Free 1998 BMW 318i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 BMW 318i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 BMW 318i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, detailing its country of origin, make, and vehicle type. For the 1998 BMW 318i, the WMI is “WBA,” which signifies that BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This specific WMI indicates that the vehicle is a passenger car, providing a starting point in decoding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to reveal detailed information about the car’s origins and specifications. The designation of “WBA” for BMW AG is utilized across a range of model years and models, underscoring the global system of classification and identification adopted by the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 BMW 318i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1984-1985, 1991-1992, 1995, 1997-1998
• Example VIN: WBACC9320WEE59871
• 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 BMW 318i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 BMW 318i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 BMW 318i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 BMW 318i

The final 6 characters in a 1998 BMW 318i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 BMW 318i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN can provide clues about the vehicle’s production site, noting this vehicle was assembled in Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany, potentially adding to its uniqueness or market value.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic information, such as the make “BMW” and model “318i”, along with engine details and transmission type (Automatic), is typically encoded within the VIN, offering a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s specifications.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can reveal the body type of the vehicle, indicating this one is a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, giving an understanding of the vehicle’s design and interior space.
• Safety Features: Information about safety features, such as the presence of 1st-row (driver and passenger) airbags and manual seat belts, can typically be deciphered from the VIN, providing insights into the safety aspects of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type: The VIN might specify the type of vehicle, showing whether it’s intended for personal, commercial, or other uses; this example specifies a Passenger Car, giving an indication of its intended use.
• Transmission Style: Insights into the vehicle’s drive operation can be extracted from the VIN, revealing an Automatic transmission style for smoother gear shifting, potentially impacting the driving experience.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 BMW 318i

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