How to decode a BMW 325e VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 325e VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier, or WMI, is a unique code that is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle and often includes information about the vehicle type and the country where the vehicle was manufactured. For the BMW 325e, the WMI is WBA, which signifies that the vehicle was produced by BMW AG, a prestigious German automaker known for its luxury vehicles. The W in the WMI indicates that the vehicle was made in Germany, while the B stands for BMW. This code is an essential part of the VIN, which can be used to obtain specific information about a particular vehicle, such as its model, production year, and assembly plant.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 325e
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1984-1985
- Example VIN: WBAAB5405E1003884
- 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 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 BMW 325e:
| Known VDS for a BMW 325e | |
|---|---|
| AB540 | AB640 |
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 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 BMW 325e VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| F | 1985 BMW 325e |
| E | 1984 BMW 325e |
11th Character in the BMW 325e VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 325e Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAAB5405E1003884 | ||
| 9 | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAAB5403F9507854 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 325e
The final 6 characters in a BMW 325e’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 325e’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 325e is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 325e, where it meets the windshield. This is a common place for the VIN plate to be displayed and can be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Open the driver’s side door and check the area where the door latches to the frame, also known as the door jamb. The VIN might be located on a label or sticker here.
- Inspect the engine bay. The VIN can often be found stamped on the firewall or on a plate attached to the firewall.
- Look at the rear wheel well. Sometimes the VIN is stamped above the tire.
- Check your vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance documents, which should list the VIN.
- Consult the owner’s manual or maintenance records where the VIN might be recorded.
- If you still cannot find the VIN, contact a BMW dealership or a professional mechanic who can assist in locating it on your 325e.
What info can a BMW 325e VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the years 1984-1985, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Assembly Plant: The VIN can provide information about the assembly plant, such as the vehicle being assembled at Dingolfing in Germany.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle is classified as a passenger car, offering insights into the primary use of the vehicle.
Don’t have your BMW 325e’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 325e
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2687.478496 |
| Displacement (CI) | 164 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.687478496 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 121 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 325/325e |
| Model Year | 1985 |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Series2 | E30 |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAAB540*F9 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAAB5403F9507854 |
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