Free BMW VIN Decoder

Decode any BMW VIN for free and read the model, engine, body and factory options in seconds, plus recalls and safety ratings, for BMW vehicles built in Germany. No registration.

WBA8E9C50JK123456See a decoded BMW VIN

WMI: WBA · WBS · WBX · WBY · 5UX Plant-code decode Recall lookup NCAP safety

218 BMW models covered Free instant decode, no sign-up Official open-data sources

How to read a BMW VIN number

A BMW VIN has 17 characters. Each section tells you something different about the car.

WBA

1–3WMI · maker & country

8E9C50

4–9VDS · model, body, engine

10Model year

11Assembly plant

123456

12–17Serial number

WMI (1–3) World Manufacturer Identifier, BMW uses WBA · WBS · WBX · WBY · 5UX.

VDS (4–9) model line, body, engine and restraint, position 9 is the check digit.

Model year (10) a single letter or digit for the model year.

Plant (11) the assembly plant where this BMW was built.

Serial (12–17) the unique production sequence number.

Where is BMW made?

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) is a German manufacturer based in Munich. Most BMWs are built in Germany, with major plants worldwide; US-built X models carry the 5UX WMI. Position 11 of the VIN identifies the assembly plant.

DE MunichDE DingolfingDE RegensburgDE LeipzigUS Spartanburg, SCZA RosslynCN Shenyang

Popular BMW models we decode

All variants and years are covered, see the full list further down.

Sports sedan

3 Series

The definitive compact executive car, sedan, Touring and M3.

Executive sedan

5 Series

Mid-size executive saloon and Touring, including the M5.

Large SUV

X5

BMW’s full-size SUV (E70/F15/G05), built in Spartanburg.

Mid SUV

X3

Popular premium mid-size SUV; petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid.

Compact hatch

1 Series

The entry hatchback, including the high-performance M135i.

Compact SUV

X1

The smallest X, practical compact crossover, also as the iX1 EV.

Why check a BMW VIN before buying?

A BMW VIN check helps you avoid odometer fraud, confirm the car matches its documents, reveal outstanding recalls, and verify the exact specification before you commit, essential for imported or cross-border vehicles.

Free VIN decode vs full history report

The free decoder covers the basics from open data. A full history report adds the records that aren't publicly available.

Free VIN decode

This tool · €0

✓ Full specifications
✓ Safety recalls
✓ Safety ratings (NCAP)
✓ Emissions & CO₂
Mileage history
Theft / stolen check
Accident history

Full history

Full history report

via carVertical

✓ Everything in the free decode
✓ Mileage / odometer verification
✓ Stolen-vehicle check
✓ Accident & damage records
✓ Ownership & registration history

Check full history

20% off with code vindecoderapp · the “Check full history” button is an affiliate link to carVertical, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

How to find your BMW VIN number

The 17-character VIN appears in several places on the car and its paperwork.

Windscreen & door

Through the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, and on the driver's door-jamb sticker.

Engine bay & body

Many BMW models also stamp the VIN on the engine-bay bulkhead or a strut tower.

Registration documents

The VIN is printed on the registration certificate (V5C / title) and the insurance documents.

BMW models in our spec database (218)

Every BMW model and generation we hold specifications for.

