Free 2003 BMW 325i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2003 BMW 325i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 BMW 325i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the 2003 BMW 325i, the WMI is “WBA,” indicating that it’s a vehicle manufactured by BMW AG. This designation reveals that the car originates from Munich, Germany, specifically pointing to BMW’s renowned reputation for precision engineering and luxury. The WMI code not only helps in identifying the manufacturer but also provides insights into the vehicle type, in this case, designating it as a passenger car. Knowing the WMI is crucial for vehicle registration, identification, and for obtaining specific information about the car’s origins and manufacturer specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 BMW 325i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1987-1995, 2001-2006
• Example VIN: WBAEV33403PD00723
• 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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 BMW 325i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2003 BMW 325i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 BMW 325i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 BMW 325i

The final 6 characters in a 2003 BMW 325i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2003 BMW 325i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: It may provide insights into where the vehicle was assembled, such as the possibility of being assembled in Pretoria, South Africa.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN contains essential information about a vehicle, including that it is a 325i model with a sedan/saloon body class and features an engine capable of 184 horsepower from a 6-cylinder engine.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type can be revealed, showing that the vehicle likely runs on gasoline.
• Safety and Size Classifications: The VIN allows for an understanding of the vehicle’s size and weight class, indicating it falls within Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb, which can impact its handling, safety, and possibly insurance rates.
• Body Type and Size: Through the VIN, the body type of the vehicle is identified as a sedan/saloon with 4 doors, and the wheelbase is specified to be 107.3 inches, all of which can give insights into the vehicle’s dimensions and capacity.
• Engine Details: Specific engine characteristics such as the number of cylinders and engine brake horsepower are encoded in the VIN, providing critical information about the vehicle’s performance capabilities.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 BMW 325i