Free 1991 BMW 318iS VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1991 BMW 318iS VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1991 BMW 318iS VIN

WMIs, or World Manufacturer Identifiers, are unique codes used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. Comprised of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), WMIs reveal essential information about where and by whom a vehicle was produced. For instance, BMW AG, a renowned automobile manufacturer based in Munich, Germany, is identified by the WMI “WBA”, indicating its origin and brand. This specific identifier is crucial, especially for models like the 1991 BMW 318is, as it assists in verifying the authenticity of the vehicle and facilitates the retrieval of detailed specifications and manufacturing details. Essentially, the WMI serves as a passport for vehicles, providing a standardized recognition across the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 1991 BMW 318iS

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1991-1996
• Example VIN: WBAAF9310MEE66290
• 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 318iS 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 318iS:

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 318iS 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 318iS VIN — Year Code

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

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

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1991 BMW 318iS

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

What info can a 1991 BMW 318iS VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN might suggest that the vehicle is from the model year 1991, giving possible insights into its age and market value.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN may uncover manufacturing specifics, potentially revealing that the vehicle was assembled in Regensburg, Germany by BMW-AG.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic details about the 318iS model, such as a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine with around 134 horsepower, can typically be decoded from the VIN, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s capabilities.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN can hint at the body type, suggesting that this vehicle is a Coupe with 2 doors, providing possible insights into its design and functionality.
• Engine Manufacturer and Model: Information about the engine, including that it was made by BMW-AG and is a 4-Value model, might be derived from the VIN, potentially offering a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle might be identified through the VIN, with this specific car possibly using Gasoline, aiding in understanding its efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Details about safety, such as the potential presence of a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), might be hinted at through the VIN, possibly reflecting the safety measures the manufacturer has incorporated.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1991 BMW 318iS