Free 1997 BMW Z3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 BMW Z3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 BMW Z3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that forms the initial three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), crucial for identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer and country of origin. Specifically, in the case of the 1997 BMW Z3, the WMI is “4US,” which signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW North America in Greer, South Carolina, United States. This code is particularly important for vehicles produced for the North American market, providing essential information about the vehicle’s origins, make, and manufacturer location. The WMI is an integral part of automotive identification, ensuring that each vehicle can be accurately traced back to its manufacturer, model year, and specific plant location. This system is globally recognized, facilitating the tracking and registration of vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 BMW Z3

WMI: 4US

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2002
• Example VIN: 4USCJ3320VLC00498
• Manufacturer Name: BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Greer
• State or Province: South Carolina
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 BMW Z3 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 1997 BMW Z3:

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 1997 BMW Z3 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 1997 BMW Z3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 BMW Z3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 BMW Z3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 BMW Z3

The final 6 characters in a 1997 BMW Z3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW Z3’s VIN below:

What info can a 1997 BMW Z3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can indicate that the vehicle is from the model year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Plant Location: The VIN may suggest that the vehicle was manufactured in Greer, South Carolina, United States.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN could indicate that the BMW Z3 is a roadster body class with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Safety Features: Safety features such as a driver and passenger supplemental restraint system (SRS), commonly known as airbags, and manual seat belts, might be included in the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type: The VIN may classify the vehicle as a passenger car.
• Series Information: The VIN may highlight the series 2.8, which could hint at the engine size or trim level of the vehicle.
• Weight Classification: The VIN might reveal the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating, categorizing it into specific weight classes—possibly pinpointing it to Class 1, which is 6,000 lb or less.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 BMW Z3

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