Free BMW 530i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 530i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 530i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences that identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. For the BMW 530i, the WMI is WBA, which signifies that the vehicle is manufactured by BMW AG in Munich, Germany. This specific identifier covers model years ranging from 1994-1995, 2001-2007, and 2017-2024, indicating the time frames the WMI is applicable for this model. The code is part of the larger Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which also includes details about the vehicle’s specifications and production sequence. Understanding the WMI of the BMW 530i provides valuable information such as the manufacturer’s location and the vehicle’s production period.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 530i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1994-1995, 2001-2007, 2017-2024
• Example VIN: WBAHE1315RGE53646
• 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 530i 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 530i:

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 530i 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 530i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 530i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 530i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 530i

The final 6 characters in a BMW 530i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 530i VIN reveal?

• Model and Series: The VIN could possibly reveal specific details about the model and series of the vehicle, like a 530i from the 5-Series, potentially providing insights into the vehicle’s lineage and market positioning.
• Safety Features: Safety enhancements like Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) might be commonly highlighted, potentially indicating a vehicle’s comprehensive safety mechanisms.
• Performance Specifications: Engine specifics, including displacement measured in CC (1997.5831016), CI (121.9), and L (1.9975831016), along with engine brake horsepower starting from 248, could showcase the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The primary fuel type data, such as Gasoline for this VIN, might provide an understanding of the vehicle’s fuel consumption patterns and efficiency.
• Production Details: Manufacturing insights, including the plant city (Dingolfing) and country (Germany), could be encoded within the VIN, potentially offering valuable information regarding the vehicle’s origin.
• Drive and Transmission Type: Details about the drive type, such as AWD (All-Wheel Drive), and transmission specifics including the style (Automatic) and the number of speeds (8), might underline the vehicle’s drivetrain and operational dynamics.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Information on the inclusion of advanced safety and convenience features, such as Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) as standard, may suggest the vehicle’s alignment with modern driving aids for enhanced security and comfort.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 530i