Free 2016 BMW 228i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2016 BMW 228i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW 228i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing insights into the vehicle’s origin, make, and type. For the 2016 BMW 228i, the WMI reveals that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, a renowned car manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. This specific code is the first part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which further assists in identifying the vehicle’s model year, production location, and specific attributes. WMIs are essential for automotive registration, recall identification, and verification processes, serving as an international standard for classifying vehicles. For the 2016 BMW 228i, the WMI not only underscores the prestigious brand behind the vehicle but also confirms its manufacturing origin as German, reflecting BMW’s commitment to quality and precision.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW 228i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2014-2016, 2021-2024
• Example VIN: WBA1F9C50GV544152
• 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 BMW 228i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2016 BMW 228i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 BMW 228i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW 228i

The final 6 characters in a 2016 BMW 228i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2016 BMW 228i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: Detailed specifications for the BMW 228i model, including its engine details, are encoded within the VIN. This may give information regarding its engine type and power output.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can provide insights into the body type and size of the vehicle. For a BMW 228i, this may indicate a coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Safety Features: Information regarding safety features such as the presence of airbags across the 1st and potentially 2nd rows may be included in the VIN, indicating the vehicle’s safety equipment level.
• Fuel Type: It might specify the primary fuel type the vehicle utilizes, which in this case is gasoline, reflecting its engine’s compatibility and efficiency.
• Manufacturing Details: Insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing, including the plant city of Leipzig and the country Germany, can be deduced from the VIN, revealing the vehicle’s origin.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The vehicle falls under Class 1, indicating a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 lb or less, providing an estimate of its size and weight classification.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 BMW 228i