What is AHL on VIN plate?

[whiskychaser]

As per title, my VIN plate says 525IAHL. The 525i bit is obvious and I'm guessing the A stands for auto? But what is the HL? Searched but couldnt find anything relating to the 525

[shogun]

let me know the VIN ?
Last seven numbers/letters is enough.

[whiskychaser]

let me know the VIN ?
Last seven numbers/letters is enough.
Last 7 digits are GA11907. (Full VIN just has a 0 before that). Hope you can help

[Dave M]

Not sure of the AHL bit, but the following is from Mistsuhiko's VIN Decoder (http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi)

BMW VIN Decoder

Chassis number GA11907
Vehicle code HD68
Series E34
Model 525i ( 525i M50 )
Body type saloon
Catalog model ZA
Production date 1992 / 02
Engine M50
Transmission Automatic
Steering Right
Catalyzer NONE


Additional Information for Vehicle code HD68
Production FROM : 1990/11/01 TO : 1995/12/31
Engine M50 B25
Engine Oil 5.75 Liter
Transmission Automatic
Transmission Model A5S 310Z
Transmission Oil 3.00 Liter
Rear Axle Oil 1.70 Liter
Coolant(w/o Air Conditioner) 10.50 Liter
Coolant(with Air Conditioner) 11.00 Liter
Brake fluid 1.00 Liter
Remarks :

[Dave M]

Try this link for additional info (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52297&stc=1)

[whiskychaser]

Thanks Dave. I used that decoder and paid to have the VIN decoded at two different outlets. They only came back with this:
VIN long ZBAHD68090GA11907
Type code HD68
Type 525I (ZAF)
Dev. series E34 ()
Line 5
Body type LIM
Steering RL
Door count 4
Engine M50
Cubical capacity 2.50
Power 141
Transmision HECK
Gearbox AUT
Colour NICHT VORHANDEN ( *)
Upholstery nicht gemeldet ( *)
Prod. date 1992-02-18

The two outlets confirm the same 'long' VIN but from what I've read, if a VIN begins with a Z, country of manufacture is Italy. And VINs are not supposed to have O or 0 in :( The plate says country of origin Germany and manufactured by BMW S Africa. The VIN tallies with the owner's manual and documents I have but I cant help being curious

[Grantus]

Highline?

[shogun]

there was no E34 Highline. And even out of the BMW ASAP I do not get many details:

VIN long ZBAHD68090GA11907

Type code HD68

Type 525I (ZAF)

Dev. series E34 ()

Line 5

Body type LIM

Steering RL

Door count 4

Engine M50

Cubical capacity 2.50

Power 141

Transmision HECK / rear

Gearbox AUT

Colour NICHT VORHANDEN ( *) not available

Upholstery nicht gemeldet ( *) not reported

Prod. date 1992-02-18

That car was most probably a knock down kit assembled in South Africa.

[whiskychaser]

there was no E34 Highline. And even out of the BMW ASAP I do not get many details:

That car was most probably a knock down kit assembled in South Africa.
Many thanks for trying. The VIN plate says origin Germany and manufactured in S Africa so that tallies. I have emailed the original dealer and BMW ZA for information. Its a long shot I'd like to solve the puzzle. Will post any response. Thanks again

[shogun]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_5_Series_(E34)
The original E34 M5 was introduced in September, 1988. The later 3.8-liter version first appeared at the 1991 Frankfurt motor show, as did the E34 M5 Touring.
Unlike the normal 5 Series, M5s were hand-assembled at the BMW Motorsport facility in Garching, a suburb of Munich. Bodies were pressed at the normal Dingolfing factory, then sent to Garching where they were mated with the engine and interior trim. The only exception was the South African-spec model, assembled at BMW's Rosslyn, South Africa factory from German-supplied Complete Knock Down (CKD) kits.Versions and Production Numbers

The BMW M5 E34 was produced in two distinct versions, each with several variations. Early cars have a 3.6-liter (actually 3,535cc) version of the 24-valve S38 inline-6 known as the S38 B36. These were built in both left-hand and right-hand drive configurations, as well as a North American-specification edition. There were also a small amount of 3.6-liter M5s assembled in South Africa, exclusively for that market.

Famous Cars: BMW M5 E34 CAR REVIEW (http://geturcars.blogspot.com/2010/12/bmw-m5-e34-car-review.html)

[whiskychaser]

Just received a response from BMW S Africa. Unfortunately their records dont show any more than we know already - no details of paint or upholstery, let alone options. They did say they are going to ask Germany what AHL means though:-)

[whiskychaser]

Mystery solved. Seems Grantus was right. BMW ZA just confirmed AHL means Automatic High Line. I thought only 6 & 7 series (and later cars) had that.