Free 2016 BMW 320i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2016 BMW 320i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW 320i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial segment of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), consisting of the first three characters. This unique code identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle, the specific location where it was made, and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, in the case of a 2016 BMW 320i, the WMI indicates that the car was manufactured by BMW AG, a prestigious automobile company based in Munich, Germany. This identifier specifies that the vehicle is a passenger car, providing crucial information about its classification. The WMI code serves as a global standard for distinguishing vehicles’ origin, manufacturer, and type, vital for regulatory, service, and safety purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW 320i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1983, 2013-2018
• Example VIN: WBA8A3C50GK551257
• 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 BMW 320i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2016 BMW 320i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 BMW 320i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW 320i

The final 6 characters in a 2016 BMW 320i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2016 BMW 320i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the 2016 model year, providing insights into the vehicle’s age and potentially its design features and technology level.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN indicates the body class as a Sedan/Saloon, suggesting a four-door passenger car designed for comfort and convenience.
• Engine Specifications: It highlights an engine with 1995cc (approximately 2L) displacement, 181 horsepower, and four cylinders, providing details about the vehicle’s power and efficiency.
• Safety Features: The VIN reveals safety equipment such as curtain airbags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for the driver and passenger, knee airbags, and pretensioners for the driver and front passenger, reflecting comprehensive protective measures.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type is gasoline, which can inform the potential owner about fuel consumption and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN specifies the plant city as Rosslyn and country as South Africa, offering insights into the vehicle’s origin which may influence quality perceptions.
• Additional Specifications: Features like a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and manual seat belt type are also detailed, which contribute to the vehicle’s safety and user experience.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 BMW 320i