How to decode a BMW 335xi VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 335xi VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier, or WMI, is a unique three-letter code at the beginning of every vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) which indicates the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the BMW 335xi, the WMI code is ‘WBA’, which is assigned to BMW AG, the prestigious carmaker headquartered in Munich, Germany. This identifier not only confirms the vehicle as a genuine BMW product but also helps in classifying it as a passenger car. BMWS globally recognized for their luxurious design and performance, the BMW 335xi included, carry the WMI ‘WBA’ as a stamp of their origin and manufacturing standards that resonate with the brand’s esteemed reputation.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 335xi
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2007-2008
- Example VIN: WBAVD53507A006025
- 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 335xi 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 335xi:
| Known VDS for a BMW 335xi | |
|---|---|
| VD535 | WC735 |
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 335xi 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 335xi VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 8 | 2008 BMW 335xi |
| 7 | 2007 BMW 335xi |
11th Character in the BMW 335xi VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 335xi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Regensburg | Germany | WBAWC735585064094 | ||
| A | Munich | Germany | WBAVD53507A006025 | ||
| E | Regensburg | Germany | WBAWC73508E062057 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 335xi
The final 6 characters in a BMW 335xi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 335xi’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 335xi is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower-left corner of the dashboard, in front of the steering wheel of your BMW 335xi. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb area of your BMW 335xi; the VIN is commonly placed on a sticker or a plate where the door latches shut.
- Inspect the engine bay of your BMW 335xi; the VIN can often be found on the firewall or on a strut tower.
- Review your BMW 335xi’s vehicle registration documents; the VIN is printed on your car’s title, insurance paperwork, and registration card.
- Look in the trunk under the carpet or the spare tire well where the VIN may be stamped directly into the metal.
- Check the front frame of the BMW 335xi, where the hood latches close; sometimes the VIN is located there.
- Examine the BMW 335xi’s owner’s manual or service book; the VIN is typically recorded there by dealerships during maintenance or servicing.
What info can a BMW 335xi VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle, such as being a BMW 335xi from a specific year.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN confirms that the vehicle is manufactured by BMW AG, a reputable carmaker known for luxury and performance, which may impact perceptions of its quality and engineering.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN classifies the BMW 335xi as a passenger car, providing insight into its intended use and design, suggesting it is designed for personal transportation.
- Body Class: The VIN indicates that the BMW 335xi is a sedan/saloon, giving information about its body style and size, potentially influencing the vehicle’s handling and interior space.
- Number of Doors: The VIN specifies that the BMW 335xi has four doors, which affects its accessibility and passenger capacity, offering insights into the vehicle’s practicality.
- Engine Number of Cylinders: The VIN reveals that the BMW 335xi is equipped with a 6-cylinder engine, highlighting its power and performance capabilities, indicating potential speed and strength.
- Fuel Type - Primary: The VIN indicates that the primary fuel type for the BMW 335xi is gasoline, influencing its fuel efficiency and performance, possibly affecting the vehicle’s operating costs and environmental impact.
Don’t have your BMW 335xi’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 335xi
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 2979.1682352 |
| Displacement (CI) | 181.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.0 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 300 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | 335xi |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14. |
| Plant City | Regensburg |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 3-Series |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAWC735*85 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAWC735585064094 |
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