1 Series 2020+1 Series (F20) 2011+1 Series 3 doors (E81) 2007+1 Series 3 doors (F21) LCI 2015+1 Series 3-door (F21) 2012+1 Series 5 doors (E87) 2004+1 Series 5 doors (F20) LCI 2017+1 Series 5-door (E87) LCI 2007+1 Series 5-door (F20) LCI 2015+1 Series Convertible (E88) 2008+1 Series Coupe (E82) 2007+1 Series Coupe (E82) LCI 2012+1 Series M Coupe (E82) 2011+1 Series Sedan (F52) 2017+1500 1962–1966 1600 1966–1975 2 Series 2013–2017 2 Series Active Tourer 2021+2 Series Active Tourer (F45) 2014–2021 2 Series Convertible 2014–2017 2 Series Convertible (F23) LCI 2017+2 Series Coupe (G42) 2021+2 Series Gran Tourer (F45) 2015–2018 2 Series Gran Tourer (F46) 2018+2-Series Gran Coupe 2020+2000 CS 1965–1969 2002 1968–1975 2800 CS 1968+3 Series (E21) 1975+3 Series (E36) 1991+3 Series (E46) 1997+3 Series (E90) 2005+3 Series (F30) 2012+3 Series Cabriolet 2000+3 Series Cabriolet (E36) 1993+3 Series Cabriolet (E46) 2003+3 Series Cabriolet (E93) 2007+3 Series Compact (E36/5) 1994+3 Series Compact (E46/5) 2001+3 Series Convertible (E30) 1986+3 Series Convertible (E93) 2011+3 Series Coupe (E30) 1983+3 Series Coupe (E36) 1992+3 Series Coupe (E46) 1999+3 Series Coupe (E92) 2006+3 Series Gran Turismo 2013+3 Series Gran Turismo (F34) 2016+3 Series Sedan 2025+3 Series Sedan (E46) 2002+3 Series Sedan (E90) 2009+3 Series Sedan (F30) LCI 2016+3 Series Sedan (G20) 3 Series Sedan (G20) LCI 2023+3 Series Touring 1999+3 Series Touring (E30) 1988+3 Series Touring (E46) 2001+3 Series Touring (E91) 2005+3 Series Touring (F31) 2012+3 Series Touring (F31) LCI 2016+3 Series Touring (G21) 2019+3 Series four-door (E30) 1983+3.0 CSL (E9) 1971–1975 3.0 CSi 1971–1975 3/15 PS 1929–1932 3/20 PS 1932–1934 303 1933–1934 3200 CS 1962+326 1936–1941 327 Coupe 1938–1941 328 1936–1939 335 1939–1941 4 Series Cabriolet (F33) 2018–2020 4 Series Convertible (F33) 2014+4 Series Coupe 2021+4 Series Coupe (F32) 2013–2020 4 Series Gran Coupe 2022+4 Series Gran Coupe (F36) 2014–2021 4-Series Convertible 2021+5 Series 1972+5 Series (E60) 2003+5 Series (F10) LCI 2014+5 Series Gran Turismo 2009+5-Series Touring 1992+501/502 1952–1964 502 Coupe 1954–1955 503 Cabriolet 1956–1959 503 Coupe 1956–1959 507 TS Coupe 1956+507 TS Roadster 1955–1959 6 Series Convertible 2012+6 Series Convertible (E64) 2004–2010 6 Series Convertible LCI (F12) 2015–2018 6 Series Coupe (E63) 2003–2011 6 Series Coupe (F13) 2011–2015 6 Series Coupe LCI (F13) 2015–2018 6 Series GT 2017+6 Series Gran Coupe (F06) 2012–2015 6 Series Gran Coupe LCI (F06) 2015–2018 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32 LCI) 2020+630 CS (E24) 1976–1979 635 CSi (E24) 1978–1989 7 Series 2022+7 Series (E23) 1977–1986 7 Series (E32) 1986–1994 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001 7 Series (E65/E66) 2001–2007 7 Series (F01/02) 2008–2012 7 Series (F01/02) Facelift 2012–2016 7 Series (G11) LCI 2019–2022 7 Series (G11/G12) 2016+8 Series 1990+8 Series Convertible 2022+8 Series Convertible (G14) 2018–2022 8 Series Coupe 2022+8 Series Coupe (G15) 2018–2022 8 Series Gran Coupe 2020+L7 (E38) 1997–2001 M Coupe (E36) 1998–2002 M Roadster (E36) 1997–2002 M1 (E26) 1978–1981 M2 2023+M2 (F87) 2015–2018 M2 CS 2019+M2 Competition 2018+M3 (F80) 2014–2018 M3 CS 2024+M3 CS (F80) 2017–2018 M3 CSL (E46) 2003+M3 Cabriolet (E36) 1994–1999 M3 Cabriolet (E46) 2001–2007 M3 Cabriolet (E93) 2008–2013 M3 Competition Touring 2025+M3 Coupe 2000+M3 Coupe (E30) 1986–1992 M3 Coupe (E36) 1992–1998 M3 Coupe (E92) 2007–2011 M3 Coupe (E92) LCI 2010–2013 M3 GTS (E92) 2010–2011 M3 Sedan 2021+M3 Sedan (E36) 1994–1998 M3 Sedan (E90) 2008–2011 M3 Touring 2023+M4 2021+M4 CS 2018+M4 CSL 2023+M4 Convertible 2014+M4 Coupe 2025+M4 Coupe (F82) 2014–2020 M4 GTS 2015+M5 1985+M5 CS (F90) M5 Competition 2020+M5 Touring 1992+M535i M6 Cabriolet (E64) 2006–2010 M6 Cabriolet (F12) 2012–2014 M6 Cabriolet LCI 2014–2018 M6 Coupe (E63) 2005–2010 M6 Coupe (F13) 2012–2014 M6 Coupe LCI 2014–2018 M6 Gran Coupe (F06) 2013–2018 M635 CSi (E24) 1984+M8 2019+M8 Convertible 2019+M8 Coupe 2022+M8 Gran Coupe 2022+Turbo 2002+X1 2010–2022 X2 2024+X3 2022+X3 (E83) 2004–2010 X3 (F25) 2010–2017 X3 (G01) 2017–2021 X3 M 2019+X3 M (F97) 2021+X4 2014–2021 X4 M (F98) 2019+X5 2019+X5 (E53) 2000–2007 X5 (E70) 2007–2009 X5 (F15) 2014–2018 X5 M 2020+X5 M (E70) 2009–2014 X5 M (F85) 2014–2018 X5 M Competition 2024+X6 2008+X6 M 2014+X6 M Competition 2024+X6M (E71) 2009–2014 X7 2022+X7 (G07) 2018–2022 XM 2023+Z1 (E30) 1988–1991 Z3 Coupe (E36) 1998–2002 Z3 Roadster (E36) 1996–2003 Z4 2019+Z4 (E85) 2002–2006 Z4 Coupe (E86) 2006–2009 Z4 M Coupe (E86) 2006–2009 Z4 M Roadster Z4 Roadster (E85) 2006–2009 Z4 Roadster (E89) 2009–2013 Z4 Roadster LCI (E89) 2013–2016 Z8 Roadster (E52) 2000–2003 i3 2013–2017 i3s 2017+i4 2022+i5 2024+i5 Touring (G61) 2025+i7 2023+i8 (I12) 2014–2020 i8 Roadster (I15) 2018–2020 iX 2021+iX M60 2022+iX1 2022+iX2 2024+iX3 (G08) 2020+isetta 1955+

