How to decode a 1988 BMW 525i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1988 BMW 525i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish their products. Specifically, for the 1988 BMW 525i, the WMI is “WBA”, indicating that it was manufactured by BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany. This code is the first part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is essential for identifying the vehicle’s specific features, specifications, and manufacturer. The WMI not only signifies the brand but also the country where the vehicle was produced. In the case of the 1988 BMW 525i, it identifies the vehicle as a Passenger Car, produced by one of Germany’s most celebrated automobile manufacturers.
List of WMI Codes for a 1988 BMW 525i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1988-1991, 1993-1995, 2001-2007
- Example VIN: WBADK7300J9832352
- 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 1988 BMW 525i 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 1988 BMW 525i:
| Known VDS for a 1988 BMW 525i | |
|---|---|
| DK730 | DK830 |
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 1988 BMW 525i 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 1988 BMW 525i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| J | 1988 |
11th Character in the 1988 BMW 525i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1988 BMW 525i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Munich Or Dingolfing | Germany | WBADK7300J9832352 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 BMW 525i
The final 6 characters in a 1988 BMW 525i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 525i’s VIN below:
How to find a 1988 BMW 525i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1988 BMW 525i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 525i. It’s commonly located right below where the windshield meets the dash and can be seen from outside the car.
- Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb area. There may be a sticker or plate on the door pillar of your BMW 525i with the VIN.
- Check under the hood of your BMW 525i; the VIN might be stamped on the front of the engine block.
- Examine the trunk area of your BMW 525i. Sometimes the VIN can be found on the floor of the trunk under the carpet or on the trunk lid.
- Look at your BMW 525i’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or title, where the VIN will be recorded.
- Inspect the strut towers in the engine bay of your BMW 525i as the VIN may be stamped on the metal near the strut assembly.
What info can a 1988 BMW 525i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1988, providing insights into the vehicle’s age and potential market value.
- Manufacturing Details: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was assembled in either Munich or Dingolfing, highlighting Germany as the plant country, which may suggest a certain quality and craftsmanship standard associated with vehicles manufactured in this location.
- Vehicle Specifications: This particular BMW 528e is characterized as a Sedan/Saloon, equipped with a 2.687-liter engine (approximately 164 CI) that operates on Gasoline. The engine, produced by BMW-AG, is a 6-cylinder model capable of delivering from 121 horsepower.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which is crucial for understanding its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: The seat belt type is manual, which is a basic safety feature. This point might reflect other safety standards and features equipped in vehicles of this model year.
- Transmission and Drive: This BMW 528e features an Automatic transmission style, enhancing the driving experience by possibly offering smoother transitions between gears compared to manual transmissions.
- Body and Structure: The VIN reveals that the vehicle is a 4-door sedan, providing insights into its body class and size, which are important for potential buyers considering the space and design of the car.
Don’t have your 1988 BMW 525i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 BMW 525i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2687.478496 |
| Displacement (CI) | 164 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.687478496 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 121 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 528e |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| Plant City | Munich Or Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Transmission Style | Manual/Standard |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBADK730*J9 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBADK7300J9832352 |
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