Specific BMW VIN information
BMW VIN codes from 1981 are fully compliant with the ISO 3779 and ISO 3780 standards , regardless of the country of distribution.
The only exception is the model-year (digit 10) for European BMW's which is not used.
The BMW VIN details below are not exhaustive, as new data-points can be added by the manufacturer at any time.
BMW Vin Plate | 17 Character VIN Positions
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) - first 3 digits:
- 1 W
- 2 B
- 3 A
- 1
- 2
- A
- K
- 0
- 2
- 0
- 7
- G
- 6
- 3
- 3
- 3
- 6
[1] - Country or region of manufacturer:
1–5, 7 = North America | 8–9 = South America | 6 = Oceania | A–C = Africa | J–R = Asia | S–Z = Europe
[2] - Manufacturer Name:
B = BMW Germany | U, M, Y = BMW U.S.A
[3] - Vehicle Type:
A, S = Passenger Car | A, X = Utility Vehicle
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) - digits 4 to 9:
- W
- B
- A
- 4 1
- 5 2
- 6 A
- 7 K
- 8 0
- 9 2
- 0
- 7
- G
- 6
- 3
- 3
- 3
- 6
[4 - 5] = Line / Series
[6] = Body Type
[7] = Vehicle Type
[8] = Restraint System Type
[8] = X5 - GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight
[9] = VIN Check Digit
Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) digits 10 to 17:
- W
- B
- A
- 1
- 2
- A
- K
- 0
- 2
- 10 0
- 11 7
- 12 G
- 13 6
- 14 3
- 15 3
- 16 3
- 17 6
[10] = Model year (except European vehicles which will be 0)
[11] = Assemble plant
[12 - 17] = Serial number
Typical BMW VIN code plate
A BMW 3-Series e90 vin code plate
BMW VIN Locations
1. Lower end of windshield: top of dash, left or right, facing outward.
2. Inside driver side door frame.
3. Stamped onto front suspension sections, accessible from the engine bay.
4. Vehicle documents such as: registration card / insurance card / log-book.
BMW VIN Notes
1. The year of manufacture (model year) for European based BMW's is not indicated in the VIN digits, and will be '0'. This is in the standard 10th position of the VIN code sequence.
2. BMW used the standard metal VIN plate with rivets before the mid 1990's, but now use high-tensile strength Mylar (boPET) and Acrylic labels stuck to the vehicle with industrial adhesives. [1].