Free 1994 BMW 540i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1994 BMW 540i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1994 BMW 540i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, specifying the make, country of origin, and vehicle type. For instance, the WMI for a 1994 BMW 540i indicates it was produced by BMW AG, a prestigious automaker based in Munich, Germany. This designation is part of the larger Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identifies each vehicle, including specifics about the model year, manufacturing plant, and sequential production number. For the 1994 BMW 540i, the WMI not only confirms its German lineage but also categorizes it as a passenger car, reflecting BMW’s renowned engineering and design philosophy. Understanding the WMI provides valuable insights into a vehicle’s origin, type, and manufacturer, crucial for identification, registration, and historical record-keeping purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1994 BMW 540i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1994-1995, 1997-2003, 2017-2024
• Example VIN: WBAHE6322RGF29622
• 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 1994 BMW 540i 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 1994 BMW 540i:

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 1994 BMW 540i 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 1994 BMW 540i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1994 BMW 540i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1994 BMW 540i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1994 BMW 540i

The final 6 characters in a 1994 BMW 540i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 540i’s VIN below:

What info can a 1994 BMW 540i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN may contain information revealing the vehicles model year, such as a 1994 model year, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information, including the manufacturer being BMW-AG, the engine model as 4-Value, and 8 cylinders, can possibly be obtained. Additionally, specifics regarding engine power (around 282 hp) and displacement (approximately 3.98 liters) might highlight the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Efficiency and Type: The VIN can possibly reveal the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, which in this case is gasoline, providing some insight into potential fuel consumption patterns and operational costs.
• Safety Features: Information on safety equipment, including the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger, along with manual seat belts, might indicate the vehicle’s focus on occupant safety.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN may indicate a sedan/saloon with 4 doors, providing some information about the vehicle’s body type and size, potentially offering clues to its capacity, style, and general use-case.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN could possibly contain information regarding the place of manufacture, including city (Dingolfing) and country (Germany), offering potential insights into the vehicle’s build quality and design influences.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN may outline the GVWR range, possibly classifying the vehicle in Class 1, indicating a weight of 6,000 lb or less, which could be crucial for potential understanding of the vehicle’s size, usage restrictions, and registration purposes.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1994 BMW 540i

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