Free 1994 BMW 318iS VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1994 BMW 318iS VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1994 BMW 318iS VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about the vehicle, including its place of manufacture, vehicle type, and brand. For the 1994 BMW 318is, the WMI “WBA” is allocated to BMW AG, indicating that this vehicle was manufactured by BMW in Munich, Germany. This passenger car represents one of the many models produced by BMW during the 1991-1996 model years. The WMI is essential in distinguishing vehicles made by different manufacturers and providing a snapshot of their origin and type.

List of WMI Codes for a 1994 BMW 318iS

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1991-1996
• Example VIN: WBABE5324RJA08601
• 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 1994 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 1994 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 1994 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 1994 BMW 318iS VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1994 BMW 318iS VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1994 BMW 318iS Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1994 BMW 318iS

The final 6 characters in a 1994 BMW 318iS’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1994 BMW 318iS VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year 1994, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: A VIN might hint at the vehicle’s manufacturing location, possibly reflecting on the build quality and availability of parts, with the 1994 BMW 318iS being produced in Regensburg, Germany.
• Vehicle Specifications: Through a VIN, one might uncover basic vehicle specifications such as the make BMW, the model 318iS, and engine details like a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine boasting 137 horsepower, which are essential for understanding performance and compatibility with parts.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can specify the body class, possibly revealing the 1994 BMW 318iS as a Coupe with 2 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s style, functionality, and size.
• Safety Features: Safety features like the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger and manual seat belts might be inferred from a VIN, indicating the vehicle’s adherence to safety standards of its production time.
• Fuel Type: A VIN decode might specify the vehicle’s primary fuel type as gasoline, which is crucial for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Engine Manufacturer: Detailed engine information, including the manufacturer BMW-AG and the model “4-Value,” can often be derived from a VIN, offering clues about the performance and reliability of the vehicle’s engine.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1994 BMW 318iS

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