- What you'll get from BMW Motorcycle VIN check?
- Characters 1-3 of a BMW Motorcycle VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a BMW Motorcycle
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a BMW Motorcycle VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a BMW Motorcycle VIN.
- 10th Character in a BMW Motorcycle VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in a BMW Motorcycle VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known BMW Motorcycle Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW Motorcycle
- How to find a BMW motorcycle's VIN?
- Sample Decoded BMW Motorcycle VIN
What you’ll get from BMW Motorcycle VIN check?
The below is an example of a BMW Motorcycle’s available specs based on its VIN, referencing the vehicle in the table below:
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal that the motorcycle is a 2020 model, indicating the age of the vehicle and possibly its relevance in terms of technology and features.
- Body Class and Type: The VIN may indicate that the motorcycle is classified as a Sport motorcycle, providing insights into its design, intended use, and potential performance characteristics.
- Engine Specifications: Through the VIN, it is possible to learn that the motorcycle has an in-line engine configuration, 999 cc displacement, and 162 horsepower, highlighting its power and performance capabilities.
- Safety Features: The VIN might reveal details about the motorcycle’s brake system, including front 320mm discs with four-piston calipers and a rear 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper, emphasizing its safety and braking performance.
- Fuel Type: By decoding the VIN, one can find out that the motorcycle runs on gasoline, which is an essential detail for understanding fuel requirements and preferences.
- Plant Information: The VIN could reveal that the motorcycle was manufactured in Berlin, Germany, providing information on its origin that might influence perceptions of quality, design, and engineering standards.
- Transmission Details: The VIN may disclose that the motorcycle is equipped with a 6-speed transmission and chain drive, affecting the overall performance and rider’s experience with the vehicle.
How to decode a BMW Motorcycle VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW Motorcycle VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a vehicle’s identification number (VIN) that identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer. The WMI is universally recognized and provides specific information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, and country of origin. For BMW vehicles, the WMI reveals that the vehicle was produced by BMW, offering insights into the standards and specifications the vehicle adheres to. Each BMW WMI is assigned specifically, providing a systematic way to distinguish BMW vehicles from those manufactured by other companies. This identification system is essential in the automotive industry for registration, recall, and repair processes.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW Motorcycle
WMI: WB3
- Model Years Covered: 2018-2023
- Example VIN: WB30G4300NRA20192
- Manufacturer Name: BMW
- Vehicle Type: Motorcyle - Street
- City: Chennai
- State or Province:
- Country: India
WMI: WB4
- Model Years Covered: 2019, 2022-2023
- Example VIN: WB40C6300PS905374
- Manufacturer Name: BMW
- Vehicle Type: Motorcyle - Street
- City: Loncin
- State or Province:
- Country: China
WMI: WB1
- Model Years Covered: 1983-1985, 1987-1988, 1991, 1993-2023
- Example VIN: WB10499A12ZE85431
- Manufacturer Name: BMW
- Vehicle Type: Motorcyle - Standard
- City: Berlin
- State or Province:
- Country: Germany
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a BMW Motorcycle 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 BMW:
| 100 Most Common VDS for a BMW | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0G430 | 0C630 | 0499A | 0D600 | 04350 | 01890 | 02280 | 0317A | 0416A | 05970 |
| 01340 | 0J330 | 0M030 | 0A610 | 06110 | 0E230 | 0B190 | 0A130 | 0555A | 02440 |
| 0L530 | 0439A | 0D130 | 0591A | 03130 | 0418A | 0K130 | 0L130 | 0E430 | 0L030 |
| 05160 | 04690 | 06120 | 0L230 | 0432A | 0C150 | 0J530 | 0M130 | 0407B | 0A150 |
| 0D120 | 0C530 | 05340 | 02270 | 0K030 | 01450 | 05390 | 0B180 | 0557A | 0B130 |
| 06130 | 03980 | 0B170 | 0A120 | 0558A | 01790 | 05360 | 0F120 | 02260 | 0J730 |
| 0495A | 0J930 | 0B120 | 05720 | 05090 | 0F530 | 0J130 | 04600 | 0E530 | 0L930 |
