Free 2001 BMW 540i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2001 BMW 540i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2001 BMW 540i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of characters assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish their vehicles in the global market. For the 2001 BMW 540i, the WMI is “WBA”, which specifically denotes vehicles made by BMW AG based in Munich, Germany. This specific identifier not only reveals the manufacturer but also indicates the vehicle’s country of origin and type, in this case, a passenger car from Germany. The years 1994-1995, 1997-2003, and 2017-2024 are covered under this WMI for various models produced by BMW, showing a range of production years associated with this identifier. This system is utilized worldwide to ensure consistency and accuracy in vehicle identification.

List of WMI Codes for a 2001 BMW 540i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1994-1995, 1997-2003, 2017-2024
• Example VIN: WBADN63401GM72662
• 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 2001 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 2001 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 2001 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 2001 BMW 540i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2001 BMW 540i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2001 BMW 540i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2001 BMW 540i

The final 6 characters in a 2001 BMW 540i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2001 BMW 540i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that it may be from the year 2001, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Make and Model: By decoding the VIN, it can be determined that the vehicle is manufactured by BMW and is a 540i model from the 5-Series, offering detailed insights into the specific make and model.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN specifies an engine displacement of 4.40 liters and 4400 CC, powered by an 8-cylinder engine designed by BMW-AG, which can provide insights into the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, giving potential buyers or owners valuable information about fuel requirements and possibly fuel efficiency.
• Safety Features: The VIN also reveals safety features, including front airbags located in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, as well as a dual-stage advanced supplemental restraint system (SRS), highlighting the presence of safety features in the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: According to the VIN, the vehicle was assembled in Dingolfing, Germany, providing insight into the origin of manufacture, which can influence aspects like build quality and availability of parts.
• Body and Size: The VIN indicates that the body class is identified as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering a clear idea of the vehicle’s design and structural layout, suitable for understanding the vehicle’s size and capacity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2001 BMW 540i

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