How to decode a 2010 BMW X3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2010 BMW X3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a distinctive code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally. This unique alphanumeric code, typically the first three characters of a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), provides crucial information about the vehicle, including the manufacturer’s identity, vehicle type, and the country of production. Taking the 2010 BMW X3 as an instance, its WMI “WBX” reveals that it was manufactured by BMW AG, classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), and produced in Munich, Germany. This identifier not only aids in the identification and tracking of vehicles worldwide but also assists in maintaining standards and regulations within the automotive industry. For BMW’s multipurpose vehicles like the 2010 X3, the WMI is an integral part of its VIN, ensuring every vehicle is traceable back to its origins.

List of WMI Codes for a 2010 BMW X3

WMI: WBX

Model Years Covered: 2004-2010, 2022-2023
Example VIN: WBXPC9C40AWE79260
Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Munich
State or Province:
Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2010 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 2010 BMW X3:

Known VDS for a 2010 BMW X3
PC9C4

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 2010 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 2010 BMW X3 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
A	2010

11th Character in the 2010 BMW X3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2010 BMW X3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
W	Graz		Austria		WBXPC9C40AWE79260

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2010 BMW X3

The final 6 characters in a 2010 BMW X3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2010 BMW X3’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2010 BMW X3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the lower-right corner of the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW X3. You can usually see the VIN through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb area. Your BMW X3 should have a VIN sticker where the door latches.
Check beneath the hood; the VIN can sometimes be found on the front engine block or the firewall of your BMW X3.
Examine the rear wheel well. Sometimes the VIN is stamped above the tire on your BMW X3.
Look at the trunk area; the VIN might also be located under the spare tire or on the trunk’s sides in your BMW X3.

What info can a 2010 BMW X3 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN may reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2010, providing insights into the age and potential technology/features of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN can indicate that the vehicle is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, specifically a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), suggesting its design for various uses including passenger and cargo transportation.
Engine Details: The VIN may reveal that the vehicle is equipped with a 3.0-liter engine with 6 cylinders, capable of producing 230 horsepower, highlighting its power capability and potential performance characteristics.
Fuel Type: It may run on Gasoline, allowing users to possibly gauge expected fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Manufacturing Information: The vehicle was possibly manufactured in Graz, Austria, offering insight into its potential production origin which could influence parts availability and potential collector value.
Safety Features: The presence of a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is indicated, possibly pointing to advanced safety features designed to alert the driver about tire pressure issues.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Possibly falls within Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg), offering a clue on the potential size, weight capacity, and handling characteristics of the vehicle.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2010 BMW X3

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	2995.5552992
Displacement (CI)	182.8
Displacement (L)	3.0
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	230
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	X3
Model Year	2010
Plant City	Graz
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Austria
Series	X3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	xDrive30i
Vehicle Descriptor	WBXPC9C4*AW
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	WBXPC9C40AWE79260