How to decode a 2002 BMW Z3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2002 BMW Z3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-character code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally. This code is essential in identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type, forming the first three digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 2002 BMW Z3, the WMI is “4US,” indicating that this particular model was manufactured by BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America, specifically in Greer, South Carolina, United States. The WMI not only signifies that the vehicle falls under the passenger car category but also traces its assembly back to the BMW facilities on American soil, blending European design with American manufacturing.

List of WMI Codes for a 2002 BMW Z3

WMI: 5UM

Model Years Covered: 2002
Example VIN: 5UMCN93412LK61104
Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Munich
State or Province:
Country: Germany WMI: 4US
Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2002
Example VIN: 4USCK73402LJ16101
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 2002 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 2002 BMW Z3:

Known VDS for a 2002 BMW Z3
CN934	CL934	CK734	CN534	CN334

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 2002 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 2002 BMW Z3 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
2	2002

11th Character in the 2002 BMW Z3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2002 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		5UMCN93412LK61104

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2002 BMW Z3

The final 6 characters in a 2002 BMW Z3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW Z3’s VIN below:

How to find a 2002 BMW Z3’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2002 BMW Z3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW Z3, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN can be seen from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb for a sticker or plate; the VIN is typically found here on a BMW Z3.
Look under the hood; the VIN may sometimes be found on the front of the engine block in BMW vehicles.
Inspect the post of the driver’s side door where the latch is located; a label or sticker with the VIN might be present there in a BMW Z3.
Examine the trunk area; occasionally, the VIN can be located on the underside of the trunk lid or in the compartment where the spare tire is stored in a BMW Z3.
Check the vehicle registration documents or the insurance card; the VIN for your BMW Z3 will be listed there as well.

What info can a 2002 BMW Z3 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2002, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Specifications: The VIN may provide details such as a 3.2L engine with 315 horsepower, manufactured by BMW Manufacturing Corp., reflecting significant aspects of the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities.
Body Class and Size: A VIN can indicate the vehicle is a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 2 doors, showcasing its design and structural attributes.
Safety Features: Standard safety features are highlighted, including Front Air Bags located at the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) and a Manual Seat Belt Type, emphasizing the vehicle’s commitment to passenger safety.
Fuel Type: It can specify Gasoline as the primary fuel type, providing insights into the vehicle’s environmental footprint and operational costs.
Vehicle Type and Series: It can classify the vehicle as a Passenger Car, specifically, the BMW Z3 M Coupe, giving a clear picture of the vehicle’s market segment and model lineage.
Manufacturing Details: The vehicle’s manufacturing details, such as the plant located in Greer, South Carolina, United States, may offer a glimpse into its production origin and quality standards.

Don’t have your 2002 BMW Z3’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2002 BMW Z3

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Displacement (CC)	3246.2773784
Displacement (CI)	198.1
Displacement (L)	3.2
Doors	2
Engine Brake (hp) From	315
Engine Manufacturer	BMW Manufacturing Corp.
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	2002
Other Restraint System Info	Driver and Passenger Dual-stage Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Plant City	Greer
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	South Carolina
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	M Coupe
Vehicle Descriptor	5UMCN934*2L
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	5UMCN93412LK61104