Free 1998 BMW M3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 BMW M3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 BMW M3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an integral part of a vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), consisting of the first three characters. The WMI uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle, providing insights into where the vehicle was made and by whom. For instance, vehicles produced by BMW M GmbH, a performance division of BMW, bear the WMI “WBS”, indicative of their origin. This specific code is linked to passenger cars manufactured in Munich, Germany. The WMI also helps trace back the vehicle to BMW M GmbH for models produced in various years, including 1998, aligning with brands such as the BMW M3.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 BMW M3

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
• Example VIN: WBSCD9320WEE07777
• Manufacturer Name: BMW M GmbH
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Munich
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 BMW M3 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 M3:

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 M3 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 M3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 BMW M3

The final 6 characters in a 1998 BMW M3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW M3’s VIN below:

What info can a 1998 BMW M3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN may specify the body class, indicating it is a Passenger Car with a Convertible/Cabriolet body, highlighting the vehicle’s design and purpose.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN may also provide details on the manufacturing location, offering insights into the vehicle’s origin, for example, Regensburg, Germany.
• Engine Specifications: Essential engine details like an In-Line engine configuration with 6 cylinders and a displacement of 3.2 liters or 195.27598110314 cubic inches can be revealed, showing the vehicle’s power capacity.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can indicate the vehicle’s primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, which helps in understanding the vehicle’s consumption and environmental footprint.
• Transmission and Drive System: The transmission style, such as Automatic, might be included, offering clues about the vehicle’s drive performance and handling. Additionally, the drive system type, like 4x2, can be identified.
• Safety Features: VINs can provide information on safety features, including the presence of front airbags at the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) and manual seat belts, enhancing passenger safety.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN might specify the GVWR, indicating the vehicle’s size and load capacity, for example, falling into Class 1, which is 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less).

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 BMW M3

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