Free 2011 BMW 328i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2011 BMW 328i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2011 BMW 328i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) serves as a unique code that identifies the maker of a particular vehicle, providing insight into the vehicle’s place of manufacture, the manufacturing company, and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, BMW AG, a prestigious auto manufacturer based in Munich, Germany, is designated by the WMI “WBA” for its passenger cars like the 2011 BMW 328i. This specific WMI signals that the vehicle was produced by BMW in Munich, characterizing it as part of the esteemed lineage of German-engineered passenger cars. The WMI is crucial for vehicle identification, regulatory compliance, and ensuring compatibility with regional standards. It not only authenticates the vehicle’s origin but also aids in tracking recalls, registrations, and warranty claims.

List of WMI Codes for a 2011 BMW 328i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2007-2016
• Example VIN: WBAKE3C50BE441570
• 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 2011 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 2011 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 2011 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 2011 BMW 328i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2011 BMW 328i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2011 BMW 328i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2011 BMW 328i

The final 6 characters in a 2011 BMW 328i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2011 BMW 328i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2011, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN might indicate the body class as a Sedan/Saloon, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and functionality. It is possible that this vehicle has 4 doors, providing details about its access and passenger capacity.
• Engine Specifications: Based on the VIN, it might suggest an engine with a displacement of 3.0 liters (182.8 CI or 2995.555 CC) and engine power starting from 230 horsepower, possibly equipped with a six-cylinder engine, indicating a certain level of performance.
• Safety Features: The VIN data suggests that the vehicle may include comprehensive safety features such as curtain airbags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for the driver and passenger in the 1st row, pretensioners for the driver and front passenger, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
• Fuel Type: The VIN data may indicate that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, providing necessary information on fuel compatibility and efficiency.
• Vehicle Production Details: The VIN suggests that the vehicle was manufactured in Rosslyn, South Africa, potentially affecting parts availability and market value.
• Vehicle Identification: The trim level identified as xDrive might suggest an all-wheel-drive configuration, potentially enhancing the vehicle’s handling and performance characteristics.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2011 BMW 328i

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