How to decode a BMW 530xi VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 530xi VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial sequence of three alphanumeric characters found at the start of every Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This segment, unique to each manufacturer and vehicle type, provides essential information about the vehicle’s origin. For the BMW 530xi, the WMI starts with ‘WBA,’ denoting that BMW AG is the manufacturer. The letter ‘W’ signifies that the car was produced in Germany, highlighting the vehicle’s tie to BMW’s long-standing tradition of precision engineering and quality manufacturing rooted in its German origins. As the first step in decoding a VIN, the WMI establishes the global identity of the vehicle and is crucial for tracking, registration, and validation purposes.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 530xi
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2006-2007
- Example VIN: WBANF73506CC34070
- 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 530xi 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 530xi:
| Known VDS for a BMW 530xi | |
|---|---|
| NF735 | NN735 |
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 530xi 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 530xi VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 7 | 2007 BMW 530xi |
| 6 | 2006 BMW 530xi |
11th Character in the BMW 530xi VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 530xi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Dingolfing | Germany | WBANN73577B799200 | ||
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBANF73506CC34070 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 530xi
The final 6 characters in a BMW 530xi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 530xi’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 530xi is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Check the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your BMW 530xi; the VIN plate is typically visible from outside the vehicle.
- Look inside the driver’s side door jamb of your BMW 530xi. The VIN can often be found on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Inspect the BMW 530xi’s vehicle registration documents, as the VIN is always listed there.
- Examine your BMW 530xi’s insurance card or insurance policy documents; the VIN is printed on these for identification.
- Review the BMW 530xi’s service records or receipts. These documents usually include the VIN for reference.
- Check the engine block of your BMW 530xi; the VIN might also be stamped onto the engine itself.
- If your BMW 530xi has a spare tire, look for a sticker or plate in the compartment where the spare tire is stored, as the VIN might be located there as well.
What info can a BMW 530xi VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2007, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN specifies that BMW AG is possibly the manufacturer of the BMW 530xi.
- Body Class: The VIN may provide information about the body class of the BMW 530xi, which might be a Sedan/Saloon, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Doors: The VIN indicates that the BMW 530xi may have 4 doors, offering details about the vehicle’s entry and exit points.
- Engine Number of Cylinders: The VIN suggests that the BMW 530xi could be equipped with a 6-cylinder engine, potentially providing insights into the vehicle’s performance and power.
- Fuel Type - Primary: The VIN specifies that the BMW 530xi probably primarily runs on gasoline.
- Seat Belt Type: The VIN might provide information about the type of seat belts used in the BMW 530xi, possibly such as manual seat belts, offering insights into the safety features of the vehicle.
Don’t have your BMW 530xi’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 530xi
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 182.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 255 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | 530xi |
| Model Year | 2006 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14. |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBANF735*6C |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 113.7 |
| Sample_VIN | WBANF73506CC34070 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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