Free 1999 BMW Z3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1999 BMW Z3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 BMW Z3 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and provide specific information such as the country of manufacture, the manufacturer itself, and the type of vehicle. The 1999 BMW Z3, for example, has a WMI starting with “4US,” indicating it was manufactured by BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America in Greer, South Carolina, United States, and classified as a passenger car. These codes are part of the broader Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system, allowing for detailed tracking and identification of vehicles globally. The WMI is particularly useful for various stakeholders, including manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and consumers, to verify the authenticity, specifications, and history of a vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 BMW Z3

WMI: 4US

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2000, 2002
• Example VIN: 4USCH9330XLF79111
• Manufacturer Name: BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Greer
• State or Province: South Carolina
• Country: United States

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2001
• Example VIN: WBSCK9330XLC88169
• 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 1999 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 1999 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 1999 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 1999 BMW Z3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1999 BMW Z3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 BMW Z3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 BMW Z3

The final 6 characters in a 1999 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 1999 BMW Z3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Details: It may elaborate on engine specifics, including the manufacturer, displacement in liters, and the number of cylinders, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s power and performance.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can identify the vehicle’s body class, for example, a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 2 doors, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Fuel Type: It often specifies the fuel type the vehicle operates on, such as Gasoline, offering information on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The identification number can detail safety features, including the locations of airbags - in this case, 1st Row (Driver and Passenger), offering insights into the vehicle’s safety standards.
• Plant Information: It may reveal manufacturing details, including the plant city, state, and country, providing insights into the vehicle’s production and potential geographical significance.
• Vehicle Type and Series: A VIN can determine the vehicle type, such as Passenger Car, and specify series or trim, offering insights into the vehicle’s classification and market positioning.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 BMW Z3