Free 1996 BMW 318i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 BMW 318i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 BMW 318i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle. Specifically, for the 1996 BMW 318i, the WMI “4US” indicates that the vehicle was produced by BMW Manufacturer Corporation or BMW North America, in Greer, South Carolina, United States. WMIs are crucial for vehicle identification, allowing for the distinction between manufacturers and the specific locations where vehicles are made. This system is part of the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) used worldwide to ensure consistency and traceability of vehicles. For the given BMW model, the WMI not only confirms its origin but also classifies the vehicle as a passenger car made in the USA.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 BMW 318i

WMI: 4US

• Model Years Covered: 1995-1996
• Example VIN: 4USCD7321TLC50662
• 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 1996 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 1996 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 1996 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 1996 BMW 318i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 BMW 318i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 BMW 318i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 BMW 318i

The final 6 characters in a 1996 BMW 318i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1996 BMW 318i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being from around the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN can contain information about the engine, such as a 1.897-liter displacement and 137 horsepower from a 4-cylinder engine crafted by BMW Manufacturing Corp., offering insights into the vehicle’s power and performance.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For this BMW 318i of the 3 Series, this may indicate a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s size and utility.
• Safety Features: Safety measures such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger, along with a manual seat belt type, may be confirmed through the VIN, indicating essential safety measures.
• Fuel Type: The VIN details can indicate that the vehicle primarily utilizes Gasoline, providing insights into the fuel type specification.
• Production Details: Manufacturing insights, such as the vehicle being produced in Greer, South Carolina, United States, by BMW, are denoted in the VIN, offering information about the vehicle’s origin and production details.
• Additional Restraint Systems: The VIN might detail additional safety features like the Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), signifying advanced safety measures beyond basic setups.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 BMW 318i

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