Free BMW 528i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 528i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 528i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are distinctive codes used globally to identify the manufacturer of any given vehicle. For the BMW 528i, spanning model years from 1997-2000 and then from 2008-2016, the WMI code is WBA, indicating that BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. These codes form the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as a unique identifier distinguishing where the vehicle was made, its manufacturer, and the type. Specifically, for the BMW 528i, the WMI is crucial for recognizing its legacy as a passenger car crafted by a venerable German automaker. This system provides a standardized method for tracing a vehicle’s origin, enhancing tracking and identification processes worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 528i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2000, 2008-2016
• Example VIN: WBADD5321VBV51451
• 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 528i 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 528i:

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 528i 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 528i VIN — Year Code

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

Known BMW 528i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 528i

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

What info can a BMW 528i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Place of Manufacture: The VIN also provides details about the manufacturing plant city, such as Dingolfing, and country, Germany, hinting at its place of origin.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic specifications like the make 528i, a part of the 5-series, and trim level xDrive provide an initial understanding of the vehicle’s design and performance capabilities.
• Engine and Performance: The VIN includes engine details like a 2L (1995.94 CC or 121.8 CI) displacement, 241 horsepower, and it being a 4-cylinder engine, offering insights into the vehicle’s power and efficiency.
• Fuel Type and Economy: The fuel type for this vehicle is specified as Gasoline, which is crucial for understanding consumption patterns and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Safety elements, such as airbag locations covering the 1st and 2nd rows, front, knee, and side airbags for driver and passenger along with pretensioners for the front seats, underscore the vehicle’s commitment to passenger safety.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN detailing the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon, equipped with 4 doors and classified under Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Class 1, elucidates on its design, functionality, and legal classifications concerning weight.
• Additional Specifications: Features like a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and manual seat belts are examples of the vehicle’s equipped technologies aimed at enhancing user experience and safety.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 528i