How to decode a 2012 BMW 640i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2012 BMW 640i VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), pinpointing the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the region where the vehicle was manufactured. For the 2012 BMW 640i, the WMI specifies that it was produced by BMW AG, a company renowned for its luxury passenger cars. This specific model’s WMI highlights that the vehicle was manufactured in Munich, Germany, offering insights into its origin. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI is crucial for identifying the vehicle’s manufacturing details, ensuring compatibility with parts, and verifying authenticity. The WMI serves as an essential tool for both manufacturers and vehicle owners in the global automotive industry.
List of WMI Codes for a 2012 BMW 640i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2012-2019
- Example VIN: WBALW3C50CC891802
- 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 2012 BMW 640i 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 2012 BMW 640i:
| Known VDS for a 2012 BMW 640i | |
|---|---|
| LW3C5 | LW7C5 |
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 2012 BMW 640i 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 2012 BMW 640i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| C | 2012 |
11th Character in the 2012 BMW 640i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2012 BMW 640i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBALW3C50CC891802 | ||
| D | Dingolfing | Germany | WBALW7C50CDX58104 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 BMW 640i
The final 6 characters in a 2012 BMW 640i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 640i’s VIN below:
How to find a 2012 BMW 640i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2012 BMW 640i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 640i where it meets the windshield. The VIN should be visible from the outside through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and check the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). It’s common to find the VIN on a sticker or plate in this area.
- Inspect under the hood of your BMW 640i; the VIN might also be located on the front engine block.
- Examine the trunk area of your 2012 BMW 640i. Sometimes the VIN can be found on the floor of the trunk under the spare tire or on the trunk lid.
- Look at the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card. The VIN of your BMW 640i will be listed there as well.
What info can a 2012 BMW 640i VIN reveal?
- Model Year and Assembly Location: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2012, along with information that it was assembled in Dingolfing, Germany. This provides insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle as well as its manufacturing origin.
- Vehicle Make and Model: The specifics point to a BMW 640i, highlighting its luxurious 6-Series Coupe classification. This model is equipped with a 3.0L engine, generating around 300 horsepower from 6 cylinders.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN specifies the body class as a Coupe with 2 doors, indicating a sporty and compact design aimed at performance and aesthetics.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, suggesting traditional fuel usage with considerations for power and efficiency in its engine design.
- Safety Features: The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including front, knee, and side airbags for the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), as well as additional restraint systems like head inflatable restraints and pretensioners for enhanced security.
- Technological Enhancements: Features such as the Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) underscore the vehicle’s commitment to utilizing technology for enhancing driving safety and vehicle maintenance.
- Restraints and Seat Belts Information: Information provided can offer insights into the vehicle’s focus on passenger safety and restraint systems, ensuring a secure driving experience.
Don’t have your 2012 BMW 640i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 BMW 640i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 181.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.0 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 300 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Knee Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Model | 640i |
| Model Year | 2012 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Head inflatable restraint for driver and front passenger. Pretensioners for driver and front passenger. |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 6-Series |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Trim | Convertible |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBALW7C5*CD |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBALW7C50CDX58104 |
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