How to decode a 2004 BMW M3 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2004 BMW M3 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally to identify the make and country of origin of their vehicles. In the case of the 2004 BMW M3, the WMI “WBS” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW M GmbH, which is located in Munich, Germany. This code is integral to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), providing key information about the vehicle, including its manufacturer, vehicle type, and the specific manufacturing location. The VIN for such vehicles often starts with “WBS,” indicating a passenger car produced by this prestigious division of BMW, known for its high-performance models. The use of WMI is essential for vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes.
List of WMI Codes for a 2004 BMW M3
WMI: WBS
- Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
- Example VIN: WBSBL93404JR24885
- 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 2004 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 2004 BMW M3:
| Known VDS for a 2004 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 2004 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 2004 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 4 | 2004 |
11th Character in the 2004 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2004 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Regensburg | Germany | WBSBL93404JR24885 | ||
| P | Regensburg | Germany | WBSBL93404PN55023 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 BMW M3
The final 6 characters in a 2004 BMW M3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW M3’s VIN below:
How to find a 2004 BMW M3’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2004 BMW M3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2004 BMW M3. You can usually see the VIN through the windshield.
- Check the door jamb on the driver’s side of your BMW M3 for a sticker or label where the door latch mechanism is located.
- Look under the hood of your 2004 BMW M3; the VIN may be stamped on the front engine block.
- Inspect the trunk area of your BMW M3, particularly near where the spare tire is stored, for a label or stamped metal plate with the VIN.
- Examine the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. Sometimes the VIN can be found above the tire.
- Check your vehicle’s registration documents, insurance card, or title for the VIN of your 2004 BMW M3.
What info can a 2004 BMW M3 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being in 2004, suggesting the age and potential technological advancements of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: The VIN provides detailed insights about the vehicle, indicating it is a BMW M3 with a 3.2L engine capacity, 333 horsepower, and manufactured by BMW M GmbH.
- Body Class and Doors: It specifies the vehicle as a Coupe with 2 doors, outlining its body type and general size which could appeal to those seeking a compact, sporty vehicle.
- Engine Details: The engine is characterized by a displacement of 3200.0 CC (or 198.1 CI or 3.2 L), with 6 cylinders, showcasing its power and performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type is Gasoline, which is essential for potential owners to know for fuel efficiency and economic considerations.
- Safety Features: Safety features include front air bags for the 1st row (Driver and Passenger) and a dual-stage advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), indicating the vehicle’s focus on occupant protection.
- Manufacturing Location: The VIN indicates that the manufacturing plant is located in Regensburg, Germany, providing insight into the vehicle’s origin and possibly reflecting on its build quality.
Don’t have your 2004 BMW M3’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 BMW M3
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 3200.0 |
| 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 | 2004 |
| 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-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBSBL934*4J |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBSBL93404JR24885 |
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