Free BMW 228i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 228i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 228i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish their vehicles in the global market. Specifically, for the BMW 228i models produced in 2014-2016 and 2021-2024, the designated WMI code is ‘WBA.’ This code not only indicates that BMW AG is the manufacturer but also signifies that the vehicle is classified as a passenger car. Additionally, the ‘WBA’ prefix points to Munich, Germany, as the city of manufacture, highlighting the vehicle’s European origin. The WMI plays a crucial role in identifying key features of a vehicle, from its make and model year to its production location.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 228i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2014-2016, 2021-2024
• Example VIN: WBA1F5C50EV246061
• 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 228i 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 228i:

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 228i 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 228i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 228i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 228i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 228i

The final 6 characters in a BMW 228i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 228i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially providing insights into the age and historical value of the vehicle, for example, a model year of 2021.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, such as Sedan/Saloon, along with the number of doors, giving detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure, typically 4 doors.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN may disclose engine details including the number of cylinders, for example, 4, and displacement, which could be represented in various units such as CC, CI, or L (e.g., 1997.5831016 CC, 121.9 CI, 1.9975831016 L).
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type the vehicle operates on, for instance, Gasoline, is typically encoded within the VIN.
• Safety Features: The VIN might provide essential safety features information, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), airbag locations (e.g., Front 1st Row, Curtain 1st and 2nd Rows), and advanced driver assistance systems like Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
• Transmission and Drive Type: Details about the transmission, such as being Automatic with 8 speeds, and the drive type, illustrated by FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, are typically included and can help in understanding the vehicle’s performance and handling.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN can provide insights into the manufacturing location, highlighting the city and sometimes the plant country.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 228i