What the BMW 3 Series VIN decoder shows
The 3 Series has been sold in the US with four-cylinder, six-cylinder, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines, in rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive. Two cars that look alike can be very different, so the VIN is the fastest way to know exactly what you are looking at. Our decoder shows:
- Exact model: for example 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i or 330e. BMW encodes the model type in characters 4 to 7.
- Generation: E90, F30 or G20, based on the model year and model code.
- Engine and fuel type: 2.0L turbo four, 3.0L turbo six, diesel or plug-in hybrid.
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive.
- Model year and assembly plant: from characters 10 and 11.
- Open safety recalls: any recall on record with NHTSA for that exact VIN.
BMW 3 Series generations in the US
Most used 3 Series for sale in the US today belong to the last three generations. Use the model year to see which one you have:
| Generation | US model years | Body styles | Main US models |
|---|---|---|---|
| G20 | 2019–present | Sedan | 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, 330e |
| F30 / F31 / F34 | 2012–2018 (wagon and Gran Turismo to 2019) | Sedan, wagon, Gran Turismo | 320i, 328i, 328d, 330i, 330e, 335i, 340i |
| E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 | 2006–2011 (coupe and convertible to 2013) | Sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible | 325i, 328i, 330i, 335i, 335d |
| E46 | 1999–2005 (coupe and convertible to 2006) | Sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, hatchback | 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i |
From the 2014 model year, BMW moved the 3 Series coupe and convertible to a new name, the 4 Series. The M3 is a separate high-performance model with its own VIN codes.
Which 3 Series do you have? Models and engines
The badge on the trunk can be changed. The VIN cannot. Compare what the decoder shows with this table:
| Model | US model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| M340i (G20) | 2020–present | 3.0L turbo inline-six (B58), 48-volt mild hybrid |
| 330i (G20) | 2019–present | 2.0L turbo four (B48) |
| 330e (G20) | 2021–present | 2.0L turbo four + electric motor, plug-in hybrid |
| 340i (F30) | 2016–2018 | 3.0L turbo inline-six (B58) |
| 335i (F30) | 2012–2015 | 3.0L turbo inline-six (N55) |
| 330i (F30) | 2017–2018 | 2.0L turbo four |
| 330e (F30) | 2016–2018 | 2.0L turbo four + electric motor, plug-in hybrid |
| 328i (F30) | 2012–2016 | 2.0L turbo four (N20) |
| 328d (F30) | 2014–2018 | 2.0L turbodiesel four |
| 320i (F30) | 2013–2018 | 2.0L turbo four (N20, lower output) |
| 335i (E90) | 2007–2011 | 3.0L turbo inline-six (N54 twin-turbo; N55 on later cars) |
| 335d (E90) | 2009–2011 | 3.0L turbodiesel inline-six |
| 328i (E90) | 2007–2011 | 3.0L naturally aspirated inline-six |
xDrive (all-wheel drive) was available on most of these models. The M Sport package is an option, not a separate model, so it is not shown by the VIN.
How to read a BMW 3 Series VIN
Every 3 Series has a 17-character VIN. Here is an example:
WBA 5R1C5 5 K A 123456
Example VIN for illustration only.
| Characters | In this VIN | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 · WMI | WBA | BMW AG, Germany. A 3 Series built in Mexico starts with 3MW; an M3 starts with WBS. |
| 4–7 · Model type code | 5R1C | BMW’s type code. It identifies the exact model and drivetrain, for example 330i vs M340i, or rear-wheel drive vs xDrive. |
| 8 · Restraint / vehicle code | 5 | Additional vehicle information such as the restraint system. |
| 9 · Check digit | 5 | A calculated number that confirms the VIN is valid and not mistyped. |
| 10 · Model year | K | The model year: K is 2019. |
| 11 · Plant code | A | The BMW assembly plant. |
| 12–17 · Serial number | 123456 | The unique production number of that car. |
3 Series WMI codes and plants
| WMI | Built by | Which 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
WBA | BMW AG, Germany | 3 Series built in Germany, mainly at the Munich plant |
3MW | BMW de México, San Luis Potosí | G20 3 Series built in Mexico for the US and other markets (2019 onward) |
WBS | BMW M GmbH | M3 and some M models |
Source: NHTSA vPIC.
