How to decode a 2012 BMW 528xi VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2012 BMW 528xi VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing insight into where and by whom a vehicle was made. For instance, the WMI “WBA” is specifically assigned to BMW AG, highlighting vehicles produced by this distinguished manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. This identifier is crucial for the 2012 BMW 528xi, as it denotes that it is a passenger car produced by BMW. By analyzing the WMI, one can ascertain the vehicle’s country of origin, type, and the company responsible for its production, ensuring a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s heritage and manufacturing details. This identification system is instrumental for both legal and identification purposes, offering a standardized approach to vehicle recognition globally.
List of WMI Codes for a 2012 BMW 528xi
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2008, 2012-2013
- Example VIN: WBAXH5C50CC594844
- 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 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 2012 BMW 528xi:
| Known VDS for a 2012 BMW 528xi |
|---|
| 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 2012 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 2012 BMW 528xi VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| C | 2012 |
11th Character in the 2012 BMW 528xi VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2012 BMW 528xi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAXH5C50CC594844 | ||
| D | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAXH5C50CDW02001 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 BMW 528xi
The final 6 characters in a 2012 BMW 528xi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 528xi’s VIN below:
How to find a 2012 BMW 528xi’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2012 BMW 528xi is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 528xi. The VIN is usually visible through the bottom corner of the windshield.
- Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side where the door hinges meet the body of your 2012 BMW 528xi; there should be a sticker or plate with the VIN.
- Inspect the front of the engine block of your BMW 528xi. The VIN might be stamped onto the engine itself.
- Check the trunk area, oftentimes there is a sticker with the VIN located where the spare tire is stored or on the trunk lid of the BMW 528xi.
- Look at the vehicle registration or insurance documents for your BMW 528xi; these should always contain the VIN.
What info can a 2012 BMW 528xi VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 2012 [Make Model] as this may indicate a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and capacity.
- Engine Type: The VIN may disclose key engine details such as a 2.0 liter displacement, 241 horsepower, and a 4-cylinder engine, highlighting the vehicle’s power and efficiency.
- Fuel Type: It is indicated that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which can be critical for understanding fuel compatibility and efficiency.
- Safety Features: The VIN indicates the presence of front airbags for both driver and passenger at the 1st row, knee and side airbags, and comprehensive restraint systems, illustrating advanced safety measures.
- Manufacturing Details: The manufacturing location in Dingolfing, Germany, is specified, offering valuable information regarding the vehicle’s origin and potentially its build quality.
Don’t have your 2012 BMW 528xi’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 BMW 528xi
| 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 | 528xi |
| 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 | WBAXH5C5*CD |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAXH5C50CDW02001 |
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