How to decode a BMW 528xi VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 528xi VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identify the vehicle manufacturer. For a BMW 528xi, the WMI is integral in confirming its identity and origin. These three letters, mostly starting with ‘WBA’ for BMW vehicles manufactured in Germany, are part of a globally standardized system ensuring that each car has a distinct VIN. For the 528xi model, the WMI not only signifies BMW as the make but also highlights the specific manufacturing location, which for many models is in Munich or Dingolfing, Germany. This prefix is a car’s unique fingerprint that leads you to its roots and lays the foundation for the rest of the information encoded in its VIN.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 528xi
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2008, 2012-2013
- Example VIN: WBANV13508BZ47475
- 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 528xi 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 528xi:
| Known VDS for a BMW 528xi | |
|---|---|
| NV135 | XH5C5 |
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 528xi 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 528xi VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| D | 2013 BMW 528xi |
| C | 2012 BMW 528xi |
| 8 | 2008 BMW 528xi |
11th Character in the BMW 528xi VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 528xi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Dingolfing | Germany | WBANV13508BZ47475 | ||
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBANV13508C150721 | ||
| D | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAXH5C50CDW02001 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 528xi
The final 6 characters in a BMW 528xi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 528xi’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 528xi is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side for your BMW 528xi. The VIN should be visible from outside the vehicle, displayed on a metal or plastic plate on the dashboard.
- Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb for a sticker or plate on your BMW 528xi. The VIN is typically found where the door latches when closed.
- Inspect the engine bay of your BMW 528xi. The VIN may be stamped onto a part of the chassis near the firewall or on a plaque attached to the engine bay.
- Examine the trunk area of your BMW 528xi. The VIN might be located on the floor right below where the spare tire is stored or on the sides of the trunk.
- Look through your BMW 528xi’s vehicle registration documents or insurance papers. The VIN will be listed in these official documents.
- Consult the BMW 528xi owner’s manual or service book. There is often a section where the VIN is recorded for reference.
- For older models or if the VIN has been removed from the body, check under the rear seat or other interior panels of your BMW 528xi, as it may be stamped directly on the frame beneath.
What info can a BMW 528xi VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2013, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Body Class: The VIN may include details about the body class of the vehicle, such as a sedan/saloon, offering insights into the design and structure of the BMW 528xi.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN will provide the manufacturer name as BMW AG, which is an important detail for understanding the vehicle’s origin and production.
- Plant City: The VIN will reveal the city where the vehicle was manufactured, in this case, Dingolfing, offering insights into the vehicle’s production location and potential quality standards.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN can provide information about the vehicle type, which in this case is a passenger car, offering insights into its primary use and design features.
Don’t have your BMW 528xi’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 528xi
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Displacement (CC) | 1995.9443952 |
| 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 | 528xi |
| Model Year | 2013 |
| 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 | WBAXH5C5*DD |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAXH5C50DD106911 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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