Free 1997 BMW M3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 BMW M3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 BMW M3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe, serving as a means to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, type, and the country of origin. For instance, the WMI for the 1997 BMW M3, a model produced by BMW M GmbH, signifies that it was manufactured by this specific BMW subsidiary known for high-performance versions of standard BMW models. This vehicle is classified as a passenger car and its production took place in Munich, Germany, a detail that is reflected in the WMI. The WMI not only provides insight into the manufacturing origins of the vehicle but also denotes the specific model years the code covers, showcasing its use over multiple production cycles. It’s a critical component in vehicle identification numbers (VINs), ensuring that each vehicle can be uniquely identified and traced back to its manufacturer, model, and production details.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 BMW M3

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
• Example VIN: WBSBG9320VEY73675
• 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 1997 BMW M3 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 1997 BMW M3:

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 1997 BMW M3 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 1997 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 BMW M3

The final 6 characters in a 1997 BMW M3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 BMW M3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle, with the year 1997 indicated for this specific vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can specify the body class, indicating this vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering clues about its size, style, and passenger space.
• Engine Specifications: Engine details include a 3.2-liter (or 3200 CC/195.28 CI) displacement, an in-line configuration, and 6 cylinders, potentially contributing to performance characteristics such as horsepower, which begins from 240 hp.
• Safety Features: Safety features disclosed in the VIN data include front airbags for both the driver and passenger (1st Row), manual seat belts, and a Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), implying a focus on occupant safety.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN specifies gasoline as the primary fuel source, shedding light on the energy efficiency and environmental impact considerations of the vehicle.
• Transmission and Drive Type: The VIN indicates an automatic transmission, potentially influencing the driving experience and vehicle control dynamics.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing location, with the city being Regensburg and the country Germany, offering hints about the manufacturing standards and quality of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 BMW M3

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