How to decode a 2004 BMW M3Cic VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2004 BMW M3Cic VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identifies individual motor vehicles. The WMI for the 2004 BMW M3 Convertible indicates that BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW AG responsible for high-performance vehicles, manufactured this particular model. The specific WMI code in question points to a passenger car that was produced in Munich, Germany. This coding system is instrumental in providing valuable information including the vehicle’s manufacturer, type, and the country of manufacture.
List of WMI Codes for a 2004 BMW M3Cic
WMI: WBS
- Model Years Covered: 2001, 2003-2006
- Example VIN: WBSBR93404PK05115
- 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 M3Cic 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 M3Cic:
| Known VDS for a 2004 BMW M3Cic |
|---|
| BR934 |
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 M3Cic 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 M3Cic VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 4 | 2004 |
11th Character in the 2004 BMW M3Cic VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2004 BMW M3Cic Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | Regensburg | Germany | WBSBR93404PK05115 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 BMW M3Cic
The final 6 characters in a 2004 BMW M3Cic’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW M3Cic’s VIN below:
How to find a 2004 BMW M3Cic’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2004 BMW M3Cic 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 2004 BMW M3 Convertible (M3 CiC). Look through the windshield to see the VIN plate attached there.
- Look at the door pillar on the driver’s side when you open the door of your 2004 BMW M3 CiC. The VIN should be on a sticker where the door latches.
- Inspect the front engine bay, as the VIN is sometimes stamped onto the chassis or a plate mounted in the engine compartment of your BMW M3 CiC.
- Check the trunk area, specifically under the trunk floor or on the trunk lid of your 2004 BMW M3 CiC, as the VIN might also be found there.
- Review your vehicle’s documents such as the title, registration, or insurance card for your 2004 BMW M3 CiC, where the VIN will be listed.
What info can a 2004 BMW M3Cic VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating that it is a model year 2004, offering insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN can provide information on the vehicle type and body class, potentially indicating that it is a Passenger Car, specifically a Convertible/Cabriolet, offering insights into the vehicle’s category and body style.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN details show an engine from BMW M GmbH with a displacement of 3.2 liters (198.1 cubic inches) and 333 horsepower, potentially highlighting the performance capabilities of the vehicle.
- Fuel Type: It is disclosed that the primary fuel type for the engine is Gasoline, offering potential clues about fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: Key safety features such as front airbags located in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, along with a manual seat belt type, are specified, potentially indicating the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
- Plant Information: The VIN contains production specifics, including the plant city Regensburg and the country Germany, potentially shedding light on the manufacturing origin, suggesting the potential quality and engineering standards of the vehicle.
- Series and Model Information: The VIN contains information identifying the vehicle as a part of the 3-Series, model M3Ci, potentially providing valuable insights into the vehicle’s class and model-specific features.
Don’t have your 2004 BMW M3Cic’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 BMW M3Cic
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| 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 |
| Model | M3Ci |
| 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 | WBSBR934*4P |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBSBR93404PK05115 |
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today