Free BMW 323is VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 323is VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 323is VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code composed of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. It reveals crucial information such as the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, in the case of a BMW 323is from the 1999 model year, the WMI indicates that the car was manufactured by BMW AG, a renown German automaker based in Munich. This specific WMI signifies that the vehicle is a passenger car, showcasing the international system’s ability to provide detailed insights into the vehicle’s origin and category. Such identifiers are essential for various purposes, including registration, insurance, and tracking recalls, ensuring that every vehicle can be uniquely traced back to its maker.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 323is

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1999
• Example VIN: WBABF8332XEH63937
• 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 BMW 323is 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 BMW 323is:

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 BMW 323is 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 BMW 323is VIN — Year Code

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

Known BMW 323is Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 323is

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

What info can a BMW 323is VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1999, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: It may indicate the body class as a Coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: Details about the engine, including its manufacturer (BMW-AG), the number of cylinders being 6, and the horsepower, which could possibly start from 170 hp, can often be found.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle can typically be identified, which in this case is likely Gasoline.
• Safety Features: Safety features, including potential airbag locations (1st Row for both Driver and Passenger) and the type of seat belt (Manual), may be provided.
• Vehicle Manufacturing Info: The VIN often contains information about the manufacturing location, such as the city (Regensburg) and country (Germany).
• Vehicle Series and Type: Information about the vehicle’s series (3-Series) and the general type (Passenger Car) can usually be discerned.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 323is