Free 2008 BMW 535xi VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2008 BMW 535xi VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 BMW 535xi VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a vehicle identification number (VIN), which identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For the 2008 BMW 535xi, the WMI indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, one of the world’s leading luxury car manufacturers. This specific series was produced in Munich, Germany, highlighting its origins from a country known for engineering excellence. The WMI also classifies the car as a passenger vehicle, indicating its design for personal use rather than for commercial freight. Understanding the WMI is essential for accurately identifying the vehicle’s manufacturing details and origins.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 BMW 535xi

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2008
• Example VIN: WBAPT73508CX00274
• 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 2008 BMW 535xi 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 2008 BMW 535xi:

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 2008 BMW 535xi 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 2008 BMW 535xi VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2008 BMW 535xi VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 BMW 535xi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 BMW 535xi

The final 6 characters in a 2008 BMW 535xi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2008 BMW 535xi VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating a 2008 model, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: A VIN can specify the body class, potentially indicating a Wagon with 4 doors, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and size.
• Engine Specifications: Details about the engine, including its displacement in liters (possibly 3.0 L), horsepower (around 300 hp), and number of cylinders (possibly 6), may be identified.
• Fuel Type: The VIN may reveal the vehicle’s primary fuel type, possibly specifying that it runs on Gasoline.
• Safety Features: Information on safety equipment, including the locations of airbags (potentially 1st Row for Driver and Passenger) and other restraint systems (possibly Dual-stage supplemental restraint system), can be obtained.
• Manufacturing Details: Insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing, such as the plant city (potentially Dingolfing) and country (possibly Germany), can be discerned, providing information about the car’s origin.
• Vehicle Type and Series: The VIN can specify the vehicle type (possibly Passenger Car) and detailed series information, illustrating this car as part of the 5-Series Sports Wagon line.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 BMW 535xi

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