How to decode a 1986 BMW 735i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1986 BMW 735i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. In the case of the 1986 BMW 735i, the WMI indicates that it was manufactured by BMW AG, a renowned automaker based in Munich, Germany. This specific WMI highlights that the vehicle was produced for the 1985-1991 model years. BMW AG is well-known for crafting luxury passenger cars that emphasize both performance and comfort. The WMI system is a standardized method that helps easily identify key vehicle attributes, such as the manufacturer and vehicle type, ensuring that each vehicle has a globally unique identifier.
List of WMI Codes for a 1986 BMW 735i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1985-1991
- Example VIN: WBAFH8406G0978778
- 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 1986 BMW 735i 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 1986 BMW 735i:
| Known VDS for a 1986 BMW 735i |
|---|
| FH840 |
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 1986 BMW 735i 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 1986 BMW 735i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| G | 1986 |
11th Character in the 1986 BMW 735i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1986 BMW 735i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAFH8406G0978778 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1986 BMW 735i
The final 6 characters in a 1986 BMW 735i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 735i’s VIN below:
How to find a 1986 BMW 735i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1986 BMW 735i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 735i, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield.
- Examine the driver’s side door jamb on your 1986 BMW 735i. A VIN sticker or plate can usually be found where the door latches when closed.
- Inspect the front of the engine block. On your BMW 735i, the VIN might be stamped onto the engine itself.
- Check the trunk area. The VIN for your 1986 BMW may also be located on the rear wheel well or underneath the spare tire.
- Look at the car’s frame near the windshield washer fluid tank, as some BMW models might have the VIN in this area.
- Review your vehicle’s paperwork. The VIN will be on the title, registration, and insurance documents of your BMW 735i.
What info can a 1986 BMW 735i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that the car is likely from the year 1986, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Location: The vehicle was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, showcasing the geographical origins of the car’s production, providing valuable information about its manufacturing history.
- Vehicle Specifications: The VIN encodes basic BMW 735i model information, including details about the engine being manufactured by BMW-AG, and specifics like a 3.424 L engine displacement and a 6-cylinder engine configuration, offering important insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Body Class and Size: The VIN can inform that the body class is a Sedan/Saloon, with additional details like it possessing 4 doors, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Fuel Type: This vehicle runs on Gasoline, indicating the primary type of fuel the engine uses, helping potential buyers understand the fuel requirements.
- Transmission and Drive: The VIN may indicate that the car is equipped with an Automatic transmission, enhancing understanding of its operation mode, potentially impacting the driving experience.
- Safety Features: While it mentions the seat belt type as Manual, the VIN can also offer insights into the standard safety features available for the model, potentially giving an understanding of its safety capabilities.
Don’t have your 1986 BMW 735i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1986 BMW 735i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3424.896376 |
| Displacement (CI) | 209 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.424896376 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 182 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 735i |
| Model Year | 1986 |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 7-Series |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAFH840*G0 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAFH8406G0978778 |
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