Free BMW 318i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 318i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 318i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally to distinguish their vehicles. For the BMW 318i, WBA and 4US are notable WMIs that pinpoint its place of manufacture and the company responsible. The WBA WMI indicates that the BMW 318i was manufactured by BMW AG in Munich, Germany, across various model years such as 1984-1985, 1991-1992, 1995, and 1997-1998. On the other hand, the 4US WMI reveals that certain models of the BMW 318i, specifically in the years 1995-1996, were produced by BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America in Greer, South Carolina, United States. This differentiation helps in tracing the geographic origin of the vehicle and understanding the global footprint of the BMW manufacturing network.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 318i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1984-1985, 1991-1992, 1995, 1997-1998
• Example VIN: WBAAK7400E8710068
• Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Munich
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

WMI: 4US

• Model Years Covered: 1995-1996
• Example VIN: 4USCC7327SLA00196
• Manufacturer Name: BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Greer
• State or Province: South Carolina
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a BMW 318i 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 318i:

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 318i 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 318i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 318i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 318i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 318i

The final 6 characters in a BMW 318i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 318i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1995, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: A VIN can specify the body class and size, such as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and capacity.
• Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information encoded within the VIN includes the engine manufacturer, such as BMW Manufacturing Corp., model specifications like a 4-Value engine, and performance details, for example, a horsepower of 137 from a 1.796 liters (109.6 cubic inches) engine.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type of the vehicle, which can be crucial for understanding operational costs and environmental impact, with this example utilizing Gasoline.
• Safety Features: Safety features are a significant aspect, with the VIN indicating essential safety equipment such as front airbags for both the driver and passenger and information about the restraint system, like a manual seat belt and a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).
• Production Details: Insights into the vehicle’s production, including the manufacturing location (e.g., Greer, South Carolina, United States), can be decoded from the VIN, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin and potentially the quality of workmanship.
• Specific Vehicle Series: A VIN may also disclose the specific series of a model, like the 3 Series for BMW, providing further details about the vehicle’s design, features, and overall market positioning.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 318i