Free BMW 230i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 230i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 230i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code helps in identifying the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For the BMW 230i, the WMI codes are WBA for the model years 2017 to 2021, and 3MW for the model years 2022 to 2024, indicating BMW AG as the manufacturer. Both these WMI codes specify that the vehicles are passenger cars manufactured in Munich, Germany. This system of identification ensures every vehicle on the road can be traced back to its maker, model year, and place of production.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 230i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2017-2021
• Example VIN: WBA2F9C30H7A40308
• Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Munich
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

WMI: 3MW

• Model Years Covered: 2022-2024
• Example VIN: 3MW23CM00N8C16436
• 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 230i 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 230i:

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 230i 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 230i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 230i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 230i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 230i

The final 6 characters in a BMW 230i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 230i VIN reveal?

• Model and Series: The VIN can reveal the specific model and series, such as the 2-Series 230i, providing a clear identification of the vehicle type.
• Model Year and Manufacturing Details: The VIN encodes the model year as 2021, as well as manufacturing details like the plant city (Leipzig) and plant country (Germany), offering insights into the vehicle’s production history.
• Engine and Performance: Specific details about the engine, such as a 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.997 liters and horsepower of 248, can be discovered, giving a glimpse into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: Standard safety equipment, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and airbag locations (curtain, front, and knee airbags for the 1st row - driver and passenger), is detailed, highlighting the vehicle’s commitment to safety.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN specifies the primary fuel type as gasoline, which, when combined with the vehicle’s engine information, can offer an estimate of fuel efficiency.
• Transmission and Drive Type: The VIN includes specifications for an 8-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) system, providing insights into the vehicle’s handling characteristics.
• Added Technology and Comfort Features: The VIN can indicate the availability of advanced technology and comfort features, such as Keyless Ignition, Backup Camera, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which are either standard or optional, enhancing the driving experience.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 230i