How to decode a BMW 530xiT VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 530xiT VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that forms the beginning of every Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as an identifier for the vehicle’s manufacturer. For the BMW 530xiT, the WMI is WBA, which indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG. This German automaker is known for producing luxury vehicles and is headquartered in Munich. The WMI is essential in distinguishing the vehicle’s country of origin and the manufacturing company, and when paired with the rest of the VIN, it provides a unique identifier for each individual vehicle. For the 530xiT, a model that epitomizes BMW’s combination of sophisticated style and practicality, the WMI is the starting point in decoding the vehicle’s full identity and origin.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 530xiT
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2006
- Example VIN: WBANN73506B799148
- Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Munich
- State or Province:
- Country: Germany
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a BMW 530xiT VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a BMW 530xiT:
| Known VDS for a BMW 530xiT |
|---|
| NN735 |
Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.
Character 9 is the “check digit” in a BMW 530xiT VIN.
Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.
10th Character in the BMW 530xiT VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 6 | 2006 BMW 530xiT |
11th Character in the BMW 530xiT VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 530xiT Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Dingolfing | Germany | WBANN73506B799148 | ||
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBANN73506CN00560 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 530xiT
The final 6 characters in a BMW 530xiT’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 530xiT’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 530xiT is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 530xiT. You can typically see the VIN through the windshield on a small metal or plastic plate.
- The driver’s side door jamb is another common place where you might find the VIN. It may be on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Check your BMW 530xiT’s registration documents, insurance card, or title, where the VIN is always printed.
- Open the hood and look at the front of the engine block. The VIN may also be stamped onto the metal surface here.
- For some vehicles, the VIN can be found beneath the spare tire in the trunk. Remove the tire in your BMW 530xiT to check for a VIN plate.
- Inspect the rear wheel well. Turn the wheel to the extreme right or left and look above the tire in the well area.
- The BMW 530xiT’s VIN might also be on the front frame of the vehicle, so take a look there as well.
What info can a BMW 530xiT VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2006, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 2006 BMW 530xiT, this may indicate a wagon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Plant City: The VIN can provide the city of production, in this case, Dingolfing, enhancing the understanding of the vehicle’s manufacturing origin.
- Series: The VIN may reveal the series of the vehicle, potentially identifying it as part of the 5-Series lineup.
- Trim: The VIN can possibly indicate the specific trim level of the vehicle, hinting at Touring for this model.
- Manufacturer: The VIN reveals the manufacturer of the vehicle, in this case, BMW, offering important insights into the vehicle’s origin and brand.
Don’t have your BMW 530xiT’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 530xiT
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Wagon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 182.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 255 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) |
| Model | 530xi |
| Model Year | 2006 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14. |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Trim | 530xiT (Touring) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBANN735*6B |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 113.6 |
| Sample_VIN | WBANN73506B799148 |
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