How to decode a 2017 BMW i8 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2017 BMW i8 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, which forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). In the case of the 2017 BMW i8, the WMI indicates that the vehicle is manufactured by BMW AG, a prestigious automaker based in Munich, Germany. The WMI code can reveal crucial information such as the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and the production location. For the BMW i8, this code confirms its status as a passenger car produced by one of the world’s leading luxury car manufacturers. Understanding the WMI is essential for accurately identifying vehicles and accessing detailed specifications specific to the manufacturer and model year.

List of WMI Codes for a 2017 BMW i8

WMI: WBY

Model Years Covered: 2014-2017, 2019-2020
Example VIN: WBY2Z2C50HV676334
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 2017 BMW i8 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 2017 BMW i8:

Known VDS for a 2017 BMW i8
2Z2C5	2Z2C3

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 2017 BMW i8 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 2017 BMW i8 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
H	2017

11th Character in the 2017 BMW i8 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2017 BMW i8 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
V	Leipzig		Germany		WBY2Z2C50HV676334

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2017 BMW i8

The final 6 characters in a 2017 BMW i8’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2017 BMW i8’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2017 BMW i8 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW i8. The VIN should be visible through the windshield on a small plate near where the dashboard meets the glass.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb area. The VIN for your BMW i8 often can be found on a sticker or plaque where the door latches when closed.
Look under the hood of your BMW i8; the VIN might be stamped onto the engine block or affixed to a plate on the firewall of the engine compartment.
Check the rear wheel well; sometimes the VIN is stamped above the tire on the chassis of the BMW i8.
If you lift the trunk’s carpeting or inspect the trunk area, there may be a VIN plate visible on the frame or body of the BMW i8.
Examine your vehicle’s paperwork; the VIN of your BMW i8 will be on the title, registration, and insurance documents.

What info can a 2017 BMW i8 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2017, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Doors: From the VIN, it’s indicated that this vehicle is classified as a Coupe, with a fixed roof and typically two doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Electrification Level: The VIN classifies the vehicle as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), suggesting a blend of gasoline and electric power sources, though the specific level of electrification isn’t specified.
Engine Specifications: The VIN specifies that the engine has three cylinders with a displacement of 1.5 liters (91.5 cubic inches), and can produce 228 horsepower, reflecting a compact yet powerful engine design.
Fuel Type: According to the VIN, the vehicle utilizes two types of fuel, primarily Gasoline and secondarily Electric, highlighting its hybrid nature.
Safety Features: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is equipped with comprehensive airbag coverage, including curtain airbags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for the driver and passenger, along with knee airbags in the 1st row, underscoring a strong focus on occupant safety.
Manufacturing Details: The final assembly of the vehicle took place in Leipzig, Germany, potentially providing insight into the vehicle’s manufacturing origin and build quality.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2017 BMW i8

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd Rows
Displacement (CC)	1499.4163560
Displacement (CI)	91.5
Displacement (L)	1.5
Doors	2
Electrification Level	HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) - Level Unknown
Engine Brake (hp) From	228
Engine Number of Cylinders	3
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Fuel Type - Secondary	Electric
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	i8
Model Year	2017
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
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	i8
Vehicle Descriptor	WBY2Z2C3*HV
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBY2Z2C30HV676462