How BMW Encodes the 3 Series VIN
BMW utilizes a structured numbering schema conforming to ISO 3779. Each character segment reveals critical information about the build:
| VIN Position | Sample Value | Meaning for BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 3 (WMI) | WBA or 3AV | WBA = BMW AG Munich, Germany; 3AV = BMW San Luis Potosí, Mexico |
| 4 (Series) | 3 or 5 | 3 = 3 Series model family (Sedan, Touring, Gran Turismo) |
| 5 – 6 (Model Code) | 5R or 1A | Body style and drivetrain: e.g. G20 Sedan, xDrive vs sDrive |
| 7 (Engine Code) | G or B | G = 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder (B48); B = 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 (B58) |
| 8 (Restraints) | 0 | Advanced multi-stage front and side impact airbag system |
| 9 (Check Digit) | 3 | Mathematical Modulo 11 security checksum |
| 10 (Year) | K | K = 2019; L = 2020; M = 2021; N = 2022; P = 2023; R = 2024 |
| 11 (Plant) | A or R | A = Munich Plant; R = San Luis Potosí Plant (Mexico); B = Dingolfing |
| 12 – 17 (Serial) | 123456 | Sequential chassis production number |
Munich vs San Luis Potosí Plant Distinction
For North American buyers of the G20 3 Series (330i and M340i), VIN inspection reveals whether your vehicle was assembled at BMW's historic Munich headquarters or at the state-of-the-art San Luis Potosí facility in Mexico:
- VIN starting with
WBA...and position 11 asA: Assembled at BMW Plant Munich, Germany. - VIN starting with
3AV...and position 11 asR: Assembled at BMW Plant San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
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