BMW 3 Series model year codes
The 10th character shows the model year. Codes for the years most 3 Series buyers look at:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | 2006 | D | 2013 | L | 2020 |
7 | 2007 | E | 2014 | M | 2021 |
8 | 2008 | F | 2015 | N | 2022 |
9 | 2009 | G | 2016 | P | 2023 |
A | 2010 | H | 2017 | R | 2024 |
B | 2011 | J | 2018 | S | 2025 |
C | 2012 | K | 2019 | T | 2026 |
BMW 3 Series recalls
Recalls are issued for specific VINs, so two 3 Series of the same year can have different results. Repairs for safety recalls are free at any BMW center, even if you are not the first owner. Two well-known campaigns affected many older 3 Series:
- Takata airbag inflators: many 2000–2006 3 Series (E46) were part of the Takata airbag recall.
- High-pressure fuel pump: 2007–2010 335i models with the N54 twin-turbo engine were recalled for the high-pressure fuel pump.
Enter the VIN above to see every recall on record for that exact car and whether it is still open.
Common BMW 3 Series problems by generation
These are issues that owners and independent mechanics often report. They don’t affect every car, but they are worth checking on a used 3 Series:
| Generation | Often reported | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| G20 (2019–) | Generally good reliability; early 2019 cars had more software and electronics issues | Software updates done, recalls closed |
| F30 (2012–2018) | Timing chain wear on the N20 2.0L engine (2012–2015 328i and 320i); oil leaks | Timing chain service records, oil leaks under the engine |
| E90 (2006–2011) | High-pressure fuel pump and turbo issues on the N54 335i; oil filter housing and valve cover gasket leaks | Fuel pump and gasket repair receipts, smooth idle and power |
| E46 (1999–2006) | Cooling system parts (water pump, expansion tank) and suspension bushings wear with age | Cooling system replacement history, suspension noises |
How to verify an M340i, 335i or xDrive
Higher-performance 3 Series cost more, so some cars are re-badged to look like a better model. To check:
- Decode the VIN and read the model name and engine it returns.
- Compare them with the trunk badge and the seller’s listing.
- Check the drivetrain: an xDrive car will show all-wheel drive in the decode.
- If the VIN says 330i but the car is badged M340i, it is not a real M340i.
Where to find the VIN on a BMW 3 Series
- Dashboard: on the driver’s side, visible through the lower windshield.
- Driver’s door pillar: on the label on the B-pillar when the door is open.
- Under the hood: also stamped in the engine bay on many models.
- Documents: title, registration and insurance card.
Buying a used BMW 3 Series: checklist
- The VIN on the dashboard, door pillar and title all match.
- The model and engine from the VIN match the badge and the listing.
- No open safety recalls, or proof they were completed.
- No salvage, flood or rebuilt title brand, and odometer readings that go up steadily.
- Service records, including oil changes at the recommended interval.
- Check for oil leaks and, on F30 models with the N20 engine, ask about the timing chain.
- On a 330e, ask about the high-voltage battery and charging history.
- A pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist.
Before you buy, run a full vehicle history check to see title brands, accidents, odometer readings and past sales, or see a sample report.
Can a VIN show 3 Series options or the window sticker?
The VIN shows the model, engine, drivetrain, plant and year. Factory options such as the M Sport package, Premium Package or paint color are stored in BMW’s build record, not in the VIN. A BMW center can look them up by VIN.
BMW 3 Series VIN FAQs
Where is the VIN on a BMW 3 Series?
On the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on the label on the driver’s door pillar. It is also on the title, registration and insurance card.
What does a BMW 3 Series VIN start with?
Most start with WBA (built in Germany). G20 models built in Mexico start with 3MW, and the M3 starts with WBS.
How do I know which 3 Series generation I have?
Check the model year (10th character). 2019 and newer is the G20, 2012–2018 is the F30, and 2006–2011 is the E90 family.
How can I tell a 330i from an M340i by VIN?
Characters 4 to 7 are BMW’s model type code, which is different for each model and drivetrain. Decode the VIN and check that the model and engine match the badge.
Does the VIN show if a 3 Series has xDrive?
Yes. The model type code includes the drivetrain, so the decoder shows whether the car is rear-wheel drive or xDrive.
Does my BMW 3 Series have an open recall?
Enter the VIN at the top of this page. We check NHTSA records and show any recall that applies to that exact car.
Is the BMW 3 Series VIN decoder free?
Yes. Decoding the specs and checking recalls is free with no sign-up. A full vehicle history report is a separate paid option.
Other BMW models
See all codes in the BMW VIN decoder.
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Sources: NHTSA (VIN standards, WMI codes and recalls) and BMW model information. Recall data updated October 8, 2026. HistoryByVIN is not affiliated with BMW. BMW and the BMW logo are trademarks of their owner.