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BMW VIN decoder
A BMW VIN has 17 characters, and BMW VINs commonly start with WBA, WBS, WBY and 5UX, which identify the manufacturer and where the car was built. North-American-market BMW VINs always encode the model year in position 10. European-market VINs from this maker may not, so RevalVIN asks for the model year when it matters. RevalVIN decodes BMW VINs from €0.10 per result and adds stolen, mileage, valuation and ownership-cost checks.
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BMW VIN prefixes
The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).
| VIN starts with | Meaning |
|---|---|
WBA | BMW cars (Germany) |
WBS | BMW M (Germany) |
WBY | BMW i (Germany) |
5UX | BMW SUVs (USA) |
Common prefixes, not an exhaustive list.
Does a BMW VIN show the model year?
North-American-market BMW VINs always encode the model year in position 10. European-market VINs from this maker may not, so RevalVIN asks for the model year when it matters.
RevalVIN never guesses the model year from a registration date. If a recorded first-registration date is earlier than the manufacture year, it shows the manufacture year instead. The model year code table explains each character.
Where to find the VIN on a BMW
- At the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, readable from outside the car
- On a label in the driver's door frame
- On the registration document, such as the V5C in the UK or the Zulassungsbescheinigung in Germany
- In the service book and on insurance documents
Compare the VIN in at least two places before buying.
What you can check for a BMW
| Check | Coverage | Wallet price |
|---|---|---|
| VIN decode | Any BMW VIN | €0.10 |
| Stolen vehicle check | 5 national police databases | €0.20 |
| Mileage history | Where odometer records exist | €0.20 |
| Vehicle photos | Where photos were published | €0.20 |
| Market valuation | 24 markets | €0.30 |
| Time to sell | 13 markets, where enough listings exist | €0.30 |
| Cost of ownership | 4 countries | €0.30 |
| Market listings | Current market listings | €0.10 |
| Safety recalls | Vehicles sold in the United States | €0.10 |
Commonly checked BMW models: 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 and X5. Get them all at once in the Complete report.
Individual vehicle records, not a comprehensive accident, title or ownership report. Missing records do not prove a clean history.
Frequently asked questions
What do BMW VINs start with?
Common BMW VIN prefixes include WBA (BMW cars (Germany)), WBS (BMW M (Germany)), WBY (BMW i (Germany)), 5UX (BMW SUVs (USA)). This is not an exhaustive list.
Does a BMW VIN show the model year?
North-American-market BMW VINs always encode the model year in position 10. European-market VINs from this maker may not, so RevalVIN asks for the model year when it matters.
How much does a BMW VIN check cost?
A VIN decode costs €0.10 per successful result from a RevalVIN wallet. The Complete report, with history, value and ownership-cost sections, costs up to €0.99 from a wallet or €3.99 by card.
Where is the VIN on a BMW?
Usually at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, on a label in the driver's door frame, and on the registration document.
Check a BMW before you buy
Create a free account, decode the VIN and add the history and value checks you need.