Free 2016 BMW M3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2016 BMW M3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW M3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the 2016 BMW M3, the WMI is “WBS,” indicating that the car was built by BMW M GmbH, which specializes in high-performance versions of BMW vehicles. This specific WMI points to a passenger car manufactured in Munich, Germany, underlining BMW’s legacy of precision engineering. The WMI covers several model years, showing the consistency in manufacturing standards and attention to detail for which BMW M GmbH is known. This code is essential for identifying the car’s origins, ensuring authenticity, and facilitating traceability.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW M3

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 1995-1999, 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2015-2018, 2021-2024
• Example VIN: WBS8M9C50GP966653
• 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 BMW M3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2016 BMW M3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 BMW M3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW M3

The final 6 characters in a 2016 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 2016 BMW M3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Fuel Type: The VIN suggests that the vehicle runs on gasoline, which may be essential information for potential buyers concerned about fuel economy and environmental impact.
• Engine Specifications: With a displacement of 3000 CC (181.8 CI or 3 L), a 425 horsepower engine, and 6 cylinders, the VIN offers detailed insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: The VIN indicates the inclusion of airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows, along with front and knee airbag locations for both driver and passenger, suggesting a strong emphasis on occupant safety.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN specifies the body class as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, providing potential buyers with essential information about the vehicle’s size and style.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN reveals that the vehicle was produced in Regensburg, Germany, providing insight into the vehicle’s origin, which could influence perceptions of quality and prestige.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type: The VIN highlights a direct TPMS, indicating advanced features for monitoring tire health, which could be a critical factor for maintenance and safety.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 BMW M3