How to decode a BMW 540iA VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 540iA VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier, commonly referred to as the WMI, is a unique sequence of the first three characters within a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which helps to identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the BMW 540iA, the WMI is WBA, which signifies that the vehicle was produced by BMW AG, a prestigious automobile manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany. This sequence is crucial as it not only reveals the identity of the car maker but also provides information regarding the vehicle’s country of origin. When decoding a BMW 540iA VIN, the appearance of WBA as the WMI reassures you that the vehicle is indeed part of BMW’s refined fleet, reflecting a legacy of quality and performance.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 540iA
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2003
- Example VIN: WBADN63403GN88835
- 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 540iA 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 540iA:
| Known VDS for a BMW 540iA |
|---|
| DN634 |
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 540iA 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 540iA VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 3 | 2003 BMW 540iA |
11th Character in the BMW 540iA VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 540iA Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | Dingolfing | Germany | WBADN63403GN88835 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 540iA
The final 6 characters in a BMW 540iA’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 540iA’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 540iA is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 540iA; the VIN is usually visible through the windshield on a small plate.
- Inspect the driver’s side door jamb on your BMW 540iA, where the VIN might be found on a sticker or label where the door latches.
- Examine the engine block of your BMW 540iA, as the VIN can often be stamped directly onto the engine.
- Review the paperwork associated with your BMW 540iA, such as the title, registration, or insurance documents, where the VIN is always listed.
- Check the trunk area, specifically under the spare tire, where a VIN sticker might be present in your BMW 540iA.
- Look in the vehicle’s owner’s manual; sometimes, there’s a designated page in the manual where the dealership records the VIN upon delivery.
- Explore the rear wheel well on the driver’s side; occasionally, you might find the VIN sticker placed there on a BMW 540iA.
What info can a BMW 540iA VIN reveal?
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN may suggest that the manufacturer of the vehicle is BMW AG, although there’s a chance that this information may vary based on individual VIN numbers.
- Model Year: The VIN can indicate that the model year of the vehicle is possibly 2003, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Plant City: It seems that the VIN provides the city, Dingolfing, where the vehicle was possibly assembled, offering insights into its production location.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN may specify that the vehicle is categorized as a passenger car, although there’s a chance that this may vary for different VIN numbers.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN could reveal that the body class of the vehicle possibly falls into the category of sedan/saloon, along with the possibility of having 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Fuel Type: The VIN might indicate the primary fuel type of the vehicle, possibly being gasoline, providing insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Don’t have your BMW 540iA’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 540iA
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 282 |
| Engine Brake (hp) To | 290 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | 540iA |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBADN634*3G |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 111.4 |
| Sample_VIN | WBADN63403GN88835 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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