A Node.js web application that decodes BMW Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) using the NHTSA public API and BMW-specific VIN structure knowledge. Features SQLite caching for improved performance and a modern web interface.

• 🚗 BMW VIN Decoding: Decode 17-character BMW VINs to extract vehicle information
• 🏛️ NHTSA API Integration: Uses the official NHTSA Vehicle Product Information Catalog (vPIC) API
• 🔧 BMW-Specific Decoding: Custom BMW VIN structure parsing for series, plant, model year, and more
• 💾 SQLite Caching: Automatic caching of results to reduce API calls and improve response times
• 📊 Statistics Dashboard: Track usage statistics including cache hits and API calls
• 🎨 Modern UI: Clean, responsive web interface with real-time feedback
• ⚡ Fast Performance: Cached results load instantly

• Make, Model, Model Year
• Vehicle Type, Body Class
• Engine specifications (cylinders, horsepower, displacement)
• Transmission type, Drive type
• Fuel type
• Manufacturing plant information
• Series and trim information

• World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) validation
• BMW series identification (1 Series, 3 Series, X5, etc.)
• Body style (Sedan, Coupe, SUV, etc.)
• Generation codes (F30, G20, etc.)
• Assembly plant location
• Model year decoding
• Serial number extraction
• Check digit validation

• BMW option codes (requires proprietary database access)
• Additional BMW-specific APIs
• Historical recall information
• Maintenance records (if available)

1. Clone the repository

git clone <repository-url>
cd bmw-vin-decoder

2. Install dependencies

npm install

3. Start the application

npm start

Or for development with auto-restart:

npm run dev

4. Open your browser Navigate to http://localhost:3000

1. Enter a 17-character BMW VIN in the input field
2. Click "Decode VIN" or press Enter
3. View the decoded information including NHTSA data and BMW-specific details
4. Results are automatically cached for faster future lookups

• WBAWC73549PD05618 (BMW 3 Series)
• 5UXWX7C59BA123456 (BMW X5 - Spartanburg)
• WBA3B54XF5S123456 (BMW 3 Series - Germany)

Decode a VIN and return comprehensive vehicle information.

Request:

{
  "vin": "WBAWC73549PD05618"
}

Response:

{
  "vin": "WBAWC73549PD05618",
  "cached": false,
  "data": {
    "nhtsa": {
      "make": "BMW",
      "model": "3 Series",
      "modelYear": "2009",
      // ... more NHTSA data
    },
    "bmw_basic": {
      "isBMW": true,
      "wmi": {
        "code": "WBA",
        "manufacturer": "BMW AG",
        "region": "Germany"
      },
      // ... more BMW data
    },
    "bmw_options": null
  },
  "timestamp": "2024-01-15T10:30:00.000Z"
}

Get caching and usage statistics.

Search cached VINs by partial VIN or pattern.

bmw-vin-decoder/
├── app.js                 # Main Express application
├── package.json          # Dependencies and scripts
├── services/
│   ├── database.js       # SQLite operations
│   ├── vinDecoder.js     # Main VIN decoding logic
│   └── bmwDecoder.js     # BMW-specific VIN parsing
├── public/
│   └── index.html        # Web interface
├── vin_cache.db          # SQLite database (auto-created)
└── README.md

BMW VINs follow the standard 17-character format with specific patterns:

• WBA: BMW AG (Germany)
• WBS: BMW M Division (Germany)
• 4US/5UX: BMW Manufacturing Corp (Spartanburg, USA)
• WBY: BMW Motorrad (Motorcycles)

Contains model series, body style, and engine information (BMW proprietary codes)

• Position 9: Check digit
• Position 10: Model year
• Position 11: Assembly plant
• Positions 12-17: Serial number

This application uses the NHTSA Vehicle Product Information Catalog (vPIC) API:

• Base URL: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/api/vehicles
• Endpoint: /DecodeVinValues/{vin}?format=json
• Rate Limiting: Automatically controlled by NHTSA
• Documentation: NHTSA vPIC API

CREATE TABLE vin_cache (
    id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
    vin TEXT UNIQUE NOT NULL,
    nhtsa_data TEXT,          -- JSON string
    bmw_basic_data TEXT,      -- JSON string
    bmw_options_data TEXT,    -- JSON string (future use)
    created_at DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
    updated_at DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
);

CREATE TABLE cache_stats (
    id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
    total_requests INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
    cache_hits INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
    api_calls INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
    last_updated DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
);

BMW option codes provide detailed information about factory-installed equipment and packages. Currently, this feature is not implemented due to the proprietary nature of BMW's option code databases. Potential sources for future implementation:

• BMW ETK (Electronic Parts Catalog) - Dealer access required
• BMW TIS (Technical Information System) - Dealer access required
• Third-party services - Paid APIs like BimmerCode or similar
• BMW ConnectedDrive API - Requires BMW developer partnership

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/option-codes)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -am 'Add option codes support')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/option-codes)
5. Create a Pull Request

• PORT: Server port (default: 3000)
• NODE_ENV: Environment (development/production)

The application includes comprehensive error handling:

• VIN format validation
• BMW VIN verification
• API timeout handling
• Database error recovery
• User-friendly error messages

• SQLite caching reduces API calls
• Efficient database indexing on VIN column
• Concurrent API requests using Promise.allSettled
• Request timeouts to prevent hanging
• Optimized client-side rendering

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details

For issues, questions, or contributions:

1. Check existing issues
2. Create a new issue with detailed description
3. Provide example VINs for testing (if applicable)

Note: This application is for educational and informational purposes. Always verify critical vehicle information through official BMW dealers or certified sources.