How to decode a BMW 525xi VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 525xi VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) forms the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and uniquely identifies the make and country of origin of the vehicle. In the case of the BMW 525xi, the WMI is WBA, which is designated to BMW AG vehicles manufactured in Germany. This code is critical for ensuring authenticity and tracking the vehicle’s history. When you look at the VIN of a BMW 525xi, the WMI not only confirms that the vehicle is a genuine BMW product but also pinpoints its production origins, linking it to the prestigious legacy of precision German engineering.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 525xi
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2006-2007
- Example VIN: WBANF33506CB86739
- 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 525xi 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 525xi:
| Known VDS for a BMW 525xi |
|---|
| NF335 |
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 525xi 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 525xi VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 7 | 2007 BMW 525xi |
| 6 | 2006 BMW 525xi |
11th Character in the BMW 525xi VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 525xi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Dingolfing | Germany | WBANF33526B999020 | ||
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBANF33506CB86739 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 525xi
The final 6 characters in a BMW 525xi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 525xi’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 525xi is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 525xi, near where the dashboard meets the windshield which can be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your BMW 525xi; the VIN might be located on a sticker where the door latches when it is closed.
- Check the engine bay of your BMW 525xi for a VIN stamp on the firewall or on a plaque fixed to the engine itself.
- Examine the trunk area, where the BMW 525xi may have its VIN on a sticker either on the trunk lid or the body of the car where the trunk lid closes.
- Review your BMW 525xi’s vehicle registration documents, where the VIN should be clearly listed.
- Look into your BMW 525xi’s insurance card or policy, as this document will always list the VIN.
- Consult the owner’s manual or service booklet of your BMW 525xi, as it often includes a pre-printed page for dealership stamps that might have the VIN written or stickered in.
What info can a BMW 525xi VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the BMW 525xi’s model year, offering insights into the vehicle’s age and potential historical value.
- Manufacturer: The VIN identifies BMW AG as the manufacturer of the BMW 525xi, ensuring its authenticity and quality.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN indicates that the BMW 525xi is classified as a passenger car, providing insight into its intended use and design.
- Engine Information: The VIN can provide details about the engine of the BMW 525xi, such as the number of cylinders and the displacement in liters or cubic centimeters.
- Fuel Type: The VIN may indicate the primary fuel type used by the BMW 525xi, such as gasoline or diesel.
- Body Class: The VIN can reveal the body class of the BMW 525xi, such as sedan or SUV, providing information about its size and style.
- Safety Features: The VIN may provide clues about the safety features included in the BMW 525xi, such as airbags, seat belt type, and other restraint systems.
Don’t have your BMW 525xi’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 525xi
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 182.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 210 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | 525xi |
| Model Year | 2006 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14. |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBANF335*6C |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 113.7 |
| Sample_VIN | WBANF33506CB86739 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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