How to decode a 2012 MINI Hardtop VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2012 MINI Hardtop VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is part of the unique serial number known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), crucial for identifying the manufacturer and specific attributes of a vehicle. For instance, the WMI for a 2012 Mini Hardtop, which is manufactured by BMW AG, begins with the characters “WMW”, pinpointing not only the producer but also confirming that it’s a passenger car made in Munich, Germany. This information can be particularly valuable when ordering parts, verifying vehicle specifications, or tracing the history of a car. The WMI, as the leading segment of the VIN, offers a globally recognized standard for classifying vehicles. Given the diversity in automotive manufacturing, the WMI code serves as a foundational tool in the automotive industry for ensuring clarity and consistency across international borders.
List of WMI Codes for a 2012 MINI Hardtop
WMI: WMW
- Model Years Covered: 2009-2024
- Example VIN: WMWSU3C50CT184586
- 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 MINI Hardtop 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 MINI Hardtop:
| Known VDS for a 2012 MINI Hardtop | ||
|---|---|---|
| SU3C5 | SV9C5 | SV3C5 |
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 MINI Hardtop 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 MINI Hardtop VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| C | 2012 |
11th Character in the 2012 MINI Hardtop VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2012 MINI Hardtop Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T | Oxford | United Kingdom | WMWSU3C50CT184586 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 MINI Hardtop
The final 6 characters in a 2012 MINI Hardtop’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your MINI Hardtop’s VIN below:
How to find a 2012 MINI Hardtop’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2012 MINI Hardtop 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 2012 Mini Hardtop. The VIN should be visible through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb area. You can usually find a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches.
- Inspect the firewall of the vehicle’s engine bay. The VIN may be stamped onto a plate or directly on the metal.
- Check your insurance card or policy, as they should list the VIN for your 2012 Mini Hardtop.
- View the vehicle’s title or registration documents, which will include the VIN.
- Look under the hood, as there is sometimes a secondary VIN plate located on the front engine block or on a strut tower.
What info can a 2012 MINI Hardtop VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For this specific vehicle, it may indicate a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with a certain number of doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN can provide details about the engine, such as its displacement, horsepower, and the number of cylinders, which signify the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle runs on Gasoline, which is essential information for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: The VIN can reveal safety features such as airbags and restraint systems, signifying the vehicle’s commitment to passenger safety.
- Manufacturing Details: The VIN may offer insights into the geographical origin of the vehicle’s manufacturing, reflecting on the build quality and potential regional preferences.
- Vehicle Type and Series: The VIN can help in identifying the vehicle’s general specifications and market segment, such as being classified as a Passenger Car under a specific series.
Don’t have your 2012 MINI Hardtop’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 MINI Hardtop
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Displacement (CC) | 1597.7387400 |
| Displacement (CI) | 97.5 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.6 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 121 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| 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) |
| Model | Hardtop |
| Model Year | 2012 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14. |
| Plant City | Oxford |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United Kingdom |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | Cooper |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WMWSU3C5*CT |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WMWSU3C50CT184586 |
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