- Characters 1-3 of a 2011 BMW 528i VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a 2011 BMW 528i
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2011 BMW 528i VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a 2011 BMW 528i VIN.
- 10th Character in the 2011 BMW 528i VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the 2011 BMW 528i VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known 2011 BMW 528i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2011 BMW 528i
- How to find a 2011 BMW 528i's VIN?
- What info can a 2011 BMW 528i VIN reveal?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2011 BMW 528i
How to decode a 2011 BMW 528i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2011 BMW 528i VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. For instance, the WMI for a 2011 BMW 528i signifies that it is manufactured by BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany. This code provides specific information, such as the vehicle’s manufacturer name, type, and the geographical location of its production. The WMI indicated here covers several model years, including 1997-2000 and 2008-2016, showcasing its relevance for a range of vehicles produced by BMW AG during these periods. Understanding the WMI is crucial for identifying key vehicle details at a glance, proving especially useful for registration, service, and repair purposes.
List of WMI Codes for a 2011 BMW 528i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 1997-2000, 2008-2016
- Example VIN: WBAFR1C50BDJ97645
- 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 2011 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 2011 BMW 528i:
| Known VDS for a 2011 BMW 528i |
|---|
| FR1C5 |
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 2011 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 2011 BMW 528i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| B | 2011 |
11th Character in the 2011 BMW 528i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2011 BMW 528i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAFR1C50BC260331 | ||
| D | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAFR1C50BDJ97645 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2011 BMW 528i
The final 6 characters in a 2011 BMW 528i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 528i’s VIN below:
How to find a 2011 BMW 528i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2011 BMW 528i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 528i, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN can usually be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb area. On a 2011 BMW 528i, the VIN is often located on a sticker or plate where the door latches when it is closed.
- Examine the vehicle’s engine bay. The VIN may also be engraved on a metal plate or a sticker placed somewhere around the engine compartment.
- Check beneath the windshield wiper. Pull the wipers towards you and look under where they rest when not in use; sometimes the VIN is located there in BMW vehicles.
- Review your vehicle’s registration documents, insurance papers, or title, as the VIN for your BMW 528i will be listed on these official documents.
- If your BMW 528i has a spare tire, sometimes the VIN is also found in the compartment where the spare tire is stored, often on an attached label.
What info can a 2011 BMW 528i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2011, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Displacement and Engine Details: The VIN provides detailed information about the engine, including its displacement in liters (3.0L), the number of cylinders (6), and horsepower (230 hp), showcasing the vehicle’s power capabilities.
- Safety Features: The VIN indicates comprehensive safety features, ranging from front airbags in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, to advanced restraint systems including head inflatable and knee inflatable restraints for added protection.
- Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that this sedan runs on gasoline, indicating its primary fuel type, which is crucial for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN specifies that the vehicle is categorized as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, providing insights into its size, style, and utility, suitable for family or executive use.
- Manufacturing Details: Details such as the plant city (Dingolfing) and country (Germany) are encoded, highlighting the vehicle’s origin and possibly affecting perception of build quality and prestige.
- Vehicle Series: The VIN’s 5-Series designation identifies the vehicle’s series, offering a clue into the car’s position within the make’s lineup, hinting at levels of luxury, size, and performance relative to other models.
Don’t have your 2011 BMW 528i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2011 BMW 528i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2995.5552992 |
| Displacement (CI) | 182.8 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.0 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 230 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | 528i |
| Model Year | 2011 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Head Inflatable Restraint for Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Outboard Driver-side and Rear Outboard Passenger-side. Knee Inflatable Restraint for Driver and Front Passenger. Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger. |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAFR1C5*BD |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAFR1C50BDJ97645 |
Decode other 528i Years
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