How to decode a BMW 745i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 745i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its place of manufacture, attributes, and serial number. The WMI for the BMW 745i, manufactured between 2002 and 2005, is WBA. This specific designation indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany, and it is classified as a passenger car. Through the WMI, one can directly trace the origins and type of vehicle, showcasing the global system’s role in standardizing vehicle identification.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 745i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2002-2005
- Example VIN: WBAGL63402DP55763
- 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 745i 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 745i:
| Known VDS for a BMW 745i | |
|---|---|
| GL634 | GL635 |
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 745i 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 745i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 5 | 2005 BMW 745i |
| 4 | 2004 BMW 745i |
| 3 | 2003 BMW 745i |
| 2 | 2002 BMW 745i |
11th Character in the BMW 745i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 745i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAGL63402DP55763 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 745i
The final 6 characters in a BMW 745i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a BMW 745i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 745i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look on the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 745i, where the VIN is often visible through the windshield on a small plate.
- Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of your BMW 745i, where you might find the VIN on a label or sticker that is visible when the door is open.
- Check underneath the hood of your BMW 745i, as the VIN can sometimes be found on the engine block or on a metal plate attached to the chassis.
- Open the trunk of your BMW 745i and inspect the trunk lid and the area where the trunk latch closes, as the VIN is sometimes placed there.
- For older BMW 745i models, investigate the steering column or firewall inside the engine bay, as the VIN might be stamped directly onto the metal surface.
- Review your BMW 745i’s vehicle registration documents or insurance papers, as the VIN is always included in these documents for easy reference.
What info can a BMW 745i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, which seems to be the year 2005, offering insights into the age and potential technological features of the vehicle.
- Body Class: It is possible that the VIN classifies the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon, providing some indication of the vehicle’s design and potential interior space.
- Engine Specifications: The dataset indicates an engine with 4400 CC (4.4 L) displacement and an 8-cylinder configuration, suggesting powerful performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type is stated to be Gasoline, possibly reflecting the vehicle’s energy source and, to some extent, its fuel efficiency.
- Safety Features: The presence of Front Air Bag Locations for the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) may indicate a focus on safety for front-row occupants.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The data specifies a weight classification ranging from Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb. This could potentially affect the vehicle’s handling and usage restrictions.
- Plant Country: The information suggests that the vehicle was manufactured in Germany, possibly indicating a certain level of engineering and design quality associated with vehicles produced in this country.
Don’t have your BMW 745i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 745i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 4400.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 268.4 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 325 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | 745i |
| Model Year | 2005 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14. |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 7-Series |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Indirect |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAGL635*5D |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 117.70 |
| Sample_VIN | WBAGL63515DP75727 |
Decode a BMW VIN
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today