Free 1986 BMW 528e VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1986 BMW 528e VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1986 BMW 528e VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an integral part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and serves as a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. It is comprised of the first three characters of the VIN and provides specific information about the vehicle, including the manufacturer’s name, country of origin, and vehicle type. For example, the WMI for a 1986 BMW 528e identifies BMW AG as the manufacturer, indicating that the vehicle was made in Germany. Additionally, it specifies the vehicle as a passenger car, highlighting the utility and design purpose of the model. The city of manufacturing, in this case, Munich, signifies where the production facilities of the manufacturer are located, adding another layer of specificity about the vehicle’s origins.

List of WMI Codes for a 1986 BMW 528e

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1982, 1984-1987
• Example VIN: WBADK8300G9660774
• 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 1986 BMW 528e 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 1986 BMW 528e:

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 1986 BMW 528e 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 1986 BMW 528e VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1986 BMW 528e VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1986 BMW 528e Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1986 BMW 528e

The final 6 characters in a 1986 BMW 528e’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1986 BMW 528e VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: A VIN can specify the body class, indicating that the vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon. This may provide an understanding of the vehicle’s design, passenger capacity, and general purpose.
• Engine Details: Specific characteristics of the engine, such as the manufacturer (BMW-AG), displacement (approximately 2.7 liters or 164 cubic inches), and 6 cylinders with an engine brake horsepower starting from 121, can be determined.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can identify the primary fuel type as Gasoline, crucial for understanding the vehicle’s efficiency and environmental impact.
• Transmission Style: It can be gleaned from the VIN that the vehicle comes with an Automatic transmission, potentially influencing the driving experience and efficiency.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN can pinpoint the production location to Dingolfing, Germany, offering insight into the vehicle’s origin and possibly its build quality.
• Safety Features: Details such as the seat belt type being Manual give a glimpse into the safety features and standards of the time, which can be a critical aspect for collectors or those assessing vehicle safety.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1986 BMW 528e