Free 1996 BMW 328iS VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 BMW 328iS VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 BMW 328iS VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. For the 1996 BMW 328is, the WMI is “WBA”, which specifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, one of the world’s leading luxury automobile manufacturers. This code is the first section of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and provides vital information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing location, which for this model is Munich, Germany. The WMI not only identifies the manufacturer but also indicates the vehicle type, in this case, a passenger car. This system of identification is standardized globally, ensuring that each vehicle’s origin and type are easily recognizable.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 BMW 328iS

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1996-1999
• Example VIN: WBABG1322TET01056
• 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 1996 BMW 328iS 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 1996 BMW 328iS:

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 1996 BMW 328iS 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 1996 BMW 328iS VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 BMW 328iS VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 BMW 328iS Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 BMW 328iS

The final 6 characters in a 1996 BMW 328iS’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1996 BMW 328iS VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Make and Model: The VIN decodes to a BMW 328iS, which can give a detailed understanding of the specific make and model of the vehicle.
• Engine Type and Power: The VIN provides information about the engine, indicating a 6-cylinder engine produced by BMW-AG with a displacement of 2.79 liters or 170.4 cubic inches, and an engine brake horsepower starting from 190 hp, giving an idea of the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Body Type and Doors: The VIN specifies the body type as a Coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Fuel Type: The VIN reveals the primary fuel type for the vehicle as gasoline, which is a critical specification for understanding fuel economy and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Safety features such as front air bag locations in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, manual seat belts, and the presence of a Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) can be gleaned from the VIN.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN discloses that the vehicle was manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, providing insight into the origin and production quality.
• Vehicle Type and Weight Class: The vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car within the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of Class 1, which is 6,000 lb or less, showcasing its size and potential use category.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 BMW 328iS

Source