Free 1986 BMW 325/325e VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1986 BMW 325/325e VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1986 BMW 325/325e VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of vehicles globally. It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), indicating the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of production, and vehicle type. In the case of the 1986 BMW 325-325e, the WMI points to BMW AG as the manufacturer, with Munich, Germany, as the location of production. This specific WMI also identifies the vehicle as a passenger car, signifying its primary use. These identifiers are essential for tracking, registration, and recall purposes, serving as a fingerprint for each vehicle produced.

List of WMI Codes for a 1986 BMW 325/325e

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1988
• Example VIN: WBAAE5407G0985983
• 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 1986 BMW 325/325e 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 1986 BMW 325/325e:

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 1986 BMW 325/325e 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 1986 BMW 325/325e VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1986 BMW 325/325e VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1986 BMW 325/325e Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1986 BMW 325/325e

The final 6 characters in a 1986 BMW 325/325e’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 325/325e’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1986 BMW 325/325e VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year 1986, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Make and Model: The data specifies the vehicle as a BMW 325/325e from the 3-Series E30, offering detailed identification useful for parts compatibility, vehicle history checks, and more.
• Engine Specifications: It features an in-line 6-cylinder engine manufactured by BMW-AG, with a displacement of approximately 2.687 liters (164 cubic inches), hinting at the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The data indicates that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which is vital for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN classifies the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, aiding in identifying the vehicle’s style, practicality, and potential usage.
• Safety Features: The VIN data suggests that the vehicle is equipped with manual seat belts, giving a glimpse into the safety features that were standard at the time of manufacture.
• Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was produced in Dingolfing, Germany, possibly reflecting the vehicle’s build quality and origin of manufacture.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1986 BMW 325/325e

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