Free BMW Motorcycle VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW Motorcycle VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW Motorcycle VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a vehicle’s identification number (VIN) that identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer. The WMI is universally recognized and provides specific information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, and country of origin. For BMW vehicles, the WMI reveals that the vehicle was produced by BMW, offering insights into the standards and specifications the vehicle adheres to. Each BMW WMI is assigned specifically, providing a systematic way to distinguish BMW vehicles from those manufactured by other companies. This identification system is essential in the automotive industry for registration, recall, and repair processes.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW Motorcycle

WMI: WB3

• Model Years Covered: 2018-2023
• Example VIN: WB30G4300NRA20192
• Manufacturer Name: BMW
• Vehicle Type: Motorcyle - Street
• City: Chennai
• State or Province:
• Country: India

WMI: WB4

• Model Years Covered: 2019, 2022-2023
• Example VIN: WB40C6300PS905374
• Manufacturer Name: BMW
• Vehicle Type: Motorcyle - Street
• City: Loncin
• State or Province:
• Country: China

WMI: WB1

• Model Years Covered: 1983-1985, 1987-1988, 1991, 1993-2023
• Example VIN: WB10499A12ZE85431
• Manufacturer Name: BMW
• Vehicle Type: Motorcyle - Standard
• City: Berlin
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a BMW Motorcycle VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the most popular vehicle descriptor codes for a BMW:

Motorcycle 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 Motorcycle 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 a BMW Motorcycle VIN — Year Code

11th Character in a BMW Motorcycle VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW Motorcycle Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW Motorcycle

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

What info can a BMW Motorcycle VIN reveal?

The below is an example of a BMW Motorcycle’s available specs based on its VIN, referencing the vehicle in the table below:

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal that the motorcycle is a 2020 model, indicating the age of the vehicle and possibly its relevance in terms of technology and features.
• Body Class and Type: The VIN may indicate that the motorcycle is classified as a Sport motorcycle, providing insights into its design, intended use, and potential performance characteristics.
• Engine Specifications: Through the VIN, it is possible to learn that the motorcycle has an in-line engine configuration, 999 cc displacement, and 162 horsepower, highlighting its power and performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: The VIN might reveal details about the motorcycle’s brake system, including front 320mm discs with four-piston calipers and a rear 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper, emphasizing its safety and braking performance.
• Fuel Type: By decoding the VIN, one can find out that the motorcycle runs on gasoline, which is an essential detail for understanding fuel requirements and preferences.
• Plant Information: The VIN could reveal that the motorcycle was manufactured in Berlin, Germany, providing information on its origin that might influence perceptions of quality, design, and engineering standards.
• Transmission Details: The VIN may disclose that the motorcycle is equipped with a 6-speed transmission and chain drive, affecting the overall performance and rider’s experience with the vehicle.

Sample Decoded BMW Motorcycle VIN