How to decode a 2003 BMW Z4 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 BMW Z4 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing insight into where and by whom a vehicle was made. Specifically, for the 2003 BMW Z4, the WMI code “4US” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW in the United States, specifically at their facility in Greer, South Carolina. This identifier not only confirms the vehicle as a passenger car but also serves as an initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), playing a crucial role in vehicle tracking, registration, and recall processes. Through the WMI, one can discern the manufacturer’s identity and the vehicle’s assembly location, shedding light on the global footprint of auto manufacturers like BMW.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 BMW Z4

WMI: 4US

Model Years Covered: 2003-2008
Example VIN: 4USBT33403LR60318
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 2003 BMW Z4 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 2003 BMW Z4:

Known VDS for a 2003 BMW Z4
BT334	BT534

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 2003 BMW Z4 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 2003 BMW Z4 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
3	2003

11th Character in the 2003 BMW Z4 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 BMW Z4 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
L	Spartanburg	South Carolina	United States		4USBT33403LR60318

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 BMW Z4

The final 6 characters in a 2003 BMW Z4’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW Z4’s VIN below:

How to find a 2003 BMW Z4’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2003 BMW Z4 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 Z4. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
Examine the door pillar on the driver’s side when you open the door. The VIN for your BMW Z4 may be located on a label or sticker in this area.
Inspect under the hood; the BMW Z4 may have the VIN etched on the engine itself or on a metal plate fixed to the engine bay.
Look in your BMW Z4’s trunk area, where the spare tire is kept; sometimes, the VIN is printed in that compartment.
Check your BMW Z4’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or owner’s manual, which typically list the VIN.

What info can a 2003 BMW Z4 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN may indicate a vehicle from around the 2003 model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Specifications: The VIN describes a BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5si with an in-line engine configuration and a 2.5L displacement (or 152.559 CI), offering insights into its potential performance capabilities.
Body Class and Size: The VIN reveals the vehicle as a Convertible/Cabriolet with a wheelbase of 98.2 inches, indicating its overall size and potential use.
Engine and Performance: It specifies a six-cylinder engine with an engine brake horsepower starting from 184, suggesting a balance between power and efficiency for its class.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which is significant for understanding its potential fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Manufacturing Details: The production location is noted as Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States, offering clues about the vehicle’s origin and potentially affecting its collectibility or parts availability.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The classification falls between Class 1B (3,001 - 4,000 lb) and Class 1 (6,000 lb or less), providing insights into the vehicle’s maximum allowable weight and its categorization for regulatory purposes.

Don’t have your 2003 BMW Z4’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 BMW Z4

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Convertible/Cabriolet
Displacement (CC)	3000.0
Displacement (CI)	183.07123228419
Displacement (L)	3.0
Engine Brake (hp) From	225
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model	Z4
Model Year	2003
Plant City	Spartanburg
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	South Carolina
Trim	Roadster 3.0si
Vehicle Descriptor	4USBT534*3L
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Wheel Base (inches) From	98.2
Sample_VIN	4USBT53403LT20718