Free 1998 BMW 528i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 BMW 528i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 BMW 528i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the international standards organization. Comprising the first three digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the WMI identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For instance, a 1998 BMW 528i would have a WMI indicating it was manufactured by BMW AG in Munich, Germany, classifying it as a passenger car. These codes not only serve as a global identifier for vehicles but also provide crucial information about the vehicle’s manufacturing details. The WMI is an essential tool for tracking, registration, and recall purposes for the automotive industry worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 BMW 528i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2000, 2008-2016
• Example VIN: WBADD6320WBW36031
• 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 1998 BMW 528i 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 1998 BMW 528i:

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 1998 BMW 528i 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 1998 BMW 528i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 BMW 528i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 BMW 528i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 BMW 528i

The final 6 characters in a 1998 BMW 528i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 BMW 528i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially being from the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Plant Information: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Dingolfing, Bavaria, Germany, possibly offering insights into the car’s origin.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic specs for a 528i model, including it being a Sedan/Saloon with an automatic transmission, are possibly encoded within the VIN.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can possibly disclose the body class as a Sedan/Saloon and may point towards the vehicle having 4 doors, reflecting its size and capacity.
• Safety Features: The existence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row is typically indicated, potentially contributing to the vehicle’s safety profile.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN suggests the vehicle possibly falls under Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), which could be essential for understanding vehicle capability and regulation adherence.
• Seat Belt Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is equipped with manual seat belts, potentially pointing towards the car’s safety equipment and era of manufacture.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 BMW 528i