| 0318A | 05350 | 03880 | 0C140 | 0185A | 0439B | 04400 | 04180 | 0K230 | 0559A |
| 0434A | 02290 | 0A110 | 0B110 | 0G110 | 0B150 | 0J430 | 0166A | 05740 | 0L330 |
| 0A160 | 0M830 | 0G330 | 0L730 | 0C190 | 0B140 | 0L430 | 0F630 | 04800 | 0379A |
Motorcycle 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 BMW Motorcycle 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 a BMW Motorcycle VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| P | 2023 |
| N | 2022 |
| M | 2021 |
| L | 2020 |
| K | 2019 |
| J | 2018 |
| H | 2017 |
| G | 2016 |
| F | 2015 |
| D | 2013 |
| C | 2012 |
| B | 2011 |
| A | 2010 |
| 9 | 2009 |
| 8 | 2008 |
| 7 | 2007 |
| 6 | 2006 |
| 5 | 2005 |
| 4 | 2004 |
| 3 | 2003 |
| 2 | 2002 |
| 1 | 2001 |
| Y | 2000 |
| X | 1999 |
| W | 1998 |
| V | 1997 |
| T | 1996 |
| S | 1995 |
| R | 1994 |
| E | 1984 |
11th Character in a BMW Motorcycle VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW Motorcycle Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Berlin | Germany | WB1051602M0181605 | ||
| 6 | Berlin | Germany | WB1043502E6176919 | ||
| R | Chennai | India | WB30G4300NRA20192 | ||
| S | Loncin | China | WB40C6300PS905374 | ||
| X | Aprilia | Lazio | Italy | WB10166A7XXA17458 | |
| Z | Berlin | Germany | WB10499A12ZE85431 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW Motorcycle
The final 6 characters in a BMW Motorcycle’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every motorcycle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your motorcycle?
Decode a BMW VIN
How to find a BMW motorcycle’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW motorcycle is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- On the steering neck, beneath the bike’s handlebars, which requires turning the handlebars to one side to view the sticker or engraving.
- The frame near the motorcycle’s motor, often visible from the side, on either the left or right depending on the model.
- Inside the bike’s documentation or owner’s manual, where the VIN is recorded for reference.
- On a sticker or a plate located under the seat, which can be accessed by lifting or removing the seat of the motorcycle.
- Embossed on the engine itself, usually on the engine case, and may require cleaning for proper visibility.
Don’t have your BMW Motorcycle’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample Decoded BMW Motorcycle VIN
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| vehicle_descriptor | WB10E430*LZ |
| Body Class | Motorcycle - Sport |
| Brake System Description | Front: 320mm disc, four piston calipers / Rear: 220mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| Cooling Type | Water |
| Displacement (CC) | 999 |
| Displacement (CI) | 60.962720350 |
| Displacement (L) | 0.999000 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 162 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Stroke Cycles | 4 |
| Error Code | 0 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1A: 3,000 lb or less (1,360 kg or less) |
| Model | S 1000 XR |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Plant City | Berlin |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Transmission Speeds | 6 |
| Transmission Style | Motorcycle - Chain Drive |
| Valve Train Design | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WB10E430*LZ |
| Vehicle Type | Motorcycle |
| vin | WB10E4304LZJ83811 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the VIN on a BMW motorcycle?
On most BMW vehicles, the VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield from outside the car. It’s also on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb, and on your insurance card, title, and registration documents.
How do I check a BMW motorcycle's history for free?
Enter the BMW motorcycle’s 17-digit VIN into Bumper’s free VIN check at bumper.com. The free check shows factory specs and open NHTSA recalls. For the full history including accident records, title brands, theft status, and ownership history, run a full Bumper report.
What do BMW motorcycle VIN numbers start with?
BMW motorcycle VIN's start with WB3 for vehicles manufactured by BMW in India, WB4 for vehicles manufactured by BMW in China, WB1 for vehicles manufactured by BMW in Germany. The first three characters of any VIN identify the manufacturer. The full WMI table on this page lists all known codes for the BMW motorcycle.
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