Decode Your BMW's VIN: Discover Hidden Details

If you own a BMW, decoding the vehicle identification number (VIN) can provide you with valuable information about the car’s history, including the model, production year, engine type, and more. This article will explain how to decode your BMW’s VIN number.

What is a VIN Number?

The VIN number is a unique 17-character code that identifies your BMW. It is made up of both letters and numbers and provides a comprehensive record of the vehicle’s specifications, history, and other relevant information.

The first three digits of the VIN identify the manufacturer, while the fourth to eighth digits indicate the vehicle model, body style, and engine type. The ninth digit is a check digit used to validate the VIN’s authenticity, while the tenth digit represents the model year. The eleventh digit indicates the assembly plant where the vehicle was manufactured, and the final six digits are a unique production serial number.

How to Decode Your BMW’s VIN Number

Step 1: Identify the first three digits of the VIN

The first three digits of your BMW’s VIN indicate the manufacturer. All BMWs have the same first three digits, which are “WBA” for cars made in Germany or “WBS” for cars made in the United States.

Step 2: Identify the fourth to eighth digits of the VIN

The fourth to eighth digits of the VIN provide information about the vehicle model, body style, and engine type. The fourth and fifth digits indicate the vehicle model, while the sixth and seventh digits indicate the body style. The eighth digit indicates the engine type.

For example, if your BMW’s VIN is “WBA12345678901234,” the fourth and fifth digits “12” would indicate that your vehicle is a 3 Series, while the sixth and seventh digits “34” would indicate that it is a sedan. The eighth digit “5” would indicate that the engine is a 2.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine.

Step 3: Identify the ninth digit of the VIN

The ninth digit of the VIN is a check digit used to validate the authenticity of the VIN. It is calculated using a mathematical formula that takes into account the previous eight digits of the VIN.

Step 4: Identify the tenth digit of the VIN

The tenth digit of the VIN indicates the model year of the vehicle. BMWs produced before 2010 used a numeric system, where “A” represents 1980, “B” represents 1981, and so on. For example, “Y” would represent 2000, “1” would represent 2001, and “9” would represent 2009.

Since 2010, BMWs have used an alphanumeric system, where “A” represents 2010, “B” represents 2011, and so on. For example, “Y” would represent 2000, “1” would represent 2001, and “9” would represent 2009.

Step 5: Identify the eleventh digit of the VIN

The eleventh digit of the VIN indicates the assembly plant where the vehicle was manufactured. This digit can vary depending on the location of the plant, but it is usually a letter or number.

Step 6: Identify the final six digits of the VIN

The final six digits of the VIN are a unique production serial numbers. This number is used to identify the specific vehicle and is unique to each car.

How to Use CarVertical website to get your BMW’s history report

CarVertical is a website that provides vehicle history reports to help car buyers make informed decisions. If you own a BMW and want to generate a report on its history, the process is fairly simple. In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to use the CarVertical website to generate a report for your BMW.

Step 1: Go to the CarVertical website

The first step is to go to the CarVertical website. You can do this by typing “carvertical.com” in your web browser or simply searching for CarVertical on Google.

Step 2: Enter your BMW’s vehicle identification number (VIN)

Once you are on the CarVertical website, you will need to enter your BMW’s vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is a unique 17-digit code that can be found on your car’s dashboard or driver-side door jamb. It can also be found on your car’s registration or insurance documents.

Enter the VIN in the search bar on the CarVertical website and click on “Check now”.

Step 3: Purchase a report

Once you have entered the VIN, CarVertical will generate a report for your BMW. This report will provide you with information on the car’s history, including its accident history, ownership history, mileage, and more.

To access the report, you will need to purchase it. CarVertical offers a range of pricing options, including a single report, multiple reports, and subscription packages. Choose the package that best suits your needs and complete the purchase process.

Step 4: Review the report

Once you have purchased the report, you can access it immediately. The report will be displayed on the CarVertical website, and you can review it at your leisure. The report will provide you with a detailed overview of your BMW’s history, including any accidents, repairs, and maintenance it has undergone.

The report will also include information on the car’s ownership history, including the number of previous owners and any title transfers. Additionally, the report will provide information on the car’s mileage and any liens or loans on the vehicle.

Step 5: Use the information to make an informed decision

Now that you have reviewed the report, you can use the information to make an informed decision about your BMW. If the report reveals any issues with the car’s history, such as accidents or major repairs, you may want to consider having the car inspected by a professional mechanic before making a purchase.

On the other hand, if the report shows that the car has a clean history, you can feel more confident in your decision to purchase the car.

Using the CarVertical website to generate a report for your BMW is a simple and straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can get a detailed overview of your car’s history, which will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.

Conclusion

Decoding your BMW’s VIN number can provide you with valuable information about the vehicle’s history and specifications. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can decode your BMW’s VIN and gain a better understanding of your car’s unique characteristics.