Free 1991 BMW 850i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1991 BMW 850i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1991 BMW 850i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. It is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing origin. For the 1991 BMW 850i, the WMI “WBA” signifies that the vehicle has been manufactured by BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany. This code indicates that the vehicle is a passenger car, tying its origins to one of the most prestigious automotive manufacturers in the world. The WMI system enables clear identification and tracking of vehicles, ensuring each car’s history and specifications are readily accessible.

List of WMI Codes for a 1991 BMW 850i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1991-1992, 2019, 2023
• Example VIN: WBAEG2310MCB73751
• 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 1991 BMW 850i 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 1991 BMW 850i:

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 1991 BMW 850i 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 1991 BMW 850i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1991 BMW 850i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1991 BMW 850i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1991 BMW 850i

The final 6 characters in a 1991 BMW 850i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 850i’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1991 BMW 850i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year as specific as 1991, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: Details about the engine are comprehensive, including the manufacturer BMW-AG, model as “4-Value”, and notable specifics like a 12-cylinder configuration and a displacement of approximately 5.0L (305 CI), indicating a high-performance engine.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is specified as gasoline, which is critical for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN discloses the body class as a Coupe with 2 doors, giving a clear picture of the vehicle’s size and style suited for certain preferences or needs.
• Safety Features: Information such as the presence of a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) underscores the vehicle’s equipped safety features, particularly the types of airbag systems installed.
• Manufacturing Details: The vehicle’s production specifics, including the plant city Dingolfing and country Germany, shed light on the manufacturing origin, which can be a marker of build quality and design ethos.
• Vehicle Type and Series: Through the VIN, one can determine the vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car within the Series 8, hinting at luxury and performance characteristics unique to this model.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1991 BMW 850i

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