Free 1997 BMW 528i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 BMW 528i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 BMW 528i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, as well as its country of origin and vehicle type. In the case of the 1997 BMW 528i, the WMI code is “WBA,” which specifies that BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This allows for easy identification and classification of vehicles globally. Specifically, the WMI indicates that the vehicle is a passenger car produced by BMW, highlighting both the make and model year. The system is crucial for standardizing vehicle identification and ensuring that each vehicle has a unique identifier.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 BMW 528i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 BMW 528i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 BMW 528i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 BMW 528i

The final 6 characters in a 1997 BMW 528i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 528i’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1997 BMW 528i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN may suggest that the vehicle’s model year is 1997, potentially offering insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides information that the vehicle was manufactured in Dingolfing, Bavaria, Germany, which could be of interest to enthusiasts and might impact the vehicle’s value.
• Vehicle Specifications: According to the VIN, the vehicle is possibly a sedan/saloon, specifically a 528i model, equipped with an automatic transmission, offering essential insights into the car’s driving characteristics and maintenance needs.
• Safety Features: The VIN includes details about safety features, such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, potentially contributing to the vehicle’s overall safety evaluation.
• Body and Capacity: The VIN data indicates that the vehicle falls within Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Class 1, suggesting it is 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), possibly signaling its lightweight class. Coupled with a 4-door configuration, this data supports its classification as a passenger car for family or personal use.
• Seat Belt Type: The VIN suggests the inclusion of manual seat belts, which could possibly indicate the vehicle’s age or the focus on simplicity and maintenance for safety features at the time of manufacturing.
• Plant Production Line: The vehicle descriptor in the VIN might provide specific production line details, potentially useful for identifying manufacturing variations or recalls specific to certain VIN sequences.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 BMW 528i

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