Free 2012 BMW M3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 BMW M3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 BMW M3 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, as well as its country of origin, and vehicle type. The WMI for BMW M GmbH vehicles, such as the 2012 BMW M3, starts with “WBS”, indicating it is produced by BMW M GmbH in Munich, Germany, and is classified as a passenger car. These codes, which form the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), provide valuable information about the vehicle, including its model year, which is crucial for registration, service, and parts compatibility. For the BMW M3 2012, the WMI reveals that it is part of a lineage produced during specific years, including 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, and 2021-2024, highlighting its ongoing significance in BMW’s lineup. This framework allows for quick identification and verification of vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 BMW M3

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
• Example VIN: WBSKG9C50CE797608
• 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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 BMW M3

The final 6 characters in a 2012 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 2012 BMW M3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2012, providing insights into the age and potential technological advancements of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: Based on the VIN, the vehicle is indicated as a Coupe with 2 doors, providing hints about its design and potential passenger capacity.
• Engine Type: Detailed engine specifications such as a 4000 CC displacement, 414 horsepower, and 8 cylinders suggest a powerful and high-performance vehicle.
• Safety Features: The VIN suggests the presence of front and side airbags for the 1st row (driver and passenger), along with other restraint systems, highlighting the vehicle’s safety equipment.
• Fuel Type: The VIN specifies that the vehicle uses Gasoline as its primary fuel type, which can impact fuel economy and emission standards.
• Manufacturing Details: Information about the manufacturing, including the plant city Regensburg and country Germany, provides insight into the origin and build quality of the vehicle.
• Additional Features: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is equipped with a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and manual seat belt types, offering clues about its convenience and safety enhancements.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 BMW M3