How to decode a 2016 BMW M4 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW M4 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which specifically identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. It reveals significant information, such as the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and the country of production. For the 2016 BMW M4, the WMI indicates that BMW M GmbH manufactured this passenger car. This performance-oriented model was produced in Munich, Germany, underlining its heritage and engineering standards that are emblematic of BMW’s M division. This coding system plays a crucial role in automotive identification and international compliance.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW M4

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 2015-2024
Example VIN: WBS3R9C50GK335622
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 2016 BMW M4 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 2016 BMW M4:

Known VDS for a 2016 BMW M4
3R9C5	3U9C5	4S9C5	4S9C3

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 2016 BMW M4 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 2016 BMW M4 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
G	2016

11th Character in the 2016 BMW M4 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 BMW M4 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
K	Munich		Germany		WBS3R9C50GK335622
P	Regensburg		Germany		WBS3U9C50GP968445

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW M4

The final 6 characters in a 2016 BMW M4’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW M4’s VIN below:

How to find a 2016 BMW M4’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2016 BMW M4 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW M4. You can typically see the VIN through the windshield.
Examine the driver’s side door jamb on your 2016 BMW M4. There is usually a sticker or a plate with the VIN where the door latches.
Inspect the engine bay. The VIN may also be stamped on the firewall within the engine compartment of your BMW M4.
Check beneath the spare tire. Sometimes the VIN is located in the trunk under the spare tire.
Review your vehicle’s title or registration documents. The VIN for your BMW M4 will certainly be listed on any official documentation related to the car.

What info can a 2016 BMW M4 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 2016 M4 GTS, this may indicate a Coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. In the case of the 2016 M4 GTS, it may have a 4x2 drive type, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
Engine and Performance: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L engine with six cylinders, capable of delivering up to 493 horsepower, providing important information about the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
Fuel Efficiency: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, indicating its consumption preferences and potential efficiency characteristics.
Safety Features: The VIN information suggests comprehensive safety features, including curtain, front, knee, and side airbags for the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), manual seat belts, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), enhancing passenger safety and providing modern safety technologies.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN data reveals that the car was manufactured in Munich, Germany, offering insights into its production origin and potential quality standards.

Don’t have your 2016 BMW M4’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 BMW M4

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Displacement (CC)	2979.1682352
Displacement (CI)	181.8
Displacement (L)	3
Doors	2
Engine Brake (hp) From	493
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)
Knee Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Model	M4
Model Year	2016
Other Restraint System Info	Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger.
Plant City	Munich
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Pretensioner	Yes
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	4-series
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	GTS
Vehicle Descriptor	WBS4S9C3*GK
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBS4S9C30GK115775