Free 1998 BMW 328iS VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 BMW 328iS VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 BMW 328iS VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), pinpointing the manufacturer, the specific attributes of the vehicle, and its country of origin. Specifically, for the 1998 BMW 328is, the WMI reveals that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, a prestigious automotive company based in Munich, Germany. This designation confirms the vehicle as a passenger car produced by BMW, known for its luxury and performance. The WMI is an essential part of a vehicle’s identification, ensuring a global standard for recognizing the manufacturer’s details and the vehicle’s production location.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 BMW 328iS

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1996-1999
• Example VIN: WBABG1323WET07436
• 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 BMW 328iS VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 BMW 328iS VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 BMW 328iS Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 BMW 328iS

The final 6 characters in a 1998 BMW 328iS’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 BMW 328iS VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle is from the 1998 model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN reveals that the vehicle is a Passenger Car, specifically a Coupe with 2 doors, possibly showcasing its size, type, and design features.
• Engine Type: The VIN provides details about the engine, indicating a 2.494-liter, six-cylinder engine by BMW-AG, potentially offering insights into the car’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Efficiency: The VIN discloses the primary fuel type as Gasoline, which might provide clues about the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The VIN suggests that the vehicle comes equipped with front airbags for both the driver and passenger, along with manual safety belts, indicating a focus on passenger safety.
• Manufacturing Details: According to the VIN, the car was manufactured in Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany, by BMW-AG, possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s origin and build quality.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN may classify the vehicle under Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less, potentially aiding in understanding the vehicle’s size categorization and registration requirements.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 BMW 328iS

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