Free 2009 BMW 535i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2009 BMW 535i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 BMW 535i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code designated to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe. For the 2009 BMW 535i, the WMI is “WBA,” indicating that BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This code serves as a key component of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used universally to delineate specific information about a vehicle, including its production year, manufacturing location, and vehicle type. In this instance, the WMI not only confirms BMW AG as the creator of the 2009 BMW 535i but also categorizes the vehicle as a passenger car. This systematic approach to vehicle identification ensures that every car can be uniquely identified and traced back to its manufacturer, model year, and specific characteristics.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 BMW 535i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1985, 1989-1991, 2008-2017
• Example VIN: WBANW13509C160423
• 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 2009 BMW 535i 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 2009 BMW 535i:

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 2009 BMW 535i 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 2009 BMW 535i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2009 BMW 535i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 BMW 535i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 BMW 535i

The final 6 characters in a 2009 BMW 535i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2009 BMW 535i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN provides insights into the potential model year, which may be the year 2009, offering details about the market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN may indicate a body class, such as Sedan/Saloon, providing hints about the design and functionality of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN can encode engine specifics, potentially including a 3.0 L displacement and a horsepower starting at 300, offering insights into the vehicle’s performance.
• Safety Features: Safety features like front airbags located in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger may be outlined in the VIN, emphasizing the vehicle’s safety mechanisms.
• Fuel Type: It might indicate the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, possibly gasoline, shedding light on the vehicle’s efficiency and environmental impact.
• Vehicle Origin: Information about the manufacturing, such as the plant city Dingolfing and plant country Germany, could help trace the vehicle’s production location.
• Trim Level: It might include trim details such as ‘xDrive,’ possibly pointing towards specific versions or packages of the model with distinct features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 BMW 535i