Free 1988 BMW 325iS VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 BMW 325iS VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 BMW 325iS VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or three-digit code assigned to each vehicle manufacturer globally, forming the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code precisely identifies the manufacturing company, the country of production, and the specific type of vehicle. For instance, BMW 325is vehicles produced in 1988 have a WMI code that signals BMW AG as the manufacturer. Such vehicles were specifically assembled in Munich, Germany, and classified as passenger cars. This identifier not only authenticates the vehicle’s origin but also aids in tracking its history and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 BMW 325iS

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1987-1988, 1990-1991, 1993-1995
• Example VIN: WBAAA1305J8254094
• 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 325iS 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 325iS:

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 325iS 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 325iS VIN — Year Code

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

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

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 BMW 325iS

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

Check your BMW 325iS’s VIN below:

What info can a 1988 BMW 325iS VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating a production year around 1988. This provides insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Plant Country: Through the VIN, one might learn about the vehicle’s manufacturing location, such as in Germany for this particular unit. This sheds light on the vehicle’s origin and potential quality standards.
• Engine Details: Details about the engine, including its manufacturer (BMW-AG), model (4-Value), displacement (2.495 liters or 152.30 cubic inches), and horsepower (168 hp), can typically be extracted from a VIN report. This information can provide crucial insight into the vehicle’s performance and power capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, which is Gasoline for this vehicle, can often be identified through the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the vehicle’s energy consumption and emissions.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN often includes information on the vehicle’s body class, such as Sedan/Saloon, and the number of doors (2 in this case), which aids in understanding the vehicle’s size and style. This can offer important information for potential buyers and enthusiasts interested in the vehicle’s design.
• Transmission Style: The type of transmission equipped in the vehicle, whether it be Automatic or Manual, is another aspect commonly found in VIN details. This information provides valuable insights into the driving experience and potential maintenance needs.
• Seat Belt Type: Safety equipment like the type of seat belts used (Manual in this scenario) can usually be discerned, highlighting the vehicle’s safety features and compliance. This information is crucial for understanding the safety standards and features of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 BMW 325iS

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