Free 2004 BMW 525i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2004 BMW 525i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 BMW 525i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters within a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which designates the manufacturer of the vehicle and some of its specific attributes. For the 2004 BMW 525i, this code helps identify it as a model produced by BMW AG, a renowned automaker based in Munich, Germany. The WMI specifically indicates that the vehicle is a passenger car, aligning with BMW’s specialization in luxury and performance vehicles. By examining the WMI, one can also learn about the geographic origin of the vehicle, confirming its production in Germany, a country known for its automotive engineering excellence. This identifier is crucial for vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes, ensuring each car’s history and specifications are easily accessible.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 BMW 525i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1988-1991, 1993-1995, 2001-2007
• Example VIN: WBANA53504B167778
• 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 2004 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 2004 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 2004 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 2004 BMW 525i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2004 BMW 525i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 BMW 525i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 BMW 525i

The final 6 characters in a 2004 BMW 525i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2004 BMW 525i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly being the year 2004, providing insights into the age and potential technology level of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: It may specify the basic BMW 525i model information, including engine details such as a 2.5L engine with 184 hp from a 6-cylinder engine, demonstrating the potential performance capabilities of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN details the body class as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering a clear understanding of the vehicle’s design and potential passenger capacity.
• Safety Features: Potential indications of safety features such as front airbags located in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, as well as details about the seat belt type being manual, may underscore the vehicle’s safety measures.
• Fuel Type: It can identify the primary fuel type as gasoline, which is crucial for understanding the potential environmental impact and fuel consumption of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN may list the vehicle’s plant city as Dingolfing and country as Germany, potentially highlighting its manufacturing heritage and influencing its build quality.
• Engine Manufacturer: Information about BMW-AG as the engine manufacturer may emphasize the make’s reputation and could hint at the potential level of engineering and performance standards.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 BMW 525i