Free BMW 545i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 545i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 545i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are the initial characters of a vehicle identification number (VIN), designating the vehicle’s manufacturer, make, and country of origin. For instance, BMW AG vehicles produced for the 2004-2005 model years, such as the BMW 545i, carry the WMI WBA. This prefix indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW in Munich, Germany, and is classified as a passenger car. The rest of the VIN provides further identification, including the specific model and production details of the vehicle. WMIs serve as a globally recognized standard for vehicle identification, ensuring that each vehicle has a unique code that reflects its manufacturing origin.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 545i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2004-2005
• Example VIN: WBANB33504B087382
• 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 545i 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 545i:

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 545i 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 545i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 545i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 545i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 545i

The final 6 characters in a BMW 545i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 545i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year 2005, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: It indicates the vehicle is a Wagon with 4 doors, providing a hint about its size and potential usage.
• Engine Specifications: The vehicle boasts an engine with a displacement of 4.4 liters (or 4400.0 cc/268.4 ci) and 325 horsepower, possibly suggesting strong performance capabilities. It operates with 8 cylinders, further hinting at its potentially strong engine performance.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which may be vital for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Features such as Front Air Bag Locations in the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) and a Dual-stage supplemental restraint system (SRS) signal the vehicle’s emphasis on safety.
• Manufacturing Information: With the manufacturing plant located in Dingolfing, Germany, it highlights the vehicle’s origins and potentially its craftsmanship quality.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN reveals the vehicle falls within Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), important for understanding its weight class and potential registration requirements.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 545i