Free 2006 BMW M3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2006 BMW M3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2006 BMW M3 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-digit codes that identify the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, providing crucial details such as the company name, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For example, BMW M GmbH, the high-performance subsidiary of BMW, produces the 2006 BMW M3, a passenger car known for its luxury and performance. This vehicle’s WMI illustrates that it was manufactured by BMW M GmbH, located in Munich, Germany. Through the WMI, one can decipher the broader vehicle classification, manufacturer, and geographical origin, giving valuable insight into the vehicle’s heritage and manufacturing background. Specifically, the WMI is an essential tool for identifying vehicles at a global level, ensuring compatibility and adherence to international standards.

List of WMI Codes for a 2006 BMW M3

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
• Example VIN: WBSBL93406PN64226
• 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 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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 2006 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2006 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2006 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2006 BMW M3

The final 6 characters in a 2006 BMW M3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2006 BMW M3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year & Make: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year and make, providing insights into the technology and safety features available at the time of manufacture.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN details the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities with a 3.2-liter displacement and 333 horsepower from a 6-cylinder engine, indicating its potential driving performance.
• Body Class and Doors: It specifies the vehicle as a Coupe with 2 doors, offering insights into its body style and potentially the vehicle’s overall size and space.
• Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is powered by gasoline, which may influence fuel economy and emissions considerations for potential buyers.
• Safety Features: The VIN provides a glimpse into the vehicle’s safety equipment, featuring front airbags for both the driver and passenger, as well as a dual-stage supplementary restraint system.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): It falls within Class 1C to 1, indicating a range of 4,001 to 6,000 pounds, which can be useful for understanding vehicle size, usage, and registration requirements.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN reveals that the car was assembled in Regensburg, Germany, which could be of interest to those who value the engineering and manufacturing location of their vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2006 BMW M3