How to decode a BMW M235i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW M235i VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter sequences that identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. For the BMW M235i, the WMI is WBA, which signifies cars produced by BMW AG in Munich, Germany, particularly covering model years from 2014 to 2016 and again from 2021 to 2024. This classification confirms the BMW M235i as a passenger car crafted by one of Germany’s premier automotive manufacturers, renowned for its engineering and design excellence. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI is integral to recognizing its origin, the manufacturer’s identity, and the type of vehicle it is, offering valuable insights from just the first few characters of its VIN. This system enhances transparency and assists in vehicle tracking and identification globally.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW M235i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2014-2016, 2021-2024
- Example VIN: WBA1J7C50EV253179
- Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Munich
- State or Province:
- Country: Germany
WMI: WBS
- Model Years Covered: 2015
- Example VIN: WBS1M1C51FVZ99268
- Manufacturer Name: BMW M GmbH
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Munich
- State or Province:
- Country: Germany
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a BMW M235i 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 BMW M235i:
| Known VDS for a BMW M235i | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1J7C5 | 1M1C5 | 1J9C5 | 1M5C5 | 13AL0 |
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 BMW M235i 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 BMW M235i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| R | 2024 BMW M235i |
| P | 2023 BMW M235i |
| N | 2022 BMW M235i |
| M | 2021 BMW M235i |
| G | 2016 BMW M235i |
| F | 2015 BMW M235i |
| E | 2014 BMW M235i |
11th Character in the BMW M235i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW M235i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Leipzig | Germany | WBA13AL00M7800949 | ||
| V | Leipzig | Germany | WBA1J7C50EV253179 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW M235i
The final 6 characters in a BMW M235i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW M235i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW M235i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look through the windshield on the driver’s side of your BMW M235i to view the VIN on the dashboard’s lower edge.
- Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side where the door latches when closed; the BMW M235i’s VIN can typically be found on a sticker or plate here.
- Check under the hood of your BMW M235i; the VIN might be stamped on the engine block or affixed to a component in the engine bay.
- Examine your BMW M235i’s vehicle registration documents or insurance papers where the VIN is invariably listed.
What info can a BMW M235i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The vehicle’s model year is identified as 2021, offering insights into its generation and the potential inclusion of modern technological features.
- Safety Features: Advanced safety features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), are available, indicating a high focus on passenger security.
- Engine Specifications: The car is powered by an engine with a displacement of 1.997 liters, generating a horsepower of 302, and supported by an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This information helps to understand potential performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: It utilizes gasoline as its primary fuel type, which can be crucial for determining potential fuel economy and environmental impact.
- Body Class and Size: Classified as a Sedan/Saloon, the vehicle features four doors and accommodates up to five passengers, providing a blend of comfort and practicality.
- Technology and Comfort: Standard features such as Keyless Ignition, Backup Camera, and LED Headlamp Light Source highlight the vehicle’s potential modern comforts and technological advancements.
- Manufacturing Information: The vehicle was manufactured in Leipzig, Germany, possibly indicating a certain level of production quality and standards.
Don’t have your BMW M235i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW M235i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Optional |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs | Standard |
| Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) / Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) | Standard |
| Axles | 2 |
| Backup Camera | Standard |
| Base Price ($) | 45500.00 |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Standard |
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Displacement (CC) | 1997.5831016 |
| Displacement (CI) | 121.9 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.9975831016 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 302 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Standard |
| 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) |
| Headlamp Light Source | LED |
| Keyless Ignition | Standard |
| Knee Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) | Standard |
| Model | M235i |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Number of Seat Rows | 2 |
| Number of Seats | 5 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Seat Belt: All Positions; Front/Rear: Pretensioner & Side Airbag / Head Inflatable Restraint: Rear Outboard Driver-side & Rear Outboard Passenger-side |
| Parking Assist | Optional |
| Plant City | Leipzig |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Standard |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Standard |
| Series | 2-Series |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Traction Control | Standard |
| Transmission Speeds | 8 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Trim | M235i xDrive GC |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBA13AL0*M7 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 105.10 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 18 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 18 |
| Sample_VIN | WBA13AL00M7800949 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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