How to decode a 2009 BMW M3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 BMW M3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an integral part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. Specifically, for the 2009 BMW M3, the WMI code begins with WBS, indicating it was produced by BMW M GmbH, a division specialized in high-performance vehicles. This code not only confirms the vehicle’s originator but also its manufacturing location in Munich, Germany. As a passenger car, the 2009 BMW M3’s beginning VIN digits provide essential data about its pedigree and specialized production run under the BMW M banner. With this information, vehicle history, manufacturing standards, and specific details about the vehicle’s type can be accurately determined.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 BMW M3

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
Example VIN: WBSWD93509P361123
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 2009 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 2009 BMW M3:

Known VDS for a 2009 BMW M3
WD935	PM935	WL935

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 2009 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 2009 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
9	2009

11th Character in the 2009 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
E	Regensburg		Germany		WBSPM93509E201145
P	Regensburg		Germany		WBSWD93509P361123

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 BMW M3

The final 6 characters in a 2009 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 2009 BMW M3’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2009 BMW M3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW M3. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield.
Examine the driver’s side door jamb on your 2009 BMW M3. The VIN might be on a sticker where the door latches.
Under the hood of your BMW M3, check the front of the engine block for the VIN.
Look inside the trunk area, where the spare tire is housed; the VIN may be found there in your BMW M3.
On your vehicle’s official documents, such as the title, registration, and insurance papers, the VIN of your 2009 BMW M3 will be listed.

What info can a 2009 BMW M3 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 2009, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Plant Country: The VIN may provide information that the vehicle was manufactured in Germany, offering a possible insight into its production origin.
Body Style and Specifications: For a Coupe model like the M3, details such as engine displacement (possibly 4.0 L or 244.1 CI), engine power (potentially 414 hp), and the number of cylinders (potentially 8) could be encoded within the VIN, offering valuable insights into the vehicle’s specifications.
Fuel Type: The VIN might reveal that the vehicle uses Gasoline as its primary fuel source, potentially highlighting its engine’s fuel compatibility.
Safety Features: It can potentially provide specific safety feature details, such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger and a manual seat belt type, indicating the potential safety equipment of the vehicle.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN could indicate that the vehicle falls within Class 1, possibly indicating a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less, further categorizing its size and capacity.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type: The VIN might disclose that the vehicle is equipped with a Direct type TPMS, potentially showcasing advanced features aimed at enhancing vehicle safety and maintenance.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 BMW M3

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Displacement (CC)	4000.0823224
Displacement (CI)	244.1
Displacement (L)	4.0
Doors	2
Engine Brake (hp) From	414
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
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	2009
Other Restraint System Info	Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14.
Plant City	Regensburg
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	3 - Series
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	WBSWD935*9P
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBSWD93509P361123