Free BMW VIN Decoder & Lookup

What is a VIN Number?

How to Find It

Finding your BMW's VIN is straightforward. Here's where to look:

• Passenger Cars: Check the front of the dashboard on the driver's side. View it from outside the vehicle through the windshield. Also, inspect the driver's side door pillar—open the door to find the VIN where the door latches.
• Motorcycles: Typically found on the steering neck below the handlebars, but it could also be on the motor or on the frame near the motor.

If you're unable to locate the VIN on your BMW, it can also be found on:

• Your vehicle's title documents.
• Liability insurance documents.

How to Check a Specific Number

Enter your BMW's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the field above to look up and receive an instant report on its manufacturer, brand, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant, and model year. The information is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from the data submitted by the manufacturers to NHTSA. The VIN Decoder lookup is intended for use with BMW vehicles manufactured since 1981. Whether you own a Bimmer like the X5, a motorcycle, or any other model, this tool is the best way to search for a detailed build sheet or chart for your vehicle. If your BMW was made before 1981, the VIN will most likely contain 7 digits or more.

Character Codes

The table below shows the model year character codes used in BMW VINs. They help you determine the exact year of manufacture for your vehicle.

• Example: A BMW 3 Series with a VIN of WBA3A5C56DF123456 has a character of "D," indicating it was manufactured in 2013.
• Example: A BMW X5 with a VIN of 5UXKR0C57J0X12345 has a character of "J," indicating it was manufactured in 2018.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

This table lists the World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) for BMWs, providing valuable information about their country of origin. Each WMI helps to trace the manufacturing location and understand the heritage of your BMW.

Brand-Specific WMIs:

• WBA = Germany
• WBS = Germany

Historical Context:

BMW, renowned for its precision engineering and luxury vehicles, primarily manufactures its cars in Germany. With a legacy of excellence, BMW's production has always emphasized quality and innovation.

Production Volume:

While the majority of BMW's production is centered in Germany, they have expanded to other countries to meet global demand. This allows BMW to maintain high standards while increasing production capacity.

Trivia:

• The BMW 3 Series, one of the brand's most options by the brand, has been produced in Munich, Germany, since 1975.
• BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA, is the largest BMW plant in the world, producing the X series of SUVs.

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