How to decode a 2015 BMW M3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2015 BMW M3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer. In the case of the 2015 BMW M3, the WMI is “WBS,” which signifies that BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW focused on high-performance vehicles, is the manufacturer. This particular WMI indicates that the car was produced in Munich, Germany, and it classifies the vehicle as a passenger car. The BMW M3 is renowned for its blend of luxury and performance, and the specific WMI covers a range of model years, including 2015 among others. This information is crucial for accurately identifying, tracking, and registering vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 2015 BMW M3

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
Example VIN: WBS3C9C50FP803321
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 2015 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 2015 BMW M3:

Known VDS for a 2015 BMW M3
3C9C5

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 2015 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 2015 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
F	2015

11th Character in the 2015 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2015 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
J	Regensburg		Germany		WBS3C9C50FJ276092
P	Regensburg		Germany		WBS3C9C50FP803321

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2015 BMW M3

The final 6 characters in a 2015 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 2015 BMW M3’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2015 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 of your 2015 BMW M3. The VIN is typically positioned so that it is visible through the front windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and locate the sticker on the door jamb for the 2015 BMW M3, which should provide the VIN.
Look under the hood of your BMW M3, and check the front of the engine block; this is a common place where the VIN can be stamped onto the metal.
Inspect the rear wheel well of your 2015 BMW M3. Turn the wheel and check the inside of it, as the VIN may be stamped on the frame.
Check the trunk area of your BMW M3. The VIN might be located on the floor right below where the spare tire is stored or on the trunk lid.
Review your 2015 BMW M3’s vehicle registration documents, insurance card or title, where the VIN will always be listed.

What info can a 2015 BMW M3 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and the generation of the model, such as the year 2015.
Vehicle Specifications: The make and model, such as the BMW M3, along with detailed information like engine displacement of 3.0 liters, a horsepower of 425, and a 6-cylinder engine, are encoded within the VIN, outlining the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, can be determined, which is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Body Class and Size: Information like the body class being a Sedan/Saloon and the vehicle having 4 doors, reveals the style and size, catering to buyer preferences for family size, aesthetic, or function.
Safety Features: The inclusion of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type as Direct indicates advanced safety features designed to maintain optimal tire pressure and enhance road safety.
Manufacturing Information: The location of the manufacturing plant is specified, such as Regensburg, Germany, offering insight into the vehicle’s origin and potentially its build quality.
Vehicle Weight Class: The gross vehicle weight rating, classified as Class 1 (6,000 lb or less), helps in understanding the vehicle’s category in terms of size, weight, and possibly its usage and handling characteristics.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2015 BMW M3

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	2982.445648
Displacement (CI)	182
Displacement (L)	3.0
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	425
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
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	2015
Plant City	Regensburg
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Series	3-Series
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	Sedan
Vehicle Descriptor	WBS3C9C5*FP
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBS3C9C50FP803321