Free BMW 330Ci VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 330Ci VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 330Ci VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of three characters that identifies the manufacturer of a particular vehicle, providing insights into where the vehicle was made and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, in the WMI code WBA, it signifies a car made by BMW AG in Munich, Germany, specifically marking it as a passenger car. This coding system is a standardized approach to recognize vehicle manufacturers globally, using a specific sequence of letters and numbers in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to assure uniqueness and traceability. The WMI is a vital component for automotive manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and consumers, offering a clear method to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and certain key characteristics about the vehicle itself. For models like the BMW 330Ci produced between 2001 and 2004, the WMI not only confirms it as a product of BMW’s renowned engineering but also provides a geographical trace to its production site in Munich.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 330Ci

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2001-2004
• Example VIN: WBABN53401JU21604
• 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 BMW 330Ci 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 BMW 330Ci:

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 BMW 330Ci 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 BMW 330Ci VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 330Ci VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 330Ci Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 330Ci

The final 6 characters in a BMW 330Ci’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 330Ci VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2004, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN details indicate that the vehicle is possibly a Passenger Car with a body class of Convertible/Cabriolet, offering insights into its potential design and functionality.
• Engine Specifications: It is suggested by the VIN that the vehicle possibly has an engine from BMW-AG with a displacement of 3 liters (approximately 2979 CC or 181.8 CI) and 225 horsepower, which might highlight the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: According to the VIN, there’s a chance that the primary fuel type for the vehicle is Gasoline, providing potential information on fuel compatibility and efficiency.
• Safety Features: The VIN data suggests the vehicle is equipped with front airbags located in the 1st row (Driver and Passenger) and features a Dual-stage Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), potentially emphasizing passenger safety.
• Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was possibly manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, potentially shedding light on its origin and the potential quality and standards of its production.
• Model and Series: The dataset specifies the model as 330Ci and the series as 3-Series, which may be vital for identifying the vehicle’s market positioning and related specifications.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 330Ci