Re: Deciphering The VIN non M535is

[Rolf Drommer <sunbimr@xxxxxxxx>]

In Digest V9 #417 David Gearring asks about deciphering his VIN Number

The VIN Number given is WBADC840XH1721222 for an 87 M535is

and the magic breakdown is:

Mfg Code    - WBA - BMW AG Munich, West Germany
VDS Code    - DC84 - E28 535i(s)A M30 - 3.4L SOHC-12v/L6 - Adaptive
Restraint   - 0 - Manual Safety Belts
Check Digit - X - Check Digit
Model Year  - H - 1987
Plant Code  - 1 - old version of A, F, G, K - so probably Munich, Germany
Serial No   - 721222

To be a true M car, the WBA should read WBS, but many of the 87's when 
the new VIN code was getting started didn't indicate WBS, so the next 
place to look would be the VDS code, which describes the model and 
engine. In the older M6's this usually had the motorsport engine code 
embedded even if the first three digits were not WBS.
The M535i designation started in Germany in 1980, and in addition to the 
bigger engine, included 25% limited slip differential, sport shocks and 
upgraded suspension, as well as sport buckets, the M-Technics three spoke 
wheel, standard ABS, and of course those wonderful TRX tires on alloy 
rims. Exterior body signs were the M sport badge, rear spoiler, deep 
front air dam and side skirts.
My German books only listed the M535i from 1980 to 1981, and show a build 
quantity of 1410.
>From 1984-87 there were 46,653 535i's built, and from 1988-92 another 
99,803 535i units were built. No mention of an M535i or M535is in those 
years, but of course the M5 started in 1985.

Hope that helps a bit.

Rolf

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Rolf Drommer  eMail: sunbimr@domain.elided

Membership Director BMW Car Club of BC
Club Website: http://www3.bc.sympatico.ca/bmw/

Rolf Drommer 'SUNBMR' '92 E30 318i Cabrio
Personal Website: http://home.iSTAR.ca/~rolfd/
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