How to decode a 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle, its country of origin, and its vehicle type. For the 1996 BMW 850Ci, the WMI is “WBA,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany. This code is specifically assigned to BMW passenger cars, showcasing the vehicle’s luxury status and European heritage. Through the WMI, one can deduce not only the make and the type of the vehicle but also the country where it was manufactured, serving as a crucial piece of information for verification and registration purposes. This system of identification aids in ensuring consistency and traceability in the automotive industry worldwide.
List of WMI Codes for a 1996 BMW 850Ci
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1992-1993, 1995-1996
- Example VIN: WBAEG4322TCD05184
- 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 1996 BMW 850Ci 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 1996 BMW 850Ci:
| Known VDS for a 1996 BMW 850Ci |
|---|
| EG432 |
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 1996 BMW 850Ci 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 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| T | 1996 |
11th Character in the 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1996 BMW 850Ci Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAEG4322TCD05184 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 BMW 850Ci
The final 6 characters in a 1996 BMW 850Ci’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1996 BMW 850Ci’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1996 BMW 850Ci is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard of your BMW 850ci, specifically on the driver’s side where the VIN is commonly displayed, visible through the windshield.
- Check the driver’s side door jamb. Often, the VIN for your BMW 850ci can be found on a label when you open the door where the latch mechanism is.
- Inspect under the hood of your BMW 850ci for a VIN plate which might be attached to the engine bay, usually on the firewall.
- Examine the trunk area, as some BMW models, including the 850ci, could have the VIN affixed to the trunk’s latch or panel.
- Look in the vehicle’s paperwork, such as the title, registration, or insurance documents, which should have the VIN listed for your BMW 850ci.
What info can a 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Location: The production of the vehicle in Dingolfing, Germany, is established through the VIN, pointing towards its potential European origins.
- Vehicle Specifications: The VIN provides comprehensive details about the vehicle, including that it is a BMW 850Ci from the 8-Series, featuring a 12-cylinder engine with a displacement of 5.38 liters and possibly producing 322 horsepower.
- Body Type and Size: From the VIN, it is revealed that the vehicle has a coupe body style and comes with two doors, indicating its possible design as a sports or luxury car.
- Safety Features: The presence of front air bags for both the driver and passenger, along with a manual seat belt type, can indicate the potential safety measures equipped in the vehicle.
- Engine Information: The VIN specifies the engine is manufactured by BMW-AG, possibly highlighting the prestige and quality associated with the engine’s make and the vehicle’s potential overall performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: It is identified that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which may help in understanding the vehicle’s potential environmental impact and fuel economy.
Don’t have your 1996 BMW 850Ci’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 BMW 850Ci
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 5380.00 |
| Displacement (CI) | 328.2 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.38 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 322.00 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-AG |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 12 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 850Ci |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| 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 | WBAEG432*TC |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAEG4322TCD05184 |
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