How to decode a 2015 BMW Z4 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2015 BMW Z4 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences integrated into the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. For instance, the WMI code for a 2015 BMW Z4, which is a German-made passenger car, signifies that BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. These initial characters in a VIN provide specific information, including the vehicle type and manufacturing location, crucial for vehicle identification, registration, and history reports. WMIs cover various model years, ensuring that each vehicle’s make, model, and year of production can be accurately identified. This system is standardized globally, allowing for the consistent identification of vehicles no matter where they are manufactured or registered.

List of WMI Codes for a 2015 BMW Z4

WMI: WBA

Model Years Covered: 2009-2016, 2019-2022, 2024
Example VIN: WBALM7C50FJ798677
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 2015 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 2015 BMW Z4:

Known VDS for a 2015 BMW Z4
LM7C5	LL5C5	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 2015 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 2015 BMW Z4 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
F	2015

11th Character in the 2015 BMW Z4 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2015 BMW Z4 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant Country	Example VIN
E	Regensburg	Germany	WBALM1C50FE634478
J	Regensburg	Germany	WBALM7C50FJ798677
P	Regensburg	Germany	WBALL5C50FP556671

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2015 BMW Z4

The final 6 characters in a 2015 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 2015 BMW Z4’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2015 BMW Z4 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side for your 2015 BMW Z4. This is a common place where the VIN is displayed and can be easily seen from outside.
Open the driver’s door and examine the door jamb. Your BMW Z4’s VIN might be located on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood of your BMW Z4 for a metal plate that is often mounted on the firewall of the vehicle; this plate should contain the VIN.
Inspect the trunk area of your BMW Z4. Sometimes, the VIN can be found on the floor of the trunk under the carpet or on the side walls.
Examine your vehicle’s official documents such as the title, registration, or insurance papers, which should all list your BMW Z4’s VIN for reference.

What info can a 2015 BMW Z4 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating a 2015 model in this context, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Specifications: Information from the VIN decodes a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine with a capacity of producing up to 335 horsepower, suggesting robust performance capacities.
Body Class and Doors: The VIN specifies the body class as a Roadster with 2 doors, implying a compact and sporty design suited for performance driving.
Fuel Type: The VIN reveals that this particular vehicle runs on gasoline, highlighting the type of fuel system it utilizes for its operation.
Safety Features: According to the VIN, the vehicle is equipped with comprehensive safety features, including airbags located in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, knee airbags, along with additional restraint systems like pretensioners, emphasizing the vehicle’s focus on occupant safety.
Manufacturing Information: The vehicle is manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, providing clues to its production origin, which may influence its design and engineering.
Vehicle Type and Series: Categorized as a Passenger Car, this VIN details refer to a specific model, the Z4 sDrive35i, showing a distinct series and trim that could influence its appeal and capabilities.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2015 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)
Knee Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Model	Z4
Model Year	2015
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
Series	Z4
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	sDrive35i
Vehicle Descriptor	WBALM1C5*FE
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBALM1C50FE634478