Free 2006 BMW 525i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2006 BMW 525i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2006 BMW 525i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences assigned to each car manufacturer to identify the make and place of manufacture of vehicles globally. The WMI for a 2006 BMW 525i consists of the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which in this case is “WBA”. This specific WMI code reveals that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, a renowned automobile manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. Such a code indicates not just the brand, but also provides insight into the vehicle type, which for the BMW 525i is classified as a passenger car. The WMI forms an essential part of understanding a vehicle’s origin and model specifics, guiding both administrative and consumer insights into the vehicle’s background.

List of WMI Codes for a 2006 BMW 525i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1988-1991, 1993-1995, 2001-2007
• Example VIN: WBANE53506B992212
• 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 2006 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 2006 BMW 525i:

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 2006 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 2006 BMW 525i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2006 BMW 525i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2006 BMW 525i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2006 BMW 525i

The final 6 characters in a 2006 BMW 525i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2006 BMW 525i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2006, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: Details like a 3,000 CC (182.8 CI) displacement and an engine with 215 horsepower from a 6-cylinder setup are examples of the type of engine information a VIN can reveal.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN might provide gross vehicle weight ratings, showing a range from Class 1C (4,001 - 5,000 lb) to Class 1 (6,000 lb or less).
• Fuel Type: It can specify the primary fuel type, such as Gasoline for a BMW 525i, giving insights into fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Information like the presence of front airbags in the 1st row (Driver and Passenger) and other restraint systems certified to advanced standards could be obtained from the VIN.
• Plant Location: The manufacturing plant’s location, for instance, Dingolfing, Germany, for a BMW 525i, could also be determined, offering clues about manufacturing standards and vehicle origins.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: It categorizes the vehicle, providing insights such as it being a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon body class. This includes the number of doors, which in this case is 4, suggesting a possible layout and space available inside the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2006 BMW 525i

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