How to decode a 1987 BMW L7 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1987 BMW L7 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the maker of the vehicle. For the 1987 BMW L7, the WMI indicates that it was manufactured by BMW AG, a renowned vehicle manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. This reveals that the vehicle is a passenger car, aligning with BMW’s legacy of producing luxurious and performance-oriented vehicles. The specific WMI identifier not only cements the car’s authenticity but also its geographical production origin, offering insights into its manufacturing standards and heritage. Understanding the WMI is crucial for buyers and enthusiasts to verify key vehicle details and its manufacturing lineage.
List of WMI Codes for a 1987 BMW L7
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1987
- Example VIN: WBAFG2418H1091459
- 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 1987 BMW L7 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 1987 BMW L7:
| Known VDS for a 1987 BMW L7 |
|---|
| FG241 |
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 1987 BMW L7 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 1987 BMW L7 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| H | 1987 |
11th Character in the 1987 BMW L7 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1987 BMW L7 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAFG2418H1091459 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1987 BMW L7
The final 6 characters in a 1987 BMW L7’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1987 BMW L7’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1987 BMW L7 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1987 BMW L7, near where it meets the windshield. This is a standard location where VINs are placed and should be visible from outside the vehicle.
- Examine the driver’s side door post (where the door latches when it is closed). It’s common to find the VIN on a sticker or a plate in this area on a 1987 BMW L7.
- Check beneath the hood. The VIN might also be located on the front of the engine block, which is a more challenging but possible location to find it on older vehicles like the BMW L7.
- Take a look at the rear wheel well. Sometimes, the VIN can be found above the tire on the frame.
- Inspect the vehicle’s paperwork. The VIN of your BMW L7 should be on the title, registration, or insurance documents if you can’t find it on the car itself.
What info can a 1987 BMW L7 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially being the year 1987, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: The vehicle is equipped with a 3.4L engine by BMW-AG, indicating a displacement of approximately 3425 CC and featuring a 6-cylinder configuration, which can give an idea of its power and fuel consumption qualities.
- Fuel Type: This car is designed to run on gasoline, which is a crucial detail for understanding fuel economy and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: The presence of a Dr. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) hints at the vehicle’s focus on passenger safety, suggesting airbags as part of its safety equipment.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was assembled in Dingolfing, Germany, highlighting its European origin which might appeal to those interested in foreign automotive craftsmanship.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: Classified as a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon body, this information helps in understanding the vehicle’s size, purpose, and general aesthetic.
- Vehicle Series: Being part of the 7-Series, this L7 model hints at a luxury-oriented design and feature set, positioning it within a specific market segment that focuses on comfort and performance.
Don’t have your 1987 BMW L7’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1987 BMW L7
| 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 | L7 |
| Model Year | 1987 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dr. Supplemental System (SRS) |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 7-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAFG241*H1 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAFG2418H1091459 |
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