Free BMW 525i VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 525i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 525i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes that identify the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, providing essential details about its make and origin. The WMI for BMW 525i models manufactured between various years, including 1988-1991, 1993-1995, and 2001-2007, is WBA. This code reveals that these vehicles were produced by BMW AG, a renowned car manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. The WMI is a crucial component of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used globally to track the registration, recalls, and history of the vehicle. It signifies that the vehicle is a passenger car made by BMW, underlining the brand’s long-standing reputation for quality and innovation in the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 525i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1988-1991, 1993-1995, 2001-2007
• Example VIN: WBADK7300J9832352
• 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 525i 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 525i:

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 525i 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 525i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 525i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 525i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 525i

The final 6 characters in a BMW 525i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 525i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 2006, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, potentially classifying the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, accommodating passengers comfortably in a typical sedan layout.
• Engine Specifications: Through the VIN, possible engine details such as a displacement of 3 liters (or 3000 CC/182.8 CI) and a horsepower of 215 from a 6-cylinder engine are disclosed, offering insights into the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: The VIN specifies safety equipment like a dual-stage supplemental restraint system (SRS) meeting advanced airbag requirements, with front air bag locations in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger.
• Fuel Efficiency and Type: The VIN indicates that the fuel type is gasoline, which, combined with the engine specifications, may provide insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance.
• Manufacturing Details: It is possible to find out that the vehicle was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, which could offer clues to its build quality and design influences.
• Technology and Comfort: Features such as a manual seat belt type and a direct type Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are indicated, possibly giving insights into some of the vehicle’s technology and comfort offerings.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 525i