Free 2004 BMW 530i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2004 BMW 530i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 BMW 530i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial three-character sequence of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the manufacturer of the vehicle. Each WMI provides specific information, including the manufacturer’s name, the vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, for a 2004 BMW 530i, the WMI “WBA” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, a renowned automotive company based in Munich, Germany. This passenger car falls within model years that have been actively produced in various intervals, from 1994-1995, 2001-2007, to more recent spans of 2017-2024, indicating a legacy of production. This system aids in the efficient tracking and registration of vehicles globally, offering a layer of security and identification for automotive manufacturers and owners alike.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 BMW 530i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1994-1995, 2001-2007, 2017-2024
• Example VIN: WBANA73504B047202
• 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 2004 BMW 530i 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 2004 BMW 530i:

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 2004 BMW 530i 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 2004 BMW 530i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2004 BMW 530i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 BMW 530i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 BMW 530i

The final 6 characters in a 2004 BMW 530i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2004 BMW 530i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 2004, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN provides insight into the body class and size, indicating that this vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN decodes engine details such as the manufacturer being BMW-AG, a displacement of 3 L (or 3000 CC/181.8 CI), and the engine having 6 cylinders, which may suggest specifics about performance and efficiency.
• Fuel Type: The VIN data point reveals the primary fuel type as Gasoline, essential for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Decoding the VIN provides information about the presence of front airbags in the 1st row (Driver and Passenger) and details about a dual-stage Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conforming to advanced airbag requirements, reflecting on the vehicle’s safety measures.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN uncovers manufacturing details such as the plant city being Dingolfing and the country as Germany, offering clues about the production quality and standards.
• Model and Series: Specific model identification is possible, with this example being a 530i from the 5-Series, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s market positioning and features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 BMW 530i