Free 1998 BMW 323iC VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 BMW 323iC VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 BMW 323iC VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, its origin, and the type of vehicle it is. In the case of the 1998 BMW 323ic, the WMI “WBA” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany, and categorizes it as a Passenger Car. This alphanumeric code not only indicates the prestigious manufacturing company but also highlights its German heritage, associating the vehicle with the renowned engineering and luxury standards synonymous with the country and BMW brand. Through the WMI, we are provided with essential information about the vehicle’s origins and manufacturer at a glance, demonstrating the global system’s effectiveness in universally categorizing vehicles.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 BMW 323iC

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1997-1999
• Example VIN: WBABK8333WEY90316
• 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 1998 BMW 323iC 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 1998 BMW 323iC:

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 1998 BMW 323iC 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 1998 BMW 323iC VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 BMW 323iC VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 BMW 323iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 BMW 323iC

The final 6 characters in a 1998 BMW 323iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 BMW 323iC VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN decodes to show the body class as a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, providing insights into the vehicle’s design and configuration.
• Engine Type and Power: It illustrates engine details, such as an In-Line engine configuration with 6 cylinders and a displacement of 2.8 Liters or 170.866 CI, possibly producing up to 190 horsepower.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type indicated by the VIN is Gasoline, shedding light on the vehicle’s potential efficiency and environmental footprint.
• Safety Features: Safety features can be inferred, such as the possibility of the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, potentially highlighting the vehicle’s safety measures.
• Vehicle Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides manufacturing information, potentially indicating that the vehicle was assembled in Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany, contributing to its history and origin.
• Transmission and Series: This specific vehicle, belonging to the 3-Series, is possibly equipped with an automatic transmission, potentially offering insights into the driving dynamics and performance.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 BMW 323iC