Free 1999 BMW 328i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1999 BMW 328i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 BMW 328i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally. For the 1999 BMW 328i, the WMI is “WBA”, pinpointing BMW AG as the manufacturer. This code is crucial in identifying the vehicle’s make, which originates from Munich, Germany, and classifies the vehicle as a passenger car. The WMI is an integral part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), assisting in vehicle tracking and identification across various databases and systems. This makes the WMI a foundational element in automotive identification and regulatory practices worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 BMW 328i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2007-2016
• Example VIN: WBAAM5330XFR04785
• 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 1999 BMW 328i 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 1999 BMW 328i:

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 1999 BMW 328i 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 1999 BMW 328i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1999 BMW 328i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 BMW 328i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 BMW 328i

The final 6 characters in a 1999 BMW 328i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1999 BMW 328i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1999, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: Specific manufacturing details such as the plant city being Munich and the country as Germany, showcasing where the vehicle was assembled, can be identified through the VIN.
• Vehicle Specifications: Detailed specifications, such as the make BMW for the model 328i and the series being 3-Series, highlight the model information encoded within the VIN.
• Engine and Performance: Information on engine specifics, including a 2.79L displacement with 193 horsepower, manufactured by BMW-AG, and featuring six cylinders, may be provided through the VIN.
• Safety Features: Safety features such as the presence of 1st row airbags for both driver and passenger, along with manual seat belts, may be included, highlighting the vehicle’s equipped safety systems.
• Body Class and Size: The body class of a vehicle, like a Sedan/Saloon with four doors, can be determined, providing insight into the vehicle’s size and style.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle, in this example gasoline, indicating the vehicle’s energy source.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 BMW 328i

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