Free BMW 128i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 128i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 128i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) play a crucial role in the automotive industry by offering a unique code that distinguishes the manufacturer, vehicle type, and country of origin for every car. Specifically, for the BMW 128i models produced between 2008 and 2013, the WMI is ‘WBA,’ highlighting its manufacturing by BMW AG. This code tells us that these passenger cars were produced by one of the world’s most renowned luxury car manufacturers, headquartered in Munich, Germany. WMIs, thus, provide essential information for identifying vehicles, ensuring each car’s history and specifications can be accurately traced back to its roots. This system ensures a standardized method for identifying vehicles globally, enhancing regulatory compliance and consumer protection.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 128i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2008-2013
• Example VIN: WBAUN13508VH79950
• 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 BMW 128i 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 BMW 128i:

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 BMW 128i 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 BMW 128i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 128i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 128i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 128i

The final 6 characters in a BMW 128i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 128i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2013, 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 Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Type: Essential details about the engine, including that it is a 3 liter (2997.1940056 CC or 182.9 CI) engine with 6 cylinders and can produce up to 230 horsepower, are often embedded within a VIN, giving an idea of the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: The VIN may include details about the presence and locations of airbags, including curtains in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, knee airbags, front airbags, and side airbags, showcasing modern safety standards and features that a vehicle could offer.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can reveal the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, which, in this example, is Gasoline, indicating the vehicle’s environmental and operational characteristics.
• Manufacturing Details: Information about the place of manufacture, such as the plant city being Rosslyn and the country being South Africa, adds to the vehicle’s history and origin story.
• Advanced Technology: Details like the inclusion of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) type being Direct could indicate advanced technological features aimed at enhancing safety and performance.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 128i