Free BMW i3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW i3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW i3 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences that identify the manufacturer of a vehicle internationally. These codes are the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), providing key information about the vehicle’s maker, type, and place of manufacture. For instance, BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany, is assigned the WMI WBY for its electric passenger car, the BMW i3, for model years 2014 through 2021. This specific WMI reflects BMW’s specialization in the production of electric vehicles in addition to its traditional range. Essentially, WMIs serve as an essential tool for identifying vehicle specifics, including the manufacturer’s identity and vehicle type, across the global automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW i3

WMI: WBY

• Model Years Covered: 2014-2021
• Example VIN: WBY1Z4C50EV272730
• 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 i3 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 i3:

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 i3 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 i3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW i3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW i3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW i3

The final 6 characters in a BMW i3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW i3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2019, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN may reveal that the vehicle is a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 5 doors, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Type: From the VIN, it can be determined that the vehicle has an Electric/2-Cylinder Gasoline engine with a displacement of 0.6 liters and 170 horsepower, indicating a hybrid engine setup typified by a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
• Safety Features: The VIN can unravel comprehensive safety features, specifying the presence of standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and multiple airbag locations including the 1st and 2nd rows, alongside optional safety technologies like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).
• Drive Type: Insights into the vehicle’s drive type being Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) may be available, providing a better understanding of the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Additional Specifications: The VIN may include detail on notable standard technologies and conveniences such as a Backup Camera, Keyless Ignition, and Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), alongside optional enhancements like a Parking Assist system.
• Fuel and Efficiency: Information on the vehicle’s fuel management can be provided, indicating it primarily operates on Electric power with Gasoline as a secondary fuel, supporting its classification as a PHEV.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN may include production specifics, highlighting the vehicle’s assembly in Leipzig, Germany, which adds an important dimension to understanding its origin and possibly affecting its valuation and appeal.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW i3