Free BMW 850Ci VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 850Ci VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 850Ci VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. This code not only reveals the manufacturer’s name but also provides specific information such as the vehicle type and production location. For example, in the case of the BMW 850ci, the WMI signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, falls under the category of a passenger car, and was produced in Munich, Germany. This system is crucial for accurately identifying vehicles and is used worldwide for various regulatory, registration, and manufacturing purposes. The coverage of the WMI can span across different model years indicating the consistency of production locations and type across those years.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 850Ci

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1992-1993, 1995-1996
• Example VIN: WBAEG1310NCB42592
• 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 850Ci 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 850Ci:

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 850Ci 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 850Ci VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 850Ci VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 850Ci Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 850Ci

The final 6 characters in a BMW 850Ci’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 850Ci VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle, for example, a car from 1993.
• Manufacturing Details: It can specify manufacturing information, such as the vehicle being produced in a specific location, by a particular manufacturer, like the BMW-AG.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic details like the BMW 850Ci being a Coupe with a 5.4L (5378 cc) engine and 322 horsepower indicate the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Engine Information: The VIN can detail engine specifications, including the BMW 850Ci having a 12-cylinder, 4-Value engine, designed by BMW-AG.
• Safety Features: Safety equipment such as airbags for the driver and passenger and the type of seat belts can be identified from the VIN.
• Fuel Type: It mentions the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, for example, gasoline.
• Restraint System: Additional safety and restraint system details like the Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) are examples of the type of information that might be available.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 850Ci