How to decode a BMW VIN

A step-by-step walkthrough of every position in a 17-character BMW VIN, from WMI to the production sequence.

BMW VINs follow ISO 3779: 17 characters, no I/O/Q. Positions 1–3 are the WMI (e.g. WBA, WBS, WBY, 5UX, 4USB). Positions 4–9 are the VDS — chassis, engine, and restraint system. Position 9 is the check digit; positions 10–17 are the VIS (model-year letter, plant code, six-digit serial). Use bmv.vin to decode any BMW VIN end-to-end in under a second.

  1. Find the VIN

    Look at the lower-driver-side of the windshield, the door jamb sticker, or the title document.

  2. Verify the structure

    Make sure it's exactly 17 characters and doesn't contain I, O, or Q.

  3. Identify the WMI

    Positions 1–3. WBA/WBS/WBY/WBX = passenger BMW; 5UX/5UM/5YM = US-built X-series; 4USB = US sedan; WMW = MINI; WAP = ALPINA; SBM = Rolls-Royce; WBW/WUF = Motorrad.

  4. Read the model year

    Position 10: K=2019, L=2020, M=2021, N=2022, P=2023, R=2024, S=2025, T=2026.

  5. Decode at bmv.vin

    Paste the VIN at bmv.vin to pull the full build sheet, factory options, photos, and owner's manuals.

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