Free 2017 BMW 530i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2017 BMW 530i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2017 BMW 530i VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), used globally to identify the manufacturer of any vehicle. WMIs are designated by a regulatory body and indicate not only the manufacturer but also, in many cases, the vehicle type and manufacturing location. For instance, a 2017 BMW 530i boasts a WMI beginning with “WBA,” signifying that it was produced by BMW AG, a prestigious automaker based in Munich, Germany. This identifier is crucial for tracking, registration, and recall purposes, providing a standardized method to recognize a vehicle’s origins. The specific WMI for this model tells us it is a passenger car manufactured by BMW, revealing both the make and the geographical origin of the vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 2017 BMW 530i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1994-1995, 2001-2007, 2017-2024
• Example VIN: WBAJA5C30HWA34890
• 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 BMW 530i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2017 BMW 530i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2017 BMW 530i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2017 BMW 530i

The final 6 characters in a 2017 BMW 530i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2017 BMW 530i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2017, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN might unveil engine details such as a 2.0-liter engine with 241 horsepower and 4 cylinders, giving a glimpse into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: A VIN decode can offer information on a range of standard and optional safety features, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and forward collision warning, providing potential insights into the vehicle’s safety measures.
• Body Class and Size: It can possibly reveal the body class and size of the vehicle, indicating it as a Sedan/Saloon with four doors, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s design and passenger capacity.
• Transmission and Drive: Details about the transmission, like an 8-speed automatic, along with the trim specifying drive type, such as 530i xDrive, could be included, potentially offering insights into the vehicle’s performance and handling characteristics.
• Fuel Type: The Primary fuel type, for example, gasoline, is usually listed, providing insights into the vehicle’s efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Details: It typically includes manufacturing location specifics, such as being assembled in Dingolfing, Germany, which can offer clues to build quality and availability of parts.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2017 BMW 530i

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