Free 1991 BMW 318i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1991 BMW 318i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1991 BMW 318i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a vehicle’s identification number (VIN), which indicates specific details about the car, including its manufacturer and the country of production. For the 1991 BMW 318i, the WMI indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, a renowned automaker based in Munich, Germany. This code is instrumental in providing a clear understanding of the vehicle’s origins and manufacturer, serving as a global standard for identifying motor vehicles. The specific designation relates not only to the 318i model but indicates that the car is a passenger vehicle, underscoring how WMIs facilitate the classification and registration of vehicles worldwide. This coding system is vital for regulatory, registration, and manufacturing processes, ensuring vehicles are easily identifiable.

List of WMI Codes for a 1991 BMW 318i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1984-1985, 1991-1992, 1995, 1997-1998
• Example VIN: WBAAJ9311MEJ05386
• 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 1991 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 1991 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 1991 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 1991 BMW 318i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1991 BMW 318i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1991 BMW 318i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1991 BMW 318i

The final 6 characters in a 1991 BMW 318i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 318i’s VIN below:

What info can a 1991 BMW 318i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The vehicle’s VIN suggests that it may have been manufactured in 1991, providing insights into the age and potentially the design era of the vehicle.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which can affect fuel efficiency and environmental impact to a certain extent.
• Engine Specifications: The vehicle is equipped with a 1.796-liter engine producing at least 134 hp, offering some insights into its performance capabilities.
• Body Class and Doors: The vehicle is classified as a sedan/saloon with 4 doors, indicating its body style and passenger capacity.
• Safety Features: The presence of a Driver Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) may suggest the availability of enhanced safety measures such as airbags.
• Plant Information: The vehicle was manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, which could provide some hints about the manufacturing standards and quality.
• Series and Model: The vehicle belongs to the 3-Series, specifically the 318i model, providing some insights into its market positioning and features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1991 BMW 318i

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