Free 1987 BMW 325iC VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1987 BMW 325iC VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1987 BMW 325iC VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an essential part of a vehicle’s identification number (VIN), serving as a unique code to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, model years, and country of origin among other details. For BMW vehicles manufactured between 1987 and 1991, and then again between 1994 and 1995, the WMI is “WBA,” indicating that BMW AG in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This code is particularly relevant for models such as the 1987 BMW 325ic, a passenger car known for its innovation and design. By examining the WMI, one can glean not only the make and model year of the vehicle but also its manufacturing location, further underscoring the global footprint of the automotive industry. This system of identification ensures that every vehicle can be uniquely identified and traced back to its manufacturer, enhancing both regulatory compliance and consumer information.

List of WMI Codes for a 1987 BMW 325iC

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1987-1991, 1994-1995
• Example VIN: WBABB1301H1925510
• 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 1987 BMW 325iC 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 1987 BMW 325iC:

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 1987 BMW 325iC 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 1987 BMW 325iC VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1987 BMW 325iC VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1987 BMW 325iC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1987 BMW 325iC

The final 6 characters in a 1987 BMW 325iC’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 325iC’s VIN below:

What info can a 1987 BMW 325iC VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1987, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: A VIN might indicate both the vehicle type, such as Passenger Car, and the specific body class, for example, Convertible/Cabriolet, clarifying the vehicle’s design and intended use.
• Engine Details: Details like the engine manufacturer being BMW-AG, the number of cylinders (6), and the engine’s horsepower (168 hp) can provide insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can typically reveal the primary Fuel Type, possibly Gasoline in this case, helping to understand fuel consumption and environmental impact.
• Plant Information: The manufacturing location, including the plant city Dingolfing and country Germany, can be decoded from the VIN, offering insight into the vehicle’s origin and potentially its build quality.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Information about the weight class, such as Class 1: 6,000 lb or less, may help in understanding the vehicle’s size, usage limitations, and possibly its handling characteristics.
• Model and Trim: The VIN can provide specific model (325iC) and trim (Cabrio) details, along with series information (3-Series, E30), offering detailed identification that can aid in finding the correct parts, understanding features, and valuing the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1987 BMW 325iC