How to decode a BMW 735iL VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 735iL VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. Comprised of the first three characters of the VIN, the WMI allows us to discern not only the automotive manufacturer but also the country where the vehicle was built. For the BMW 735iL, the WMI is typically WBA, which stands for BMW AG, with the vehicles traditionally manufactured in Germany. These first characters are crucial in confirming the validity and origin of the vehicle, offering a glimpse into its global lineage and brand heritage.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 735iL
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1990-1991
- Example VIN: WBAGC4310LDC26442
- 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 735iL 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 735iL:
| Known VDS for a BMW 735iL |
|---|
| GC431 |
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 735iL 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 735iL VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| M | 1991 BMW 735iL |
| L | 1990 BMW 735iL |
11th Character in the BMW 735iL VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 735iL Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAGC4310LDC26442 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 735iL
The final 6 characters in a BMW 735iL’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 735iL’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 735iL is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- View the windshield on the driver’s side of your BMW 735iL; the VIN is typically visible through the glass on a small metal or plastic plaque.
- Check the driver’s side door jamb on your BMW 735iL for a sticker or plate that has the VIN displayed where the door latches to the body.
- Inspect the firewall of the vehicle; the VIN may also be located on a plate in the engine compartment of your BMW 735iL.
- Review your BMW 735iL’s vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or title, where the VIN is usually listed.
- Look in the trunk under the carpet on the floor right where the spare tire sits, as some vehicles like the BMW 735iL might have the VIN in that location.
- Explore the rear wheel well; occasionally, you can spot the VIN of your BMW 735iL on the upper part inside the wheel arch.
- Investigate under the hood, and you may find a VIN plaque located on the radiator support of your BMW 735iL.
What info can a BMW 735iL VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year of manufacture, possibly providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN identifies the manufacturer as BMW AG, indicating the likely origin and brand of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN specifies that the BMW 735iL is classified as a passenger car, possibly indicating its intended use and features designed for comfort and transportation.
- Transmission Style: The VIN can reveal the transmission style of the BMW 735iL, possibly indicating whether it is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission.
- Engine Number of Cylinders: The VIN provides information about the number of cylinders in the engine of the BMW 735iL, which might help determine the vehicle’s performance and power capabilities.
Don’t have your BMW 735iL’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 735iL
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3424.896376 |
| Displacement (CI) | 209 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.424896376 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 208 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 735iL |
| Model Year | 1991 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dr. Supplemental System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 7 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAGC431*MD |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAGC4315MDC27829 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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