How to decode a 1998 BMW Z3 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1998 BMW Z3 VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of characters assigned to car manufacturers to identify the location, manufacturer name, and vehicle type. For instance, the 1998 BMW Z3 has a WMI code that signals it was produced by BMW M GmbH, a high-performance subsidiary of BMW. This particular car was manufactured in Munich, Germany, indicative of its origin from BMW’s home country, and classified as a Passenger Car. The WMI not only pinpoints where a vehicle was made but also offers insight into the specific brand or division within a larger automotive group responsible for its production, ensuring each vehicle’s history and lineage are precisely traceable.
List of WMI Codes for a 1998 BMW Z3
WMI: WBS
- Model Years Covered: 1998-2001
- Example VIN: WBSCK9330WLC85268
- Manufacturer Name: BMW M GmbH
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Munich
- State or Province:
- Country: Germany WMI: 4US
- Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2002
- Example VIN: 4USCH7330WLD16569
- Manufacturer Name: BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Greer
- State or Province: South Carolina
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 BMW Z3 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 1998 BMW Z3:
| Known VDS for a 1998 BMW Z3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CK933 | CH733 | CJ333 | CJ332 | CH732 |
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 1998 BMW Z3 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 1998 BMW Z3 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| W | 1998 |
11th Character in the 1998 BMW Z3 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1998 BMW Z3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Greer | South Carolina | United States | WBSCK9330WLC85268 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 BMW Z3
The final 6 characters in a 1998 BMW Z3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1998 BMW Z3’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1998 BMW Z3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1998 BMW Z3. You can typically see the VIN through the windshield on the lower corner.
- Look at the door pillar on the driver’s side when you open the door of your BMW Z3. The VIN might be found on a sticker or a metal plate where the door latches.
- Inspect the front engine block. On the BMW Z3, the VIN may also be stamped on the engine itself.
- Check the vehicle’s paperwork. The VIN for your BMW Z3 will be on the title, registration, insurance documents, and service records.
What info can a 1998 BMW Z3 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: The dataset describes a BMW Z3 M Roadster, highlighting its specific make and model along with details such as engine manufacturer BMW M GmbH and engine displacement of 3.15L or 192.3 CI. This information can offer insights into the vehicle’s unique features and manufacturing details.
- Body Class and Size: The VIN reveals the vehicle as a Roadster with 2 doors, offering insights into the body style and size which can impact aesthetics and functionality. This can provide valuable information about the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine and Performance: Key performance metrics can be identified, such as an engine with 240 hp and a 6-cylinder configuration, detailing the vehicle’s power and engineering. This provides valuable insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Safety Features: Safety equipment details are encoded, including the presence of 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) airbags and a Manual seatbelt type, highlighting the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety. This information can help potential buyers or enthusiasts understand the safety features present in the vehicle.
- Fuel Type: The vehicle is powered by Gasoline, which is critical information for understanding fuel economy and environmental impact. This can provide potential buyers with insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental considerations.
- Manufacturing Details: Manufacturing specifics such as the plant city Greer, state South Carolina, and country United States are provided, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin and production quality. This information can provide historical and geographical context to the vehicle.
Don’t have your 1998 BMW Z3’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 BMW Z3
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Roadster |
| Displacement (CC) | 3150.00 |
| Displacement (CI) | 192.3 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.15 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 240 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW M GmbH |
| 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) |
| Model | Z3 |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Depowered Supplemental Restraint System |
| Plant City | Greer |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | South Carolina |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | M Roadster |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBSCK933*WL |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBSCK9330WLC85268 |
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