How to decode a BMW 535xi VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 535xi VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial three-character portion of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that distinguishes the vehicle manufacturer, country of origin, and general type of vehicle. For the BMW 535xi, the WMI is WBA, which identifies the vehicle as being produced by BMW AG. This luxury vehicle is manufactured in Germany, and the W in the WMI indicates that the vehicle was produced in Europe. The BA following the geographical indicator denotes BMW as the specific manufacturer. Together, these characters set the stage for the identification of each individual BMW 535xi, leading into the more detailed Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) and the unique serial number that is assigned to every unit produced.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 535xi
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2008
- Example VIN: WBAPT73508CX00274
- 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 535xi 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 535xi:
| Known VDS for a BMW 535xi | |
|---|---|
| PT735 | NV935 |
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 535xi 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 535xi VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 8 | 2008 BMW 535xi |
11th Character in the BMW 535xi VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 535xi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAPT73508CX00274 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 535xi
The final 6 characters in a BMW 535xi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 535xi’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 535xi is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of the BMW 535xi. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb for a sticker that displays the VIN on your BMW 535xi.
- Check the vehicle registration documents or the insurance card for the BMW 535xi, as the VIN is typically printed there.
- Inspect the engine block, as the VIN is sometimes stamped onto a part of the engine in the BMW 535xi.
- If your BMW 535xi has a front frame, the VIN might be located there, generally near the windshield washer fluid container.
- Look closely at the rear wheel well above the tire on the driver’s side; sometimes, the VIN can be found in this area on a BMW 535xi.
- Consult the owner’s manual of the BMW 535xi, as it may provide specific information on other locations where the VIN could be found on the vehicle.
What info can a BMW 535xi VIN reveal?
- Make: The VIN can specify the make of the vehicle, potentially indicating a manufacturer such as BMW.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN may provide the manufacturer of the vehicle, for example BMW AG, though this can vary.
- Model: The VIN might provide the model of the vehicle, such as the 535xi.
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN could possibly reveal the type of vehicle, for instance a passenger car.
Don’t have your BMW 535xi’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 535xi
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Wagon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2979.1682352 |
| Displacement (CI) | 181.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.0 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 300 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| 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 | 535xi |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| 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 |
| Series2 | Sports Wagon |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAPT735*8C |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAPT73508CX00274 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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