Free 2011 BMW 550i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2011 BMW 550i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2011 BMW 550i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. For the 2011 BMW 550i, the WMI, “WBA,” denotes that BMW AG is its manufacturer. The production of this passenger car is marked in Munich, Germany, reflecting the vehicle’s origins and assembly point. The WMI is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which serves as a fingerprint for each vehicle, providing detailed information about its make, model year, and manufacturing location. For the specified BMW model, the WMI not only confirms its make as BMW but also highlights its German manufacturing lineage, offering insights into the quality and engineering behind the vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 2011 BMW 550i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2006-2017
• Example VIN: WBAFU9C50BC278065
• 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 2011 BMW 550i 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 2011 BMW 550i:

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 2011 BMW 550i 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 2011 BMW 550i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2011 BMW 550i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2011 BMW 550i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2011 BMW 550i

The final 6 characters in a 2011 BMW 550i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW 550i’s VIN below:

What info can a 2011 BMW 550i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, such as the year 2011, providing insights into the age and potential technology level of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN can provide details about the body class of the vehicle, such as identifying it as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s size, style, and functionality.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN specifies a 4.4 L engine with 4395 CC displacement and 400 hp, indicating the vehicle’s performance capabilities. The engine also has 8 cylinders, showcasing the power and type of driving experience it offers.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can provide information about the primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, which is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: By decoding the VIN, key safety features can be inferred, including front airbags for the driver and passenger, side airbags, and advanced restraint systems such as knee inflatables and pretensioners for driver and front passenger, highlighting the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN can specify the plant city and country, such as Dingolfing, Germany, providing details about the vehicle’s production origin, which can be a factor in assessing build quality and design influences.
• Vehicle Identification: The sample VIN (WBASP4C50BC341500) and the vehicle descriptor (WBASP4C5*BC) tie all this specific information to a unique vehicle, allowing for precise identification and verification of the vehicle’s specifications and history.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2011 BMW 550i

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