Free 2008 BMW M3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2008 BMW M3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 BMW M3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designating the manufacturer, the type of vehicle, and the country of manufacture. For the 2008 BMW M3, the WMI “WBS” specifically pinpoints BMW M GmbH as the manufacturer. This segment signifies that the vehicle is a passenger car produced by BMW’s high-performance division in Munich, Germany. The WMI code is an essential part of the VIN, which helps in identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer and provides specific information related to the vehicle’s origin and type. By analyzing the WMI, it’s possible to learn about the history, manufacture location, and the distinct maker of the vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 BMW M3

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
• Example VIN: WBSWD93508PY39085
• 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2008 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 BMW M3

The final 6 characters in a 2008 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 2008 BMW M3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN can pinpoint the vehicle’s specific type, in this case, a Passenger Car, alongside detailing the body class as a Sedan/Saloon, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and utility.
• Engine Specifications: Engine details such as a displacement of 4.0 Liters, 414 horsepower, and the presence of 8 cylinders can be ascertained, potentially highlighting the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: Information on safety equipment, including the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger and a detailed restraint system, possibly showcasing the vehicle’s commitment to safety.
• Fuel Type: The VIN identifies the primary fuel type the vehicle operates on, which is Gasoline, providing important information for fuel economy and environmental considerations.
• Manufacturing Details: Specific manufacturing details like the plant city Regensburg and plant country Germany are revealed, offering insights into the vehicle’s origin and potentially its build quality.
• Additional Features: The VIN might also include further details such as the vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system being of the Direct type, potentially adding to the comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s specifications and technological features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 BMW M3