How to decode a 1991 BMW 850i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1991 BMW 850i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. It is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing origin. For the 1991 BMW 850i, the WMI “WBA” signifies that the vehicle has been manufactured by BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany. This code indicates that the vehicle is a passenger car, tying its origins to one of the most prestigious automotive manufacturers in the world. The WMI system enables clear identification and tracking of vehicles, ensuring each car’s history and specifications are readily accessible.
List of WMI Codes for a 1991 BMW 850i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1991-1992, 2019, 2023
- Example VIN: WBAEG2310MCB73751
- 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 1991 BMW 850i 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 1991 BMW 850i:
| Known VDS for a 1991 BMW 850i | ||
|---|---|---|
| EG231 | EG230 | EG131 |
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 1991 BMW 850i 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 1991 BMW 850i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| M | 1991 |
11th Character in the 1991 BMW 850i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1991 BMW 850i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAEG2310MCB73751 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1991 BMW 850i
The final 6 characters in a 1991 BMW 850i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 850i’s VIN below:
How to find a 1991 BMW 850i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1991 BMW 850i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the lower-right corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your BMW 850i. The VIN should be visible from the outside.
- Look on the driver’s side door frame of your 1991 BMW 850i. There should be a VIN plate or sticker when the door is open.
- Check under the hood of your BMW 850i; the VIN might be stamped on the front engine block.
- Inspect the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. For some vehicles, including the BMW 850i, the VIN may be found in this area.
- Open the trunk of your 1991 BMW 850i and look for the VIN on the trunk lid or on the chassis in the spare tire compartment.
What info can a 1991 BMW 850i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year as specific as 1991, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: Details about the engine are comprehensive, including the manufacturer BMW-AG, model as “4-Value”, and notable specifics like a 12-cylinder configuration and a displacement of approximately 5.0L (305 CI), indicating a high-performance engine.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is specified as gasoline, which is critical for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Body Class and Size: The VIN discloses the body class as a Coupe with 2 doors, giving a clear picture of the vehicle’s size and style suited for certain preferences or needs.
- Safety Features: Information such as the presence of a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) underscores the vehicle’s equipped safety features, particularly the types of airbag systems installed.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle’s production specifics, including the plant city Dingolfing and country Germany, shed light on the manufacturing origin, which can be a marker of build quality and design ethos.
- Vehicle Type and Series: Through the VIN, one can determine the vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car within the Series 8, hinting at luxury and performance characteristics unique to this model.
Don’t have your 1991 BMW 850i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1991 BMW 850i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 4998.054520 |
| Displacement (CI) | 305 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.998054520 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 295 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Model | 4-Value |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 12 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | 850i |
| Model Year | 1991 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dr. Supplemental System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 8 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAEG231*MC |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAEG2310MCB73751 |
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