How to decode a 2016 BMW i3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW i3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally. For the 2016 BMW i3, the WMI indicates that it was produced by BMW AG, a renowned automotive manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. This three-character identifier is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), playing a crucial role in vehicle identification and tracking. Specifically, the WMI for this model, showcasing its origin and brand, enables more accessible registration, recall, and maintenance processes. It is a fundamental tool in the automotive industry, ensuring every vehicle can be uniquely identified worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW i3

WMI: WBY

Model Years Covered: 2014-2021
Example VIN: WBY1Z2C50GV556351
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 i3 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 i3:

Known VDS for a 2016 BMW i3
1Z2C5	1Z4C5

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 i3 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 i3 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
G	2016

11th Character in the 2016 BMW i3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 BMW i3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
V	Leipzig		Germany		WBY1Z2C50GV556351

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW i3

The final 6 characters in a 2016 BMW i3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2016 BMW i3’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2016 BMW i3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW i3. The VIN is usually visible through the windshield on the lower right corner.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb area. There should be a sticker or plate with the BMW i3 VIN where the door latches when closed.
Examine the front engine bay area, although the BMW i3 is an electric vehicle, there can still be a VIN number located around the front trunk area or on the firewall.
Review your vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance documents, as they should all contain the VIN of your BMW i3.
Look into the rear cargo area; sometimes there is a sticker with the VIN in the BMW i3’s trunk or on the underside of the trunk lid.

What info can a 2016 BMW i3 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Electrification Level: This vehicle is classified as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), which suggests that it can use both electric power and gasoline, potentially enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Engine Specifications: The vehicle has a 600cc (0.6L) engine displacement and 170 horsepower, indicating a balance between compact size and power for its category.
Safety Features: It is equipped with comprehensive airbag locations including the 1st and 2nd rows, knee airbags for the driver and passenger, and side airbags, emphasizing occupant safety for potential buyers.
Fuel Type: The vehicle operates on a dual fuel system, utilizing electricity as its primary fuel type and gasoline as secondary, offering versatility in fuel usage for eco-conscious drivers.
Body Class and Doors: The VIN determines the vehicle as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 5 doors, providing a blend of utility and design appealing to those needing compactness along with access and cargo space.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN indicates that this vehicle was manufactured in Leipzig, Germany, suggesting a potential standard of engineering quality.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 BMW i3

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd Rows
Displacement (CC)	600.0
Displacement (CI)	39.5
Displacement (L)	0.6
Doors	5
Electrification Level	PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Engine Brake (hp) From	170
Engine Number of Cylinders	2
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Electric
Fuel Type - Secondary	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)
Knee Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Model	i3
Model Year	2016
Other Restraint System Info	Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger.
Plant City	Leipzig
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Pretensioner	Yes
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Range Extender
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	WBY1Z4C5*GV
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBY1Z4C50GV505217