NHTSA vPIC Data for BMW

BMW VIN Decoder

Free VIN lookup for BMW cars, trucks, and SUVs, pulled live from the official NHTSA vPIC database — model, model year, engine, trim, and manufacturer codes.

BMW Models on File with NHTSA

NHTSA's vPIC database lists 258 BMW models across all model years it has on record, including:

...and 198 more. Decode a specific VIN above to see the exact model.

BMW WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) Codes

The first three characters of a VIN are the WMI, identifying the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. NHTSA has 18 WMI codes on file for BMW:

WMICountryVehicle Type
3MFGERMANYPassenger Car
3MWGERMANYPassenger Car
4USUNITED STATES (USA)Passenger Car
5UMGERMANYPassenger Car
5UXUNITED STATES (USA)Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
5YMUNITED STATES (USA)Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
WAPGERMANYPassenger Car
WB1GERMANYMotorcycle
WB3GERMANYMotorcycle
WB4GERMANYMotorcycle
WB5GERMANYMultipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
WBAGERMANYPassenger Car
WBSGERMANYPassenger Car
WBXGERMANYMultipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
WBYGERMANYPassenger Car
WMWGERMANYPassenger Car
WMZGERMANYMultipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
WZ1GERMANYPassenger Car

Vehicle Types NHTSA Has On File for BMW

Motorcycle Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) Passenger Car

BMW VIN Decoder — FAQ

How do I decode a BMW VIN for free?

Enter the 17-character VIN in the field above and press "Decode BMW VIN." You'll be taken to our decoder, which queries the official NHTSA vPIC API and returns model, model year, engine, trim, body style, and more — free, with no signup.

What information can I get from a BMW VIN?

A BMW VIN decode typically reveals the model, model year, trim, engine type and displacement, body style, drive type, fuel type, plant of manufacture, and GVWR class — based on what BMW reported to NHTSA for that vehicle.

Where is the VIN located on a BMW?

On most BMW vehicles, the VIN is stamped on a plate visible through the windshield on the driver's side of the dashboard, and on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. It's also printed on the title, registration, and insurance card.

Is this BMW VIN decoder accurate?

Yes. It queries NHTSA's vPIC (Vehicle Product Information Catalog) database directly — the same federal database BMW and other manufacturers submit vehicle specification data to.

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