Free 1999 BMW 540i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1999 BMW 540i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 BMW 540i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial set of three characters found in a vehicle identification number (VIN) which signifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, the type of vehicle it is, and the country of manufacture. In the specific case of a 1999 BMW 540i, the WMI indicates that this passenger car was manufactured by BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany. This identifier not only affirms the car’s origins but also provides assurance of its manufacturing standards and quality. WMIs are crucial for vehicle identification, enabling a detailed understanding of a vehicle’s background and specifications based on its unique VIN. This method of classification ensures that vehicles can be identified globally for registration, warranty claims, and for legal purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 BMW 540i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1994-1995, 1997-2003, 2017-2024
• Example VIN: WBADN5348XGC92674
• 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 1999 BMW 540i 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 1999 BMW 540i:

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 1999 BMW 540i 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 1999 BMW 540i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1999 BMW 540i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 BMW 540i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 BMW 540i

The final 6 characters in a 1999 BMW 540i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 540i’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1999 BMW 540i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can provide insights into the model year, suggesting that the vehicle could be from the year 1999.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN might offer information on the vehicle type, indicating it could be a Passenger Car with a body class classified as a Sedan/Saloon.
• Engine Details: Through the VIN, it can be discerned that the vehicle has detailed engine specifications, such as the manufacturer being BMW-AG, a 4.40 liter or 268.4 cubic inches displacement, and an engine horsepower starting at 282.
• Fuel Type: The VIN could possibly indicate that the primary fuel type for the vehicle is Gasoline.
• Safety Features: The VIN may disclose safety features, including the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, along with details about the restraint system, such as a de-powered Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).
• Manufacturing Information: Information about the vehicle’s manufacturing, such as the plant city being Dingolfing and the country being Germany, may be obtained from the VIN.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN might classify the vehicle within a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating range, indicating that the vehicle falls under Class 1, accommodating vehicles of 6,000 lb or less.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 BMW 540i

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