Free 2004 BMW 325Ci VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2004 BMW 325Ci VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 BMW 325Ci VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial three-character sequence of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. For the 2004 BMW 325ci, the WMI is “WBA,” indicating that BMW AG in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This specific designation covers models from the years 2000 to 2006, revealing crucial information about the vehicle’s production. The WMI helps in understanding the origin and the make of the car, ensuring that each vehicle can be uniquely traced to its manufacturer. For instance, “WBA” not only aligns the car with BMW’s vast range of passenger vehicles but also underscores its German heritage.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 BMW 325Ci

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2000-2006
• Example VIN: WBABD33404PL03612
• 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 2004 BMW 325Ci 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 2004 BMW 325Ci:

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 2004 BMW 325Ci 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 2004 BMW 325Ci VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2004 BMW 325Ci VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 BMW 325Ci Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 BMW 325Ci

The final 6 characters in a 2004 BMW 325Ci’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 325Ci’s VIN below:

What info can a 2004 BMW 325Ci VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being from 2004, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Details: The VIN can provide specifics about the engine, such as the displacement being 2.5 liters or 152.2 cubic inches, and power output starting from 184 horsepower. The engine’s manufacturer is identified as BMW-AG, supporting an understanding of the vehicle’s origins and quality.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN can indicate the primary fuel type for the vehicle as gasoline, which can help in assessing fuel economy and emission standards.
• Safety Features: The VIN can indicate the presence of front airbags for the driver and passenger, alongside the inclusion of a dual-stage advanced supplemental restraint system (SRS), showcasing the vehicle’s commitment to passenger safety.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic information such as the BMW 325Ci model equipped with a 6-cylinder engine is encoded within the VIN. It also mentions the body class as a coupe with two doors, highlighting its design and structure.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides insight into the manufacturing location, revealing the city as Regensburg and the country as Germany, which can be critical for those interested in the vehicle’s production background.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The classification marked from Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) can help in understanding the vehicle’s capacity and usage constraints, which is essential for effective handling and compliance with regulations.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 BMW 325Ci

Source