Free BMW M3Ci VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW M3Ci VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW M3Ci VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. It forms the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about the vehicle, including its place of manufacture, model year, and vehicle type. In the case of the BMW M3ci, the WMI indicates that it is manufactured by BMW M GmbH in Munich, Germany, specifically covering the model year 2002. This designation not only proves the vehicle’s authenticity and origin but also signifies it as a passenger car produced by one of Germany’s most prestigious automotive manufacturers. The WMI is essential for vehicle registration, recall notices, and tracking the vehicle’s history.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW M3Ci

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 2002
• Example VIN: WBSBR93402EX22147
• 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 BMW M3Ci 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 BMW M3Ci:

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 BMW M3Ci 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 BMW M3Ci VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW M3Ci VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW M3Ci Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW M3Ci

The final 6 characters in a BMW M3Ci’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW M3Ci VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year 2002, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: Details about the engine, such as it being manufactured by BMW M GmbH, having 6 cylinders, and a displacement of 3.2L or 3200cc, are encoded within the VIN, providing valuable information about the engine’s specifications.
• Fuel Type: The VIN may specify the fuel type the vehicle uses, with gasoline being a potential fuel type in this instance.
• Safety Features: It might reveal safety equipment, including the presence of 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) airbags and detailed restraint systems like a Dual-stage Advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), offering potential insights into the safety features of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can disclose the body class and size, potentially indicating that this particular vehicle is a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Manufacturing Information: It provides manufacturing details like the plant city being Regensburg, Germany, giving insight into the vehicle’s production location, potentially shedding light on its manufacturing history.
• Vehicle Type and Series: The VIN often includes the vehicle type and series, potentially showing that the vehicle is a passenger car from the 3 series, offering insights into its classification and series within the manufacturer’s lineup.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW M3Ci