Free 1985 BMW 318i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1985 BMW 318i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1985 BMW 318i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. This code provides detailed information about where the car was built, the manufacturer’s name, and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, a 1985 BMW 318i has a WMI that indicates it was manufactured by BMW AG in Munich, Germany. By examining this code, one can deduce that this BMW model falls under the category of passenger cars, showcasing the invaluable role WMIs play in providing insights into a vehicle’s origin and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 1985 BMW 318i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1984-1985, 1991-1992, 1995, 1997-1998
• Example VIN: WBAAK7403F8786028
• 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 1985 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 1985 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 1985 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 1985 BMW 318i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1985 BMW 318i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1985 BMW 318i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1985 BMW 318i

The final 6 characters in a 1985 BMW 318i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1985 BMW 318i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1985, providing insights into the age and potential vintage status of the car.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN indicates that this car was manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, which can help trace the vehicle’s origin and understand regional specifications or features.
• Vehicle Specifications: The BMW 318i is designated as a Sedan/Saloon body class with 2 doors, offering a clear picture of the vehicle’s design and functionality.
• Engine Information: The VIN suggests the engine is made by BMW-AG, with a displacement of approximately 1.77 liters and 108 cubic inches, indicating its size and potential performance as a 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing about 101 horsepower.
• Fuel Type: It runs on Gasoline, which is crucial for understanding emissions and fuel efficiency.
• Seat Belt Type: The vehicle is equipped with Manual seat belts, indicating the safety features designed into the vehicle at the time of manufacture.
• Series Information: Being part of the 3-Series, this information places the vehicle within BMW’s range of models, hinting at specific design philosophies and target markets.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1985 BMW 318i