How to decode a 2002 BMW M3 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2002 BMW M3 VIN
World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are a unique sequence of characters assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish their vehicles. These first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) provide essential information including the manufacturer’s identity, the vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW that specializes in high-performance vehicles, has the WMI “WBS” for their 2002 BMW M3 models. Manufactured in Munich, Germany, this particular series of the BMW M3 is recognized as a passenger car, indicating the vehicle’s intended use and design focus. WMIs serve as a global standard for identifying vehicle manufacturers and their products, ensuring clarity and uniformity across international automotive markets.
List of WMI Codes for a 2002 BMW M3
WMI: WBS
- Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
- Example VIN: WBSBL93402JR13530
- 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 2002 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 2002 BMW M3:
| Known VDS for a 2002 BMW M3 |
|---|
| BL934 |
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 2002 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 2002 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2002 |
11th Character in the 2002 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2002 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Regensburg | Germany | WBSBL93402JR13530 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2002 BMW M3
The final 6 characters in a 2002 BMW M3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a 2002 BMW M3’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2002 BMW M3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the lower-right corner of the dashboard on the driver’s side in your 2002 BMW M3. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your BMW M3. The VIN may be located on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Inspect the front engine bay, as there might be a VIN stamp or plate located on the firewall of your 2002 BMW M3.
- Check the trunk area of your BMW M3. Sometimes the VIN can be found under the trunk mat or on the trunk lid.
- Review your vehicle’s paperwork; the VIN should definitely be present on your BMW M3’s title, registration, or insurance documents.
What info can a 2002 BMW M3 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting that it is possibly from the year 2002, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Type and Doors: The VIN decodes to a BMW M3, indicating it may be a Coupe with 2 doors. This information offers detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was possibly assembled in Regensburg, Germany, suggesting European origins and possibly specific design and performance features unique to cars manufactured in this location.
- Safety Features: The vehicle is possibly equipped with 1st-row (Driver and Passenger) airbags and a Dual-stage Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), indicating a possible focus on occupant safety.
- Fuel Type: It is reported to run on Gasoline, which could be essential information for understanding the vehicle’s environmental impact and fuel consumption characteristics.
- Engine and Performance: The VIN indicates an engine capacity of 3.2 liters, with 6 cylinders and 333 horsepower, suggesting potential power output and performance capabilities.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified as Class 1, the car’s weight possible falls within 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), providing insight into its size category and potential handling characteristics.
Don’t have your 2002 BMW M3’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2002 BMW M3
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 3246.2773784 |
| Displacement (CI) | 198.1 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 333 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW M GmbH |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| 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) |
| Model | M3 |
| Model Year | 2002 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Dual-stage Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3 |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBSBL934*2J |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBSBL93402JR13530 |
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today