Decode other makes

Comparing vehicles from different brands? Open another make-specific decoder, or browse all makes.

BMW VIN Decoder FAQ

Common questions about checking BMW vehicle identification numbers.

What is a BMW VIN decoder?+

A BMW VIN decoder reads the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number and returns the model, engine, body type, model year, production plant and factory options. Our BMW VIN checker is free and needs no registration.

How do I decode a BMW VIN for free?+

Enter the 17-character VIN in the box at the top of the page and submit. The free BMW VIN checker instantly runs a lookup and returns specifications, recall information and available safety ratings.

Where is the VIN located on a BMW?+

On most BMW vehicles the VIN is visible at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, on the driver's door jamb sticker, and on the vehicle registration document (V5C / title).

How many characters is a BMW VIN?+

A valid BMW VIN has exactly 17 characters and never contains the letters I, O or Q, to avoid confusion with the digits 1 and 0.

Where is BMW made, and how do I tell from the VIN?+

BMW is associated with Germany and is built at several plants. The country and plant are encoded in the VIN: BMW uses WMI prefixes such as WBA · WBS · WBX · WBY · 5UX, and position 11 identifies the assembly plant.

Is the BMW VIN decoder really free?+

Yes. Decoding specifications, recalls and safety ratings is completely free with no account required. A paid full-history report is optional if you also need mileage and theft checks.

Can I check BMW recalls by VIN?+

Yes. The decoder cross-references BMW recall campaigns from NHTSA, Transport Canada and the EU Safety Gate so you can see whether a specific VIN is affected.

What is the difference between a free decode and a full history report?+

The free decode covers specifications, recalls, safety ratings and emissions. The full report adds mileage verification, stolen-vehicle checks, accident records and ownership history.

Decode your BMW VIN, free

Enter the 17-character VIN to get instant specifications, recalls and safety data. No registration required.

Decode VIN now