The final 6 characters in a 2016 BMW 335i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2016 BMW 335i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, like the year 2016 for the 3-series, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: Details such as the engine displacement in liters (e.g., 3L), the number of cylinders (e.g., 6), and horsepower (e.g., 300 hp) can be derived from a VIN, possibly providing insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can inform users of the vehicle’s primary fuel type, such as gasoline, which might have implications for fuel economy and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: A VIN can detail the safety features of a vehicle, including the presence and locations of airbags (e.g., curtain airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags, knee airbags, and side airbags in the 1st row), showcasing the possible emphasis on passenger protection.
• Body Class and Door Count: The VIN can identify the body class (e.g., Sedan/Saloon) and the number of doors (e.g., 4), giving potential buyers or enthusiasts potential clues about the vehicle’s design and functionality.
• Manufacturing Information: It can expose the vehicle’s manufacturing location, such as the plant city Dingolfing in Germany, possibly underscoring the geographical origins and potentially the manufacturing standards of the vehicle.
• Advanced Safety and Convenience Features: Safety technology like a direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and modern convenience features such as manual seat belts with pretensioners for both driver and front passenger imply the VIN’s utility in highlighting the potential technological advancements incorporated into the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 BMW 335i