Free 2009 BMW 328i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2009 BMW 328i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 BMW 328i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This code not only identifies the manufacturer but can also provide insight into the vehicle’s type, country of manufacture, and the specific plant where it was produced. For instance, BMW AG, a renowned German automaker based in Munich, Germany, uses the WMI “WBA” for a range of its passenger cars. This identifier covers several model years, including 2009 models such as the BMW 328i. The WMI forms the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is essential for tracking, registration, and identification purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 BMW 328i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2007-2016
• Example VIN: WBAWB33509P136028
• 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 BMW 328i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2009 BMW 328i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 BMW 328i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 BMW 328i

The final 6 characters in a 2009 BMW 328i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2009 BMW 328i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2009, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The specifications may include engine size, such as a 3.0L displacement with 230 horsepower, and the number of cylinders, which is six in this example, offering insights into the vehicle’s power and efficiency.
• Fuel Type: It can identify the vehicle’s primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, indicating its energy source and potential fuel economy.
• Safety Features: Important safety information like the presence of front airbags for the first row (Driver and Passenger) and details about the restraint system, which here includes a dual-stage supplemental restraint system (SRS), could be decoded, showcasing the vehicle’s emphasis on occupant protection.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class and size of the vehicle, such as a Wagon with four doors, giving an idea of the vehicle’s shape and utility.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): A VIN may provide the GVWR, categorized here as Class 1 (6,000 lb or less), which helps understand the vehicle’s maximum allowable weight, influencing payload and towing capacity.
• Manufacturing Information: It can uncover manufacturing details, including the plant city and country, with this vehicle being produced in Munich, Germany. This might interest those keen on understanding the vehicle’s origin and potentially its build quality.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 BMW 328i