Free 1988 BMW 535i/535is VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 BMW 535i/535is VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 BMW 535i/535is VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code allocated to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish their products worldwide. For the 1988 BMW 535i-535is, the assigned WMI is “WBA,” which signifies that BMW AG, stationed in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This code is integral to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system, helping to correctly identify the vehicle’s make, model, and production details. Specifically, the WMI “WBA” denotes that the vehicle is a passenger car produced by BMW. Understanding the WMI is vital for various purposes including registration, insurance, and in identifying specific vehicle features or recalls.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 BMW 535i/535is

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1988
• Example VIN: WBADC7400J1718250
• 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 1988 BMW 535i/535is 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 1988 BMW 535i/535is:

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 1988 BMW 535i/535is 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 1988 BMW 535i/535is VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 BMW 535i/535is VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 BMW 535i/535is Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 BMW 535i/535is

The final 6 characters in a 1988 BMW 535i/535is’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1988 BMW 535i/535is VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, often around 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: Detailed information from the VIN may include an engine from BMW-AG with 6 cylinders and an estimated 182 horsepower. The displacement details also provide a complete understanding of engine size and power output.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle is likely gasoline, shedding light on the vehicle’s potential fuel efficiency and environmental footprint.
• Vehicle Make and Model: The vehicle’s make and model are identified as a BMW 535i/535is, crucial for understanding its market positioning, comfort features, and potential resale value.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN may indicate production in either Munich or Dingolfing, Germany, pointing to the manufacturing standards and engineering precision associated with the vehicle’s country of origin.
• Transmission and Drivetrain: The transmission style is likely automatic, showing the vehicle’s potential ease of handling and driving comfort.
• Safety Features: The VIN indicating manual seat belts may prompt further inquiries about other safety features standard in a 1988 BMW 5-Series, enhancing the understanding of its safety credentials.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 BMW 535i/535is