Free 2016 BMW 528i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2016 BMW 528i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW 528i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which signifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, its brand, and the country of manufacture. In the case of the 2016 BMW 528i, the WMI code is “WBA”, which designates BMW AG as the manufacturer. This particular WMI indicates that the car was produced by BMW in Munich, Germany, identifying it as a passenger car. The WMI is an essential part of the automotive industry, allowing for the tracking and identification of vehicles on a global scale. Through the WMI, every vehicle can be traced back to its manufacturer, model year, and the precise location of its production.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW 528i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2000, 2008-2016
• Example VIN: WBA5A5C50GG346930
• 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 BMW 528i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2016 BMW 528i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 BMW 528i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW 528i

The final 6 characters in a 2016 BMW 528i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2016 BMW 528i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN may indicate engine details like a 1995.94 CC (121.8 CI) displacement and 241 horsepower for a 528i model, giving a glimpse into the vehicle’s engine capability.
• Safety Features: Safety features uncovered by the VIN, such as curtain, knee, and side airbags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, as well as pretensioners for driver and front passenger, possibly suggest a high safety standard.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can specify the primary fuel type, for instance, gasoline, which can be crucial for understanding a vehicle’s environmental impact and potential fuel consumption.
• Manufacturing Details: Manufacturing details like the plant city of Dingolfing and plant country Germany, may provide insights into the vehicle’s production location, possibly adding to its historical and quality context.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can reveal the body class as Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, potentially offering essential clues about the vehicle’s size, style, and functionality.
• Vehicle Type and Series: It classifies the vehicle as a Passenger Car and specifies the series, such as 5-series, which might help to pinpoint the vehicle’s market segment and model lineage.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 BMW 528i