Free 1999 BMW 528i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1999 BMW 528i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 BMW 528i VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are a key component of a vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designated to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer. For the 1999 BMW 528i, the WMI indicates that this passenger car was manufactured by BMW AG, a prestigious automotive company based in Munich, Germany. This specific sequence within the VIN is crucial for accurately identifying the vehicle’s make, ensuring its authenticity, and aiding in vehicle registration, insurance, and recall processes. The WMI not only encapsulates the brand’s heritage but also provides essential data about the vehicle’s origins and type, underscoring the global standardization in vehicle identification.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 BMW 528i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2000, 2008-2016
• Example VIN: WBADM5330XBY16534
• 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 1999 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 1999 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 1999 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 1999 BMW 528i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1999 BMW 528i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 BMW 528i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 BMW 528i

The final 6 characters in a 1999 BMW 528i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1999 BMW 528i VIN reveal?

• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN suggests that the vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car, with a Body Class of Wagon. This may indicate a versatile vehicle suitable for various needs.
• Model Year and Make: It specifies a 1999 BMW, providing insight into the age and brand of the vehicle, which is crucial for identification and valuation.
• Engine Specifications: The engine is manufactured by BMW-AG, with a displacement detailed in CC (2790.00), CI (170.4), and Liters (2.79), showcasing its size and potential power output of 190 horsepower. It has 6 cylinders, indicating a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
• Fuel Type: The primary Fuel Type for this vehicle is Gasoline, influencing fuel economy and emission considerations for potential owners.
• Safety Features: It includes essential safety features such as Front Air Bags for the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) and manual Seat Belts, alongside a Depowered Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), emphasizing its focus on passenger safety.
• Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was assembled in Dingolfing, Germany, denoting its manufacturing quality and providing clues about potential importation status.
• Model Specifics: This VIN belongs to a 528i model from the 5-Series, with a Trim level identified as Touring, specifying its position within the BMW model lineup and indicating specific features and design elements associated with the Touring trim.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 BMW 528i

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