Online VIN decoderBMW VIN decoder: free lookup
Have the VIN of a BMW? Enter all 17 characters and see the model, engine, model year and plant for free, then check the history: accidents, title brands and odometer.
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Where to find the VIN on a BMW
On a BMW the VIN plate sits at the lower left of the windshield and on the driver-side door jamb; the same 17 characters are printed on the title, the registration card and the insurance card. If any of them differ, stop and check the vehicle history.
- Dashboard, driver side
Look through the windshield in the lower left corner, where the dash meets the glass.
- Driver-side door jamb
The sticker or plate on the B-pillar or door edge (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard label).
- Engine bay or frame
Stamped on the firewall or, on trucks, on the frame rail near the front wheel.
- Title certificate
Every state title shows the VIN near the year, make and model.
- Registration card
The registration card in the glove box repeats the VIN.
- Compare with the car
If the VIN on the title differs from the one on the dashboard, do not buy until it is explained.
- Insurance ID card
Your insurance card or app lists the VIN of each covered vehicle.
- Policy documents
The declarations page of the policy shows the full VIN too.
- Service records
Repair orders and dealer invoices usually carry the VIN as well.
How to recognize a BMW VIN
BMW is a brand from Germany. The first three characters of the VIN (the WMI code) identify the maker and, often, the plant or the market the vehicle was built for.
Example: a VIN that starts with WBA stands for BMW AG, Germany (cars). The 10th character is the model year; the last six characters are the production number. A VIN that starts with another code is not necessarily a problem (makers change codes over time), but it is worth checking the history before you buy.
BMW plants in North America
A VIN that starts with 1, 4 or 5 was assigned in the United States, 2 in Canada and 3 in Mexico. BMW builds or built vehicles for the US market here:
- Spartanburg, South Carolina (X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, XM)
- San Luis Potosí, Mexico (3 Series, 2 Series Coupe)
BMW VIN decoder by model
| Model | Production years | Generations | Engine versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series | 1975–present | 35 | 661 |
| BMW 02 (E10) | 1967–1977 | 1 | 9 |
| BMW 5 Series | 1972–present | 25 | 422 |
| BMW 1 Series | 2004–present | 15 | 245 |
| BMW 7 Series | 1977–present | 21 | 168 |
| BMW 6 Series | 1976–present | 15 | 95 |
| BMW X3 | 2003–present | 5 | 66 |
| BMW 2 Series | 2014–present | 9 | 132 |
| BMW 4 Series | 2013–present | 8 | 158 |
| BMW M5 | 1980–present | 11 | 19 |
| BMW X5 | 2000–present | 6 | 46 |
| BMW Z4 | 2002–present | 6 | 40 |
What each part of a BMW VIN means
For BMW: WBA, WBS, WBY, 5UX, 5YM. The first character is the region (Germany or the country of the plant).
BMW codes the model line, body style and engine here, which is why the VIN shows which version of the BMW 3 Series you are looking at.
Every BMW sold in the US carries a valid check digit; our decoder flags a VIN whose check digit does not compute.
Model year, plant code and the unique production number of the BMW, which history reports use to link accidents, title brands and odometer readings.
The full guide: year codes, WMI countries and the check digit · BMW VIN check: history, recalls, title
Decoded BMW VIN examples
Real BMW VINs decoded on DecodeThatVIN, with the model and engine read from the code.
What does a BMW VIN start with?
Usually one of these codes: WBA – BMW AG, Germany (cars); WBS – BMW M GmbH; WBY – BMW i (electric); 5UX – BMW SUVs built in Spartanburg, South Carolina; 5YM – BMW M SUVs built in Spartanburg. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI); a maker can have several, one per plant, vehicle type or market.
Where are BMW vehicles for the US built?
In North America, BMW builds or built at Spartanburg, South Carolina (X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, XM); San Luis Potosí, Mexico (3 Series, 2 Series Coupe). Their VINs start with 5UX and 5YM. Imported BMW vehicles keep the code of their home plant.
Does the VIN show the model year of a BMW?
Yes: on BMW VINs the 10th character is the model year (see the VIN year chart). The letter repeats every 30 years, so check it against the production years of the model.
Can I see the history of a BMW from its VIN?
The free decode shows what the car is. Accidents, title brands and odometer readings are in the BMW history report; recalls are checked on the BMW VIN check page.