Free 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle, its country of origin, and its vehicle type. For the 1996 BMW 850Ci, the WMI is “WBA,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, based in Munich, Germany. This code is specifically assigned to BMW passenger cars, showcasing the vehicle’s luxury status and European heritage. Through the WMI, one can deduce not only the make and the type of the vehicle but also the country where it was manufactured, serving as a crucial piece of information for verification and registration purposes. This system of identification aids in ensuring consistency and traceability in the automotive industry worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 BMW 850Ci

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1992-1993, 1995-1996
• Example VIN: WBAEG4322TCD05184
• 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 1996 BMW 850Ci 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 1996 BMW 850Ci:

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 1996 BMW 850Ci 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 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 BMW 850Ci Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 BMW 850Ci

The final 6 characters in a 1996 BMW 850Ci’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1996 BMW 850Ci VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The production of the vehicle in Dingolfing, Germany, is established through the VIN, pointing towards its potential European origins.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN provides comprehensive details about the vehicle, including that it is a BMW 850Ci from the 8-Series, featuring a 12-cylinder engine with a displacement of 5.38 liters and possibly producing 322 horsepower.
• Body Type and Size: From the VIN, it is revealed that the vehicle has a coupe body style and comes with two doors, indicating its possible design as a sports or luxury car.
• Safety Features: The presence of front air bags for both the driver and passenger, along with a manual seat belt type, can indicate the potential safety measures equipped in the vehicle.
• Engine Information: The VIN specifies the engine is manufactured by BMW-AG, possibly highlighting the prestige and quality associated with the engine’s make and the vehicle’s potential overall performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: It is identified that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which may help in understanding the vehicle’s potential environmental impact and fuel economy.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 BMW 850Ci