Free MINI VIN Decoder

How to decode a MINI VIN

Characters 1-3 of a MINI VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. Each code specifies the manufacturer’s name, the vehicle type, and often the manufacturing location. For example, the WMI WMW identifies vehicles made by BMW AG in Munich, Germany, specifically passenger cars produced between 2002 and 2024. Meanwhile, WMZ is also associated with BMW AG but points to Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs) manufactured in the same city from 2017 to 2024. These codes are essential for recognizing vehicle origins and types at a glance.

List of WMI Codes for a MINI

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a MINI VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the most popular vehicle descriptor codes for a MINI:

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 MINI 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 MINI VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the MINI VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known MINI Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a MINI

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

What info can a MINI VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2021, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, such as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV). This information helps in understanding the vehicle’s intended use and body style.
• Engine Type and Performance: The VIN can provide details about the engine, like a 3-cylinder with a displacement of 1.995 liters and 221 hp, offering insights into its performance capabilities.
• Fuel and Electrification Level: The presence of both primary electric and secondary gasoline fuel types, coupled with a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) electrification level, highlights the vehicle’s flexibility in fuel usage and environmental friendliness.
• Safety Features: Standard features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and airbags in multiple locations emphasize the vehicle’s focus on safety.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): The inclusion of advanced systems like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) as optional and others like Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) as standard illustrates the vehicle’s modern technological enhancements for safety and convenience.
• Manufacturing Origin: Information on the plant city (Born) and plant country (Netherlands) tells us about the manufacturing origin, which can be a factor in assessing the vehicle’s build quality and market value.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a MINI