Free BMW 540i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 540i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 540i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial three characters in a vehicle identification number (VIN) which uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the BMW 540i, the WMI WBA signifies that BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This specific coding is utilized for BMW passenger cars produced during various years including 1994-1995, 1997-2003, and 2017-2024. The WMI not only denotes the maker but also can pinpoint the vehicle’s type, origin, and manufacturing location. Understanding the WMI is crucial for identifying vehicle specifications, history, and for regulatory compliance.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 540i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1994-1995, 1997-2003, 2017-2024
• Example VIN: WBAHE6322RGF29622
• 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 540i 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 540i:

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 540i 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 540i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 540i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 540i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 540i

The final 6 characters in a BMW 540i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 540i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating a 2021 5-Series, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, such as a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon configuration, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. In the case of the 2021 5-Series, it might indicate an All-Wheel Drive system, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Fuel Efficiency: While precise fuel efficiency may not be directly encoded in the VIN, it can hint at the primary fuel type for the vehicle, such as Gasoline, which can provide some indication of its potential fuel economy.
• Safety Features: The VIN might provide hints about standard safety technologies, such as Advanced Airbag Systems, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and might suggest the availability of advanced driver assistance systems, although the specifics may vary based on the vehicle’s trim level and optional packages.
• Manufacturing Details: It might provide insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing, including the plant city (Dingolfing) and country (Germany), and could potentially indicate whether detailed company information about the plant is available or not.
• Additional Equipment: The VIN could reveal if certain features are standard or optional, illustrating that luxury and safety enhancements like Automatic Crash Notification and Keyless Ignition are possibly standard or available as options.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 540i