Free 1982 BMW 320i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1982 BMW 320i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1982 BMW 320i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a crucial component of a vehicle’s unique identification number, known as the VIN, which tells us the who, what, and where of a vehicle’s manufacture. In the case of a 1982 BMW 320i, the WMI begins with “WBA,” indicating it was manufactured by BMW AG, a renown German automotive company based in Munich. This particular WMI sequence is linked to BMW passenger cars, highlighting this vehicle’s classification. Specifically, the WMI “WBA” was used for BMW vehicles produced in certain model years, including 1981-1983 and later in 2013-2018. Through just these first three characters of the VIN, a wealth of information about the vehicle’s origins, type, and manufacturer is unlocked, offering insights into its lineage and design standards.

List of WMI Codes for a 1982 BMW 320i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1983, 2013-2018
• Example VIN: WBAAG3301C8375461
• 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 1982 BMW 320i 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 1982 BMW 320i:

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 1982 BMW 320i 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 1982 BMW 320i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1982 BMW 320i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1982 BMW 320i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1982 BMW 320i

The final 6 characters in a 1982 BMW 320i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 320i’s VIN below:

What info can a 1982 BMW 320i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year 1982, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Munich, Germany, showcasing its possible origin.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic BMW 320i model information and engine details are encoded within the VIN, reflecting the vehicle’s make and model along with specific engine characteristics, such as its manufacturer being BMW-AG.
• Engine Details: The VIN can disclose intricate engine specifications such as displacement in liters (approximately 1.77 L), cubic centimeters (approximately 1769.80 CC), and cubic inches (approximately 108.00 CI), coupled with the engine having four cylinders.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle is possibly gasoline, offering insights into the vehicle’s fuel system and potential efficiency characteristics.
• Safety and Design Features: Information such as the body class being a Sedan/Saloon, the vehicle featuring 2 doors, and the inclusion of manual seat belts are insights potentially gleaned from the VIN, highlighting design and safety specifics.
• Vehicle Identification: Characters within the VIN, such as ‘WBAAG330*C8’, serve as a unique descriptor providing a fingerprint for the specific vehicle, including aspects like body type, model, and engine details.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1982 BMW 320i