Free 1988 BMW 635CSi VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 BMW 635CSi VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 BMW 635CSi VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which signifies the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of origin. Specifically, for the BMW 635CSi produced in 1988, the WMI is “WBA”. This code indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, classified as a passenger car, and originated from Munich, Germany. The WMI is an essential component of the VIN, providing valuable information about the vehicle’s make, model, and production details, establishing a standardized method for identifying motor vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 BMW 635CSi

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1985-1989
• Example VIN: WBAEC8410J3267909
• 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 1988 BMW 635CSi 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 1988 BMW 635CSi:

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 1988 BMW 635CSi 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 1988 BMW 635CSi VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 BMW 635CSi VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 BMW 635CSi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 BMW 635CSi

The final 6 characters in a 1988 BMW 635CSi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 635CSi’s VIN below:

VIN

Search

What info can a 1988 BMW 635CSi VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN can unveil the type of vehicle, like a Passenger Car, and its specific body class, for instance, a Coupe, detailing its general shape and style.
• Engine Specifications: Key engine details, including its manufacturer (e.g., BMW-AG), the number of cylinders (e.g., 6), and the range of engine brake horsepower (e.g., from 182 hp), are often encapsulated in the VIN.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type a vehicle is designed to use, such as Gasoline, can be directly extracted from the VIN, indicating its environmental and operational characteristics.
• Safety Features: Information on the vehicle’s safety systems, like the presence of a Driver’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), can be gleaned, suggesting advanced safety measures for the model year.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN may indicate the plant city (e.g., Munich Or Dingolfing) and country (e.g., Germany) where the vehicle was assembled, shedding light on its geographic production origins.
• Transmission and Seat Belt Type: Details such as the transmission style, for example, Automatic, and the type of seat belts, like Manual, are information points that can be discovered through the VIN, reflecting on vehicle design and safety standards.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 BMW 635CSi

Source