Free 2017 BMW 230i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2017 BMW 230i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2017 BMW 230i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes serve as a unique identifier for vehicles, providing key information about the manufacturer and vehicle type directly through the vehicle’s identification number (VIN). The WMI for the BMW 230i, a passenger car produced between 2017 and 2021, begins with “WBA,” signifying that BMW AG in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This indicates that the vehicle is part of BMW’s renowned lineup, manufactured in a country noted for its automotive excellence. WMIs like this are invaluable for identifying the origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type, ensuring that each vehicle can be distinctly traced back to its production roots. This systematic identification aids in the registration, titling, and legal documentation processes worldwide, exemplifying its importance in the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 2017 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

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 BMW 230i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2017 BMW 230i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2017 BMW 230i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2017 BMW 230i

The final 6 characters in a 2017 BMW 230i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 230i’s VIN below:

What info can a 2017 BMW 230i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2017, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Drive Type: It specifies the vehicle’s body class as Convertible/Cabriolet and indicates the drive type as AWD/All-Wheel Drive. This may offer insights into the vehicle’s design and traction capability.
• Safety Features: The VIN details safety features, highlighting that Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Curtain Air Bags for the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) are standard. Features like Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are optional, potentially impacting the vehicle’s safety and driving experience.
• Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information such as displacement in liters (2.0L), engine brake horsepower (248 hp), and the number of cylinders (4) can be decoded, providing a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: It precisely identifies the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, which in this case is Gasoline, potentially offering insight into fuel consumption and efficiency.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN also encodes manufacturing details, including the plant city (Leipzig) and plant country (Germany), offering background on where the vehicle was produced.
• Standard and Optional Equipment: It distinguishes between standard and optional equipment, such as the presence of a Backup Camera as standard and the availability of Parking Assist as an optional feature. This could help in understanding the vehicle’s baseline and potential upgrades.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2017 BMW 230i