How to decode a BMW 525iAT VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 525iAT VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier, commonly abbreviated as WMI, is a unique three-character code assigned to each automaker as part of a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This identifier not only reveals the vehicle’s manufacturer but also provides information about the country of origin. For the BMW 525iAT, the WMI code is ‘WBA’, which identifies BMW AG as the manufacturer, based in Germany. This segment of the VIN is crucial for ensuring the authenticity of the vehicle and helps in tracing its manufacturing details. Specifically for the BMW 525iAT, it signifies a vehicle crafted with German engineering and precision, a hallmark of the BMW brand.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 525iAT
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2003
- Example VIN: WBADS43403GE11590
- 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 525iAT 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 525iAT:
| Known VDS for a BMW 525iAT |
|---|
| DS434 |
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 525iAT 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 525iAT VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 3 | 2003 BMW 525iAT |
11th Character in the BMW 525iAT VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 525iAT Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | Dingolfing | Germany | WBADS43403GE11590 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 525iAT
The final 6 characters in a BMW 525iAT’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 525iAT’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 525iAT is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Locate the VIN by looking at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 525iAT; it is commonly found in the corner where the dashboard meets the windshield.
- Examine the door pillar on the driver’s side after opening the door, as the VIN can often be found on a sticker or plate where the door latches.
- Look under the hood; the VIN might be stamped on the engine block or affixed to a component in the engine bay of the BMW 525iAT.
- Check your BMW 525iAT’s vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or title (ownership certificate), where the VIN is always printed.
- Inspect the rear wheel well; sometimes, the VIN is placed above the tire.
- Observe underneath the spare tire in the trunk area of your BMW 525iAT as the VIN can sometimes be found in this location.
- Review the vehicle’s maintenance book or manual, as the VIN is usually recorded here by the dealership upon purchase or servicing of the BMW 525iAT.
What info can a BMW 525iAT VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 2003 BMW 525iAT, this may indicate a wagon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Fuel Efficiency: The VIN indicates that the vehicle runs on gasoline, providing a glimpse into its fuel consumption and environmental impact.
Don’t have your BMW 525iAT’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 525iAT
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Wagon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 184 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | 525iA |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Series2 | Sports Wagon Body Style |
| Trim | 525iAT |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBADS434*3G |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 111.4 |
| Sample_VIN | WBADS43403GE11590 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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