How to decode a 1991 BMW 535i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1991 BMW 535i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, along with attributes such as the country of manufacture and vehicle type. For the 1991 BMW 535i, the WMI reveals that it was produced by BMW AG, a prestigious automaker based in Munich, Germany. This identifier not only confirms that the vehicle in question is a passenger car but also pinpoints its geographical origin, emphasizing the global nature of the automotive industry. The specific code associated with the 1991 BMW 535i holds essential details about its lineage and classification, serving as a key to unlocking vital information about the vehicle’s manufacture and identity. Through the WMI, owners and enthusiasts can trace the origins of the 1991 BMW 535i back to its roots in Germany, reaffirming its heritage and engineering excellence.
List of WMI Codes for a 1991 BMW 535i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1985, 1989-1991, 2008-2017
- Example VIN: WBAHD2312MBF72768
- 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 1991 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 1991 BMW 535i:
| Known VDS for a 1991 BMW 535i |
|---|
| 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 1991 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 1991 BMW 535i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| M | 1991 |
11th Character in the 1991 BMW 535i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1991 BMW 535i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAHD2312MBF72768 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1991 BMW 535i
The final 6 characters in a 1991 BMW 535i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 535i’s VIN below:
How to find a 1991 BMW 535i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1991 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. You can usually see the VIN through the bottom of the windshield.
- The door jamb on the driver’s side is another common place on a 1991 BMW 535i where the VIN may be found, on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Check under the hood of your BMW 535i; the VIN might also be located on the front engine block.
- Inspect the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. Sometimes, the VIN of the BMW 535i can be found stamped above the tire.
- Look at the trunk area of your BMW 535i. The VIN may be located on the trunk’s lid, in the spare tire area, or on the floor right below where the spare tire rests.
What info can a 1991 BMW 535i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that it may date back to around 1991, offering insights into the vehicle’s age and potential market value.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: Through VIN decoding, one might learn that the vehicle is categorized as a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon body class, providing insight into the vehicle’s design and intended use.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN reveals critical engine information, such as the engine being manufactured by BMW-AG, having a displacement of approximately 3.4 liters (209 CI), and featuring a 6-cylinder configuration with around 208 horsepower.
- Fuel Type: One can determine the vehicle’s primary fuel type, which in some cases might be Gasoline, offering insights into fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: Safety equipment details, like the presence of a Doctor’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which typically refers to airbags, can sometimes be inferred, indicating the vehicle’s efforts towards occupant protection.
- Manufacturing Information: The VIN may provide insights into the manufacturing location, indicated by details such as the Plant City being Dingolfing and the Plant Country being Germany, hinting at potential build quality and design influences.
- Transmission and Drivetrain: It’s possible to learn about the vehicle’s transmission style, which could be Automatic, potentially affecting the driving experience and fuel economy.
Don’t have your 1991 BMW 535i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1991 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 | 208 |
| 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 | 1991 |
| 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*MB |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAHD2312MBF72768 |
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