What the BMW 4 Series VIN decoder shows
The 4 Series is sold as a two-door Coupe, a soft-top Convertible and a four-door Gran Coupe, with four-cylinder or six-cylinder gas engines and, since 2022, as the all-electric i4. These versions look alike but differ a lot in price, so the VIN is the safest way to know what you are buying. Our decoder shows:
- Body style: Coupe, Convertible or Gran Coupe.
- Exact model: for example 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive or i4. BMW encodes the model type in characters 4 to 7.
- Generation: F32/F33/F36 or G22/G23/G26, based on the model year and model code.
- Engine and powertrain: 2.0L turbo four, 3.0L turbo six or electric.
- 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 4 Series generations in the US
The 4 Series name started with the 2014 model year. Before that, BMW sold the same kind of car as the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible (E92/E93). Each generation has its own code for every body style:
| Generation | Body style | US model years | Main US models |
|---|---|---|---|
| G22 | Coupe | 2021–present | 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i, M440i xDrive |
| G23 | Convertible | 2021–present | 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive |
| G26 | Gran Coupe (4-door) | 2022–present | 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive, i4 |
| F32 | Coupe | 2014–2020 | 428i, 435i, 430i, 440i |
| F33 | Convertible | 2014–2020 | 428i, 435i, 430i, 440i |
| F36 | Gran Coupe (4-door) | 2015–2020 | 428i, 435i, 430i, 440i |
The current generation was updated (LCI) for the 2025 model year with a new front end and interior. The M4 is a separate high-performance model with its own VIN code.
Which 4 Series do you have? Models and engines
A trunk badge can be changed or removed. The VIN cannot. Compare what the decoder shows with this table:
| Model | US model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| i4 M50 / i4 M60 (G26) | 2022–2024 · 2025–present | Electric, two motors, all-wheel drive |
| i4 xDrive40 (G26) | 2025–present | Electric, two motors, all-wheel drive |
| i4 eDrive40 / eDrive35 (G26) | 2022–present · 2023–present | Electric, one rear motor |
| M440i (G22/G23/G26) | 2021–present | 3.0L turbo inline-six (B58), mild hybrid |
| 430i (G22/G23/G26) | 2021–present | 2.0L turbo four (B48) |
| 440i (F32/F33/F36) | 2017–2020 | 3.0L turbo inline-six (B58) |
| 430i (F32/F33/F36) | 2017–2020 | 2.0L turbo four (B46/B48) |
| 435i (F32/F33/F36) | 2014–2016 | 3.0L turbo inline-six (N55) |
| 428i (F32/F33/F36) | 2014–2016 | 2.0L turbo four (N20) |
“xDrive” in the name means all-wheel drive. The M Sport package and other options are not part of the VIN. See “Options and window sticker” below.
How to read a BMW 4 Series VIN
Every 4 Series has a 17-character VIN. Here is an example:
WBA 53AP0 6 M C 123456
Example VIN for illustration only.
| Characters | In this VIN | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 · WMI | WBA | BMW AG, Germany. An M4 starts with WBS (BMW M GmbH). |
| 4–7 · Model type code | 53AP | BMW’s type code. It identifies the exact model, body style and drivetrain, for example a 430i Coupe vs a 430i xDrive Gran Coupe. |
| 8 · Vehicle code | 0 | Additional vehicle information such as the restraint system. |
| 9 · Check digit | 6 | A calculated value that confirms the VIN is valid. It can be a number from 0 to 9 or the letter X. |
| 10 · Model year | M | The model year: M is 2021. |
| 11 · Plant code | C | The BMW assembly plant. |
| 12–17 · Serial number | 123456 | The unique production number of that car. |
4 Series WMI codes and plants
| WMI | Built by | Which 4 Series |
|---|---|---|
WBA | BMW AG | 430i, 440i, M440i and other 4 Series, built in Germany at BMW’s Munich and Dingolfing plants. |
WBS | BMW M GmbH | M4 |
Source: NHTSA vPIC.
BMW 4 Series model year codes
The 10th character shows the model year. Codes for every 4 Series year:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
E | 2014 | J | 2018 | N | 2022 |
F | 2015 | K | 2019 | P | 2023 |
G | 2016 | L | 2020 | R | 2024 |
H | 2017 | M | 2021 | S · T | 2025 · 2026 |
BMW i4: the electric 4 Series Gran Coupe
The i4 shares its body with the 4 Series Gran Coupe and went on sale for the 2022 model year. From the outside it is easy to mistake an i4 for a 430i or M440i Gran Coupe, and the i4 versions also look alike (eDrive35, eDrive40, xDrive40, M50 and M60). A VIN decode confirms the exact version. On a used i4, also ask about charging history, any high-voltage battery work and how much of the battery warranty is left.
BMW 4 Series recalls
Recalls are issued for specific VINs, so two 4 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. Examples of recent and well-known campaigns:
- Electric water pump (2024): 2014–2016 428i models were recalled because a poorly sealed connector on the water pump can short-circuit if water gets in, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Airbags (2024): some early F32/F33/F36 cars, mainly 2014–2015, were recalled for driver front airbag inflators and for head (curtain) airbag inflators.
- Starter relay and starter (2025–2026): some newer models, including the 2022 M440i Gran Coupe, were recalled for a starter relay or starter that can overheat, with a risk of fire.
- i4 high-voltage battery (2022): a small number of 2022–2023 i4 and iX were recalled for battery cells that could short-circuit. Owners were told not to drive or charge until the modules were replaced.
Enter the VIN above to see every recall on record for that exact car and whether it is still open.
Common BMW 4 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 4 Series:
| Generation | Often reported | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| G22/G23/G26 (2021–) | Generally good reliability; the B58 six in the M440i has a strong reputation. Early cars received software updates and recalls | Recalls and software updates done; battery and charging on the i4 |
| F32/F33/F36 2017–2020 | Oil and coolant leaks as the cars age | Leaks under the car, service history |
| F32/F33/F36 2014–2016 | Timing chain wear on the N20 four (428i); oil filter housing and valve cover gasket leaks; water pump and thermostat failure on the N55 (435i) | Timing chain and water pump records, oil leaks, water pump recall done on the 428i |
| Convertible (F33/G23) | Roof mechanism faults, water leaks and wind noise | Open and close the roof several times, check for water in the cabin and trunk |
How to verify an M440i, i4 or xDrive
Higher-performance and electric versions cost much more, so some cars are re-badged to look like a better model. To check:
- Decode the VIN and read the model name, body style 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 430i but the car is badged M440i, it is not that model.
Where to find the VIN on a BMW 4 Series
- Dashboard: on the driver’s side, visible through the lower windshield.
- Driver’s door pillar: on the label on the door frame when the door is open. On the Coupe and Convertible, the doors are long, so look toward the rear of the opening.
- Under the hood: also stamped in the engine bay on many models.
- Documents: title, registration and insurance card.
Buying a used BMW 4 Series: checklist
- The VIN on the dashboard, door pillar and title all match.
- The model, body style 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.
- On a 2014–2016 428i, ask about the timing chain and the water pump recall.
- On a Convertible, test the roof and look for water leaks.
- On an i4, ask about battery and charging history and any battery recall work.
- Check what is left of the factory warranty or BMW Certified Pre-Owned coverage.
- 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.
Options and window sticker
The VIN shows the model, body style, engine, drivetrain, plant and year. Factory options such as the M Sport package, Premium Package, driver-assistance packages or paint color are stored in BMW’s build record, not in the VIN. A BMW center can look them up by VIN.
BMW 4 Series VIN FAQs
Where is the VIN on a BMW 4 Series?
On the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on the label on the driver’s door frame. It is also on the title, registration and insurance card.
What does a BMW 4 Series VIN start with?
Most start with WBA, the code for BMW AG in Germany. The M4 starts with WBS.
What is the difference between the 4 Series and the 3 Series?
The 4 Series is the Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe version of the 3 Series, with a lower, sportier body. It started with the 2014 model year. Before that, these cars were sold as the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible.
Can the VIN tell a Coupe from a Gran Coupe or Convertible?
Yes. Characters 4 to 7 are BMW’s model type code, which is different for each body style, model and drivetrain. Decode the VIN to see the body style.
Is the BMW i4 a 4 Series?
Yes. The i4 is the electric version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe (G26). It shares the body with the gas 430i and M440i Gran Coupe, but the VIN shows an electric powertrain.
Does my BMW 4 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 4 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.
Similar luxury coupes and Gran Coupes
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.