Free 1988 BMW 325i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 BMW 325i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 BMW 325i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers. It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as a fingerprint that identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For instance, the 1988 BMW 325i features a WMI of “WBA”, denoting it as a passenger car produced by BMW AG in Munich, Germany. This specific WMI guides the identification of vehicles across global markets, ensuring that each car’s manufacturing origin, brand, and type are easily recognizable. The utilization of WMIs is essential for regulatory compliance, accurate vehicle tracking, and historical record-keeping within the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 BMW 325i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1987-1995, 2001-2006
• Example VIN: WBABB2300J8858742
• 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 1988 BMW 325i 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 1988 BMW 325i:

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 1988 BMW 325i 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 1988 BMW 325i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 BMW 325i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 BMW 325i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 BMW 325i

The final 6 characters in a 1988 BMW 325i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1988 BMW 325i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN provides details about the engine manufacturer (BMW-AG), engine model (4-Value), displacement in liters (2.490833728 L), cubic inches (152 CI), and the engine’s horsepower (168 hp), offering insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Body Class and Vehicle Type: The VIN contains information on the body class as a Convertible/Cabriolet and identifies it as a Passenger Car, providing details about the vehicle’s design and functionality for potential buyers or enthusiasts.
• Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which can be crucial for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Transmission and Safety Features: The VIN provides details on the transmission style as Automatic and the seat belt type as Manual, which are key factors in driving experience and safety.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN points to production specifics such as the Plant Country being Germany, potentially in Munich or Dingolfing, affording insight into the vehicle’s origin and build quality.
• Vehicle Series and Trim: Descriptors like the Series (3-Series, E30) and the Trim (Cabrio) give further clues into the vehicle’s market positioning, design characteristics, and features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 BMW 325i

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