Free 2009 BMW 128i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2009 BMW 128i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 BMW 128i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an essential part of a vehicle’s unique identification, comprised of the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which signifies the car’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. Specifically, for the 2009 BMW 128i, the WMI reveals that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG in Germany, classifying it within the realm of passenger cars. This alphanumeric code, rooted in a global standard for vehicle identification, not only underscores the vehicle’s pedigree but also its manufacturing site, pinpointing Munich as the city of origin. Understanding the WMI is crucial for identifying specific information about a car, including its model year, which for this BMW spans between 2008 to 2013. This level of detail facilitates a deeper understanding of a vehicle’s heritage and manufacturing specifics, paramount for both enthusiasts and professionals in automotive fields.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 BMW 128i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2008-2013
• Example VIN: WBAUP73509VF07042
• 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 BMW 128i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2009 BMW 128i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 BMW 128i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 BMW 128i

The final 6 characters in a 2009 BMW 128i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 128i’s VIN below:

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What info can a 2009 BMW 128i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2009, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: A VIN may specify the body class and size, indicating if the vehicle is a Convertible/Cabriolet and the number of doors, such as 2 in this scenario.
• Engine Specifications: Important engine details such as displacement (in CC, CI, and L), horsepower, and number of cylinders are encoded within the VIN. In this case, the engine has a displacement of 3 L, 230 horsepower, and 6 cylinders.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type a vehicle utilizes can be determined, with “Gasoline” being an example from the data.
• Safety Features: Key safety features, including the locations of airbags and the type of seat belts, are often identified. Here, the vehicle comes with 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) airbags and manual seat belts.
• Vehicle Production Details: A VIN reveals the vehicle’s production details, including the manufacturing city and country, which in this instance are Leipzig, Germany.
• Advanced Features: Information about advanced vehicular features, such as the presence of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and specific trim levels, can also be decoded. This vehicle features a direct TPMS and the SULEV trim.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 BMW 128i