How to decode a BMW 840Ci VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 840Ci VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to identify the manufacturer, the country of manufacturing, and the type of vehicle. In the case of the BMW 840ci produced between 1994 and 1996, the WMI is WBA, which specifically denotes that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, a prestigious automobile manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. This code is essential for identifying the vehicle’s origins and is the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides further detailed information about the vehicle. The BMW 840ci’s WMI indicates it is a passenger car, aligning with BMW’s reputation for producing luxury vehicles. The integration of WMI helps in ensuring each vehicle’s authenticity and traceability on a global scale.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 840Ci
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1994-1996
- Example VIN: WBAEF6320RCC89266
- 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 840Ci 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 840Ci:
| Known VDS for a BMW 840Ci | |
|---|---|
| EF632 | EF832 |
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 840Ci 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 840Ci VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| T | 1996 BMW 840Ci |
| S | 1995 BMW 840Ci |
| R | 1994 BMW 840Ci |
11th Character in the BMW 840Ci VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 840Ci Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAEF6320RCC89266 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 840Ci
The final 6 characters in a BMW 840Ci’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 840Ci’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 840Ci is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look for the VIN on the lower-left corner of the dashboard, on the driver’s side of the BMW 840Ci. It’s usually visible through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s door to examine the door jamb area, where the BMW 840Ci’s VIN might be located on a sticker or metal plate.
- Check under the hood of the BMW 840Ci for a VIN plate or sticker, typically found on the front of the engine block.
- Examine the rear wheel well of the BMW 840Ci. Sometimes, the VIN can be found on the inside of it, though this is less common.
- For older models or for additional confirmation, look at the vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance documents, where the BMW 840Ci’s VIN will be printed.
What info can a BMW 840Ci VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 1994, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Engine Type and Power: The BMW 840Ci holds a powerful 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of approximately 3.98L, capable of producing around 282 horsepower. This information gives an indication of the vehicle’s performance and power capabilities.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which can provide some insights into its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: Essential safety features included are front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, along with a manual seat belt type and additional restraint systems for added security.
- Manufacturing Location: The vehicle was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, hinting at the quality and craftsmanship associated with German engineering.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates that the BMW 840Ci is classified as a Coupe with 2 doors, giving detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Vehicle Series: Belonging to the 8-Series, this specification not only hints at the model’s placement within the BMW lineup but also its market segment, targeting drivers who appreciate performance and luxury.
Don’t have your BMW 840Ci’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 840Ci
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 3980.4178456 |
| Displacement (CI) | 242.9 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.9804178456 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 282 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Model | 4-Value |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 840Ci |
| Model Year | 1994 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 8-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAEF632*RC |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAEF6320RCC89266 |
Decode a BMW VIN
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