Free BMW X3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW X3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW X3 VIN

WMIs, or World Manufacturer Identifiers, are an integral part of a vehicle’s identification number (VIN) that uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. In the context of the BMW X3, the WMI WBX signifies vehicles manufactured by BMW AG in Munich, Germany, covering model years from 2004 to 2010 and from 2022 to 2023. Conversely, for BMW X3 vehicles manufactured in the United States at BMW North America’s plant in Greer, South Carolina, the WMIs 5UX and 5YM are used, covering model years from 2011 to 2024 and from 2020 to 2024, respectively. These identifiers not only pinpoint the manufacturing location but also hint at the global presence and production strategies of BMW for the BMW X3 model. Thus, by looking at the WMI part of a BMW X3’s VIN, one can discern the vehicle’s manufacturing origin and approximate the production year within the model range.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW X3

WMI: WBX

• Model Years Covered: 2004-2010, 2022-2023
• Example VIN: WBXPA73404WA77639
• Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Munich
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

WMI: 5UX

• Model Years Covered: 2011-2024
• Example VIN: 5UXWX7C50BL730027
• Manufacturer Name: BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Greer
• State or Province: South Carolina
• Country: United States

WMI: 5YM

• Model Years Covered: 2020-2024
• Example VIN: 5YMTS0C00L9B03447
• Manufacturer Name: BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Greer
• State or Province: South Carolina
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a BMW X3 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 BMW X3:

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 BMW X3 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 BMW X3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW X3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW X3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW X3

The final 6 characters in a BMW X3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW X3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, such as 2021, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Design: A VIN can specify the body class, like Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and functionality.
• Engine Type and Power: Engine details, such as a 6-cylinder engine with a horsepower range of 473 to 503, may be encoded within the VIN, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can indicate the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, for example, gasoline, which is essential for understanding the vehicle’s operational costs and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Standard safety features, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Front Air Bag Locations, can be inferred from the VIN, possibly indicating the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
• Drive Type and Transmission: Information such as All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and an automatic transmission with 8 speeds can be derived from the VIN, giving potential buyers or owners a sense of the driving experience.
• Vehicle Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides manufacturing details, such as the plant city (Greer) and country (United States), potentially shedding light on the vehicle’s origin and build quality.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW X3