How to decode a BMW 533i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 533i VIN
A WMI, or World Manufacturer Identifier, is a unique three-letter or -digit code allocated to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code forms the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and can reveal vital information about the car. For the BMW 533i, the WMI is ‘WBA’, which stands for BMW AG, the renowned German automaker. Specifically, this identifier indicates that the vehicle was produced by BMW. It’s important to note that the WMI not only informs about the manufacturer but can also point to the vehicle’s country of origin and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, a BMW 533i with a VIN starting with ‘WBA’ ensures its authenticity as a genuine BMW product manufactured in Germany.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 533i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1983-1984
- Example VIN: WBADB8400D1049443
- 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 533i 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 533i:
| Known VDS for a BMW 533i | |
|---|---|
| DB840 | DB740 |
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 533i 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 533i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| E | 1984 BMW 533i |
| D | 1983 BMW 533i |
11th Character in the BMW 533i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 533i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dingolfing | Germany | WBADB8400D1049443 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 533i
The final 6 characters in a BMW 533i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 533i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 533i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 533i, near the corner where it meets the windshield. The VIN is typically displayed here and can be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Look at the driver-side door jamb when you open the door of your BMW 533i. The VIN is usually found on a label or metal plate where the door latches.
- Check under the hood of your BMW 533i; the VIN might be stamped onto the engine block or on a plate affixed to the firewall.
- Examine the trunk area of your BMW 533i. Sometimes the VIN can be found on the floor of the trunk underneath the carpet or on the lid.
- Consult the BMW 533i’s vehicle registration documents or insurance papers, which should always have the VIN recorded.
- For additional locations, look at the frame of the car beneath the vehicle. This may require lifting the car and should be done safely or by a professional.
- If these methods fail, the vehicle’s user manual should describe more VIN locations specific to your BMW 533i.
What info can a BMW 533i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1984, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Plant City: The VIN indicates that the BMW 533i was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, providing insight into the vehicle’s origin and possibly the quality of manufacturing.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN identifies the BMW 533i as a passenger car, offering insights into the primary use of the vehicle.
- Body Class: The VIN can provide information about the body style of the BMW 533i, which in this case is a sedan/saloon, giving detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN can provide details about the engine of the BMW 533i, such as the number of cylinders (6) and the displacement (3.21 liters), offering insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: The VIN reveals that the primary fuel type for the BMW 533i is gasoline, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: While specific safety features are not explicitly listed in the VIN, standard safety features for the BMW 533i can be inferred, providing potential insights into the vehicle’s safety standards.
Don’t have your BMW 533i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 533i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3210.2258376 |
| Displacement (CI) | 195.9 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.2102258376 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 181 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 533i |
| Model Year | 1984 |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBADB740*E1 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBADB7404E1191189 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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