Free BMW 640i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 640i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 640i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, providing insights into the make, model years, and the origin of production. For the BMW 640i, the WMI reveals that it was produced by BMW AG, focusing on model years from 2012 to 2019. This luxury passenger car, originating from Munich, Germany, is identified by its distinct WMI at the beginning of its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), indicating its prestigious European craftsmanship and design. The WMI not only assures the vehicle’s authenticity but also helps in tracing its manufacturing history, ensuring that owners and service providers can access vital information tailored to the specific vehicle’s model and production period.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 640i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2012-2019
• Example VIN: WBALW3C50CC891802
• 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 640i 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 640i:

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 640i 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 640i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 640i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 640i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 640i

The final 6 characters in a BMW 640i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 640i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can often provide insights into the model year, such as 2017, offering clues about the vehicle’s age and potential historical value.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN can sometimes reveal the place of manufacturing, which in this scenario would be Dingolfing, Germany, providing historical and geographical context for the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: Specific details about a vehicle’s make and model can be identified through the VIN, offering insights into its engine capacity, for example, a 3-liter 640i xDrive GC from the 6-series, and its adaptability to an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
• Safety Features and Airbag Placement: Standard and optional safety technologies, like anti-lock braking system (ABS) and forward collision warning (FCW), could possibly be disclosed through the VIN. Airbag locations, including front, side, knee, and curtain airbags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, may also be indicated.
• Fuel Type and Engine Information: The VIN might provide details about the fuel type used, possibly Gasoline, and engine specifics, including a displacement of nearly 3 liters and an engine power starting from 315 hp.
• Transmission and Drive Type: Insights into the vehicle’s transmission style and speeds, which could potentially be an automatic with 8 speeds in this context, might be included in the VIN. The drive type, such as all-wheel drive (AWD), may also be indicated.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Information on whether the vehicle comes with advanced safety and convenience features, like adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane-keeping assistance (LKA), and a backup camera as standard or optional offerings, can possibly be gleaned from the VIN.
• Body Class and Capacity: The VIN may also specify the body class and seating capacity, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 640i