Free 2012 BMW 128i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 BMW 128i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 BMW 128i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of vehicles globally. It forms the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), detailing the car’s origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. For the 2012 BMW 128i, the WMI code “WBA” specifies that BMW AG in Munich, Germany, produced the vehicle. This designation confirms it as a passenger car originating from one of the world’s most renowned automotive capitals. The integration of the WMI into the VIN allows for the easy tracking and identification of vehicles for regulatory, registration, and manufacturing purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 BMW 128i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2008-2013
• Example VIN: WBAUP9C50CVL91048
• 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 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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 BMW 128i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 BMW 128i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 BMW 128i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 BMW 128i

The final 6 characters in a 2012 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 2012 BMW 128i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 2012, providing insights into the vehicle’s age and potential market value.
• Body Class and Doors: Vehicle details encoded in the VIN may indicate the body class as a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering hints about the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN can provide detailed engine information, such as a 3 L engine with 6 cylinders producing 230 horsepower, offering insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities and potential fuel economy.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, in this case, Gasoline, is critical for understanding the vehicle’s environmental impact and fuel consumption patterns.
• Safety Features: Safety equipment details, including the presence of front and side airbags for both driver and passenger, pretensioners, and a direct tire pressure monitoring system, underscore the vehicle’s commitment to occupant protection.
• Manufacturing Details: The plant city, Leipzig, and the country, Germany, provide information about the vehicle’s origin, potentially influencing perceptions of quality and design.
• Model and Series Identification: The model, 128i, and series, 1-Series, along with specific trim SULEV, help in identifying the vehicle’s market position, features, and specifications within a broader lineup.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 BMW 128i