How to decode a 1990 BMW 535i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1990 BMW 535i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing insights into where and by whom a vehicle was made. The WMI for a 1990 BMW 535i indicates that this vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, a prestigious automobile company based in Munich, Germany. This particular WMI code, WBA, signifies that the vehicle is a passenger car, aligning with BMW’s reputation for producing luxurious and high-performing vehicles. The code is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which serves as a unique identifier for each individual vehicle, allowing for detailed tracking and verification of automotive history. For the 1990 BMW 535i, the WMI not only confirms its origins from Germany’s renowned BMW brand but also classifies it as a passenger vehicle, underscoring BMW’s legacy in the automotive industry.
List of WMI Codes for a 1990 BMW 535i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1985, 1989-1991, 2008-2017
- Example VIN: WBAHD1310LBF10780
- 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 1990 BMW 535i 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 1990 BMW 535i:
| Known VDS for a 1990 BMW 535i | |
|---|---|
| HD131 | HD231 |
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 1990 BMW 535i 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 1990 BMW 535i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| L | 1990 |
11th Character in the 1990 BMW 535i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1990 BMW 535i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAHD1310LBF10780 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1990 BMW 535i
The final 6 characters in a 1990 BMW 535i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1990 BMW 535i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1990 BMW 535i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 535i. The VIN is typically visible through the lower corner of the windshield.
- Examine the driver’s side door jamb on your BMW 535i. The VIN is often found on a label or a sticker where the door latches when closed.
- Check under the hood of your BMW 535i for a VIN plate, which is usually located on the front engine block.
- Inspect the trunk area under the carpet or near the spare tire well, as your BMW 535i might have the VIN in those locations.
- Look at your BMW 535i’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or the title, where the VIN will be clearly printed.
What info can a 1990 BMW 535i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating a specific year like 1990, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Details: Through the VIN, one might uncover the manufacturing location, providing insight into the vehicle’s origin, such as Dingolfing, Germany.
- Vehicle Specifications: The VIN can decode to reveal comprehensive vehicle specifications, such as the vehicle being a BMW 535i with a 3.42L engine by BMW-AG, suggesting its performance capabilities.
- Body Class and Size: Information including the body class and the number of doors, such as Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, can typically be extracted, hinting at the vehicle’s size and style.
- Engine Details: Engine specifics may be detailed, offering insights into the vehicle’s power and efficiency, such as displacement in CC, CI, and L, number of cylinders (6), and horsepower (182 hp).
- Fuel Type: The VIN often specifies the type of fuel the vehicle uses, for example, gasoline, which could be vital for understanding consumption and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: Safety features, including the type of seat belts (manual) and other restraint system info like Dr. Supplemental System (SRS), may be inferred, highlighting the vehicle’s commitment to passenger safety.
Don’t have your 1990 BMW 535i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1990 BMW 535i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3424.896376 |
| Displacement (CI) | 209 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.424896376 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 182 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Model | 4-Value |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| 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) |
| Model | 535i |
| Model Year | 1990 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dr. Supplemental System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAHD231*LB |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAHD2313LBF65388 |
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