Free BMW K 100 RS Motorcycle VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW K 100 RS motorcycle VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW K 100 RS motorcycle VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of motor vehicles. It’s the first section of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which comprises three characters detailing where the vehicle was built and who built it. For instance, the BMW K-100-RS has a specific WMI that ties back directly to BMW, signifying BMW as the manufacturer. This code is essential for tracking, registration, and identification purposes, providing a global standard for vehicle identification. The WMI is not just a random selection of characters but follows a structured approach to ensure each vehicle’s origin is unmistakably documented.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW K 100 RS motorcycle

WMI: WB1

• Model Years Covered: 1985
• Example VIN: WB1051302F0042355
• 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 K 100 RS motorcycle 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 K 100 RS motorcycle:

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 K 100 RS 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 the BMW K 100 RS motorcycle VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW K 100 RS motorcycle VIN — Plant Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW K 100 RS motorcycle

The final 6 characters in a BMW K 100 RS motorcycle’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW K 100 RS VIN reveal?

The below is an example of a BMW K 100 RS Motorcycle’s available specs based on its VIN, referencing the motorcycle in the table below:

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1985, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Type: The VIN may indicate the body class and type, in this case, categorizing the vehicle as a Motorcycle - Standard.
• Engine Specifications: From the VIN, one can learn specifics about the engine, such as displacement in cubic centimeters (986.5012528 CC), cubic inches (60.2 CI), liters (0.9865012528 L), the number of cylinders (4), stroke cycles (4), and horsepower (82 hp).
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type the vehicle operates on, for instance, Gasoline, can be deduced from the VIN.
• Manufacturing Details: VIN decoding can reveal the manufacturing location, including the city (Berlin) and country (Germany), which underscores the origin of the vehicle.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN can classify the motorcycle’s gross vehicle weight rating, in this scenario, indicating it as Class 1A: 3,000 lb or less (1,360 kg or less).
• Model Details: The make, model (K 100 RS), series (K 589), and even trim (Special Edition) information could be encoded within the VIN, offering specific details about the vehicle’s version and design nuances.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW K 100 RS