How to decode a BMW 530iA VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 530iA VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial sequence of three letters or numbers in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which clearly identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the BMW 530iA, the WMI is WBA, indicative of BMW AG, a prestigious automobile manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany. The WMI not only confirms that the vehicle is a BMW but also often includes information about the type and region of the vehicle. Knowing the WMI is the first step in decoding the VIN and provides essential information about the origin of your BMW 530iA.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 530iA
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2003
- Example VIN: WBADT63403CK32219
- 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 530iA 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 530iA:
| Known VDS for a BMW 530iA |
|---|
| DT634 |
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 530iA 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 530iA VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 3 | 2003 BMW 530iA |
11th Character in the BMW 530iA VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 530iA Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBADT63403CK32219 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 530iA
The final 6 characters in a BMW 530iA’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a BMW 530iA’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 530iA is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 530iA. The VIN is commonly visible through the windshield on a small plate.
- Look at the driver’s side door jamb. On the BMW 530iA, there should be a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches.
- Under the hood at the front of the engine block. The VIN may be stamped on the BMW 530iA’s engine itself.
- On the BMW 530iA’s frame near the windshield washer fluid container. This is often a less common spot but can be a place where the VIN is stamped.
- Check your BMW 530iA’s vehicle registration documents or insurance card/policy. They will always contain the VIN.
- Examine the rear wheel well above the tire. Sometimes the VIN can be found stamped onto the body in this area on a BMW 530iA.
- Look under the spare tire in the trunk area. The VIN might be located here and should match the VIN found in other locations on your BMW 530iA.
What info can a BMW 530iA VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting that the BMW 530iA is from the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Location: The VIN indicates that the BMW 530iA was potentially manufactured in the city of Dingolfing, Germany, providing insights into its origin and production details.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN classifies the BMW 530iA as a passenger car, offering information about its primary use and design.
- Body Class: The VIN specifies that the BMW 530iA is classified as a sedan/saloon, providing insights into the vehicle’s body style and structure.
Don’t have your BMW 530iA’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 530iA
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 225 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | 530iA |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBADT634*3C |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 111.4 |
| Sample_VIN | WBADT63403CK32219 |
Decode a BMW VIN
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today