How to decode a 2003 BMW M3 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2003 BMW M3 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as a unique code that indicates the manufacturer of the vehicle, its location, and the type of vehicle it is. The WMI for the 2003 BMW M3, manufactured by BMW M GmbH in Munich, Germany, is “WBS,” denoting it as a luxury passenger car from one of BMW’s high-performance divisions. This particular WMI is associated with model years ranging from the late 1980s through to the mid-2020s, highlighting the longstanding tradition and consistency in vehicle production and design from BMW M GmbH. From this WMI, one can deduce not only the manufacturer’s identity but also gain insights into the type of vehicle and its origins, emphasizing the importance of these first three digits in the VIN for vehicle identification and history checks.
List of WMI Codes for a 2003 BMW M3
WMI: WBS
- Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
- Example VIN: WBSBL93403JR18969
- 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 2003 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 2003 BMW M3:
| Known VDS for a 2003 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 2003 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 2003 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 3 | 2003 |
11th Character in the 2003 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2003 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Regensburg | Germany | WBSBL93403JR18969 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 BMW M3
The final 6 characters in a 2003 BMW M3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 2003 BMW M3’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2003 BMW M3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower-right corner of the dashboard, on the driver’s side of your BMW M3. It is often visible through the windshield.
- Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of your BMW M3. The VIN can usually be found on a sticker where the door latches when closed.
- Open the hood of your BMW M3 and inspect the front of the engine block. The VIN might be stamped onto the engine itself.
- Look inside the trunk area of your BMW M3, where the spare tire is kept. The VIN may be present on a sticker in this compartment.
- Check the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card for your BMW M3. The VIN will be listed on these documents.
What info can a 2003 BMW M3 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Location: The information suggests that the vehicle was possibly manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, highlighting the global nature of automobile production.
- Vehicle Specifications: This BMW 3-Series M3 model is reported to be equipped with a 3.2L in-line 6-cylinder engine, showcasing the vehicle’s performance-centric engineering.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN suggests that the body class is a Coupe with 2 doors, possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s design and intended market segment.
- Engine Performance: It is reported to be powered by an engine that can possibly produce up to 333 horsepower, which could be indicative of the vehicle’s performance level.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is possibly Gasoline, which might be a key factor in determining fuel economy and environmental impact.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN specifies the GVWR range from possibly Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb to Class 1: 6,000 lb or less, possibly providing valuable information for logistics and legal compliance regarding vehicle weight.
Don’t have your 2003 BMW M3’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 BMW M3
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 3200.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 195.27598110314 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 333 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | M3 |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBSBL934*3J |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 107.5 |
| Sample_VIN | WBSBL93403JR18969 |
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