Free 2012 BMW 528i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 BMW 528i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 BMW 528i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of three letters or numbers assigned to a vehicle manufacturer to distinguish its vehicles, as part of the larger 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 2012 BMW 528i, the WMI is “WBA,” indicating that BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This specific WMI tells us that the vehicle is a passenger car, highlighting its purpose and design. BMW AG uses this identifier across models produced between different years, in this case, including vehicles from 1997-2000 and 2008-2016. The WMI is a useful tool for identifying crucial information about a vehicle, including its country of production and manufacturer details.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 BMW 528i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2000, 2008-2016
• Example VIN: WBAXG5C50CC593986
• 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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 BMW 528i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 BMW 528i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 BMW 528i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 BMW 528i

The final 6 characters in a 2012 BMW 528i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2012 BMW 528i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the age and potential market value of the vehicle, such as the year 2012.
• Vehicle Make and Model: The dataset specifies the make as a BMW and the model as 528i, part of the 5-Series, providing insights into the vehicle’s class, size, and market segment.
• Engine Specifications: The vehicle is equipped with a 2.0-liter (2000 CC or 121.8 CI) engine that produces 241 horsepower from four cylinders, illustrating the vehicle’s power and performance characteristics.
• Fuel Type: This vehicle runs on gasoline, which can be crucial for potential owners in assessing fuel economy and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The VIN details extensive safety features, including airbags in the first row for both driver and passenger, knee airbags, and additional inflatable restraints, signifying the vehicle’s emphasis on occupant safety.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was produced in Dingolfing, Germany, potentially influencing perceptions of build quality and engineering standards.
• Advanced Systems: The presence of a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is noted, indicating the car’s use of modern technology to ensure driving safety and efficiency.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 BMW 528i