Free 1996 BMW 318iS VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 BMW 318iS VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 BMW 318iS VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that categorizes vehicles by their manufacturer, origin, and type. Specifically, for the 1996 BMW 318is, the WMI indicates that it was built by BMW AG, showcasing the prestigious engineering and design for which this German automaker is renowned. Identifiable by its leading characters in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the WMI not only hints at the vehicle’s origin, Munich, Germany, but also classifies it as a passenger car. This information is crucial for recognizing the vehicle’s manufacturing legacy, ensuring parts compatibility, and understanding its specifications. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI, like that of the 1996 BMW 318is, reveals much about its background and build quality.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 BMW 318iS

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1991-1996
• Example VIN: WBABE8328TEY30882
• 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 1996 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 1996 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 1996 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 1996 BMW 318iS VIN — Year Code

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

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

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 BMW 318iS

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

Check your BMW 318iS’s VIN below:

VIN

Search

What info can a 1996 BMW 318iS VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Plant Country: It often includes the country where the vehicle was manufactured, for example, possibly Germany.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic BMW 318iS model information, including engine details like a 1.90-liter displacement and a 137 horsepower engine manufactured by BMW-AG, can typically be deciphered from a VIN, providing valuable insights into the vehicle’s performance and specifications.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can specify the body class, revealing that the vehicle is a Coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Safety Features: Essential safety information, such as the presence of front air bags for both the driver and passenger and other restraint systems like a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), is often encoded in the VIN, enhancing understanding of the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, which can be crucial for understanding efficiency and environmental impact, is typically noted; in this instance, it’s possibly gasoline.
• Engine Number of Cylinders: A VIN may provide insights into the engine’s specifications, such as the number of cylinders, which is 4 in this example, contributing to understanding the vehicle’s power and performance.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 BMW 318iS