Free BMