Free BMW 740iL VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW 740iL VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW 740iL VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences of characters assigned to car manufacturers to identify the country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. In the case of BMW AG’s 7 Series, particularly the 740iL model produced in certain years such as 1993-1994 and 1997-1998, the WMI code provides critical information. The specific WMI for these models begins with WBA, indicating the vehicle was manufactured by BMW in Munich, Germany. This code is a crucial component of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used globally for identifying specific vehicles. The WMI serves as a standardized method for classifying vehicles and is essential for vehicle registration, identification, and tracking purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW 740iL

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1993-1994, 1997-1998
• Example VIN: WBAGD8321PDE84620
• 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 BMW 740iL 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 BMW 740iL:

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 BMW 740iL 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 BMW 740iL VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW 740iL VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW 740iL Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 740iL

The final 6 characters in a BMW 740iL’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW 740iL VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1993, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: A VIN can detail engine specifics such as the engine manufacturer, model, displacement, and horsepower. For example, it may indicate a BMW-AG 4-Value engine with a displacement of 3.98 liters, producing 282 hp.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type a vehicle uses is indicated, such as gasoline for efficient and cleaner combustion.
• Safety Features: Details about safety measures are also encoded, including airbag locations and other restraint systems, like 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) airbags plus Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).
• Vehicle Make and Model: Basic but crucial details like make and model are provided, offering a clear identification of the vehicle type, in this scenario, a BMW 740iL.
• Plant Information: Manufacturing details such as the plant city and country where the vehicle was assembled are available, highlighting the global footprint of automobile production, like Dingolfing, Germany for BMW.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN reveals the vehicle’s body class and the number of doors, providing insight into its design and functionality, for instance, a sedan/saloon with 4 doors.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 740iL