How to decode a 2012 BMW Z4 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 BMW Z4 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). For the 2012 BMW Z4, the WMI is “WBA,” which is specific to BMW AG based in Munich, Germany. This code is the initial portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), indicating that the vehicle is a passenger car produced by BMW. The VIN, including the WMI, helps in identifying the manufacturing location, vehicle type, and model year, amongst other details. In this case, the WMI reveals that the 2012 BMW Z4 was crafted in Germany, embodying BMW’s longstanding heritage and engineering excellence.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 BMW Z4

WMI: WBA

Model Years Covered: 2009-2016, 2019-2022, 2024
Example VIN: WBALM7C50CE384402
Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Munich
State or Province:
Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2012 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 2012 BMW Z4:

Known VDS for a 2012 BMW Z4
LM7C5	LM1C5

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 2012 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 2012 BMW Z4 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
C	2012

11th Character in the 2012 BMW Z4 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 BMW Z4 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
E	Regensburg		Germany		WBALM7C50CE384402

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 BMW Z4

The final 6 characters in a 2012 BMW Z4’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2012 BMW Z4’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2012 BMW Z4 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW Z4, where the VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of the 2012 BMW Z4, where you may find a sticker with the VIN where the door latches.
Check under the hood of your BMW Z4; the VIN might be located on the front engine block.
Inspect the trunk area of your BMW Z4 for a VIN sticker, which can sometimes be found where the spare tire is located or on the trunk’s lid.
Review your BMW Z4’s vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or title, where the VIN is always recorded.

What info can a 2012 BMW Z4 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year 2012. This provides insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information, such as having a 3.0L engine with 6 cylinders and producing up to 300 horsepower, can indicate the vehicle’s performance capacity and potential fuel efficiency.
Fuel Type: The VIN can provide information about the vehicle’s primary fuel type, such as gasoline, which can inform users about potential fuel costs and environmental impact.
Safety Features: The VIN can indicate the presence of front and side airbags, along with a manual seat belt type and advanced restraint systems, illustrating the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN can classify the vehicle within a specific weight rating class, such as Class 1 with 6,000 lb or less. This provides essential information regarding licensing, registration, and usage restrictions.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN can reveal manufacturing details, such as the vehicle being manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, which might offer insight into build quality and access to specific parts or service.
Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, such as Roadster, with 2 doors. Potential buyers can infer style and vehicle size, which are critical when considering the vehicle’s purpose and personal preference.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 BMW Z4

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Roadster
Displacement (CC)	2979.1682352
Displacement (CI)	181.8
Displacement (L)	3.0
Doors	2
Engine Brake (hp) From	335
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	Z4
Model Year	2012
Other Restraint System Info	Head Inflatable Restraint for Driver and Front Passenger. Knee Inflatable Restraint for Driver and Front Passenger. Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger.
Plant City	Regensburg
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Pretensioner	Yes
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	sDrive35is
Vehicle Descriptor	WBALM1C5*CE
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBALM1C50CE633648