How to decode a 2012 BMW 528i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2012 BMW 528i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of three letters or numbers assigned to a vehicle manufacturer to distinguish its vehicles, as part of the larger 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 2012 BMW 528i, the WMI is “WBA,” indicating that BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This specific WMI tells us that the vehicle is a passenger car, highlighting its purpose and design. BMW AG uses this identifier across models produced between different years, in this case, including vehicles from 1997-2000 and 2008-2016. The WMI is a useful tool for identifying crucial information about a vehicle, including its country of production and manufacturer details.
List of WMI Codes for a 2012 BMW 528i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1997-2000, 2008-2016
- Example VIN: WBAXG5C50CC593986
- 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 2012 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 2012 BMW 528i:
| Known VDS for a 2012 BMW 528i |
|---|
| XG5C5 |
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 2012 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 2012 BMW 528i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| C | 2012 |
11th Character in the 2012 BMW 528i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2012 BMW 528i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAXG5C50CC593986 | ||
| D | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAXG5C50CDW24308 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 BMW 528i
The final 6 characters in a 2012 BMW 528i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 2012 BMW 528i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2012 BMW 528i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 528i 2012. The VIN is usually visible through the windshield on a small plate near the corner.
- Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your BMW 528i 2012. The VIN is often located on a label or sticker where the door latches when it is closed.
- Look under the hood of your BMW 528i 2012. The VIN might be stamped on the front engine block.
- Examine the rear wheel well above the tire on the driver’s side for your BMW 528i 2012. Sometimes the VIN is placed in this area.
- Check the trunk area of your BMW 528i 2012. The VIN can often be found on the underside of the trunk lid or in the spare tire well.
What info can a 2012 BMW 528i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the age and potential market value of the vehicle, such as the year 2012.
- Vehicle Make and Model: The dataset specifies the make as a BMW and the model as 528i, part of the 5-Series, providing insights into the vehicle’s class, size, and market segment.
- Engine Specifications: The vehicle is equipped with a 2.0-liter (2000 CC or 121.8 CI) engine that produces 241 horsepower from four cylinders, illustrating the vehicle’s power and performance characteristics.
- Fuel Type: This vehicle runs on gasoline, which can be crucial for potential owners in assessing fuel economy and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: The VIN details extensive safety features, including airbags in the first row for both driver and passenger, knee airbags, and additional inflatable restraints, signifying the vehicle’s emphasis on occupant safety.
- Manufacturing Information: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was produced in Dingolfing, Germany, potentially influencing perceptions of build quality and engineering standards.
- Advanced Systems: The presence of a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is noted, indicating the car’s use of modern technology to ensure driving safety and efficiency.
Don’t have your 2012 BMW 528i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 BMW 528i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2000.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 121.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.0 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 241 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Knee Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Model | 528i |
| Model Year | 2012 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Head Inflatable Restraint for Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Outboard Driver-side and Rear Outboard Passenger-side. Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger. |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAXG5C5*CC |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAXG5C50CC593986 |
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