Free 1985 BMW 528e VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1985 BMW 528e VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1985 BMW 528e VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe, serving as the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 1985 BMW 528e, the WMI “WBA” specifically identifies BMW AG as the manufacturer, pinpointing its origin to Munich, Germany. This distinction helps in recognizing the vehicle’s make, providing valuable information about its background and specifications. The WMI codes are crucial for vehicle identification, enabling a standardized method for tracking vehicles internationally. For the specified BMW model, it signifies that it is a passenger car produced by one of Germany’s most celebrated automakers.

List of WMI Codes for a 1985 BMW 528e

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1982, 1984-1987
• Example VIN: WBADK7300F9357017
• 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 1985 BMW 528e 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 1985 BMW 528e:

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 1985 BMW 528e 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 1985 BMW 528e VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1985 BMW 528e VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1985 BMW 528e Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1985 BMW 528e

The final 6 characters in a 1985 BMW 528e’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1985 BMW 528e VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating a potential year of 1985, offering insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: It may give insights about the production place, possibly indicating that this vehicle was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN could detail essential vehicle specifications, possibly indicating that it is a BMW 528e model with a 2.687-liter engine by BMW-AG, operating on gasoline.
• Body Class and Size: From the VIN, one might determine the vehicle’s body class as a Sedan/Saloon, possibly designed with 4 doors.
• Engine Details: Information regarding the engine could include a displacement of 164 CI (2.687 L) and a power output starting from 121 hp, possibly driven by a 6-cylinder configuration.
• Safety Features: The type of seat belt installed, possibly manual in this example, hinting at the safety features available for the model year.
• Series Information: The VIN may encompass details on the series, identifying this vehicle as part of the “5” series, potentially indicating its position within the manufacturer’s model lineup.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1985 BMW 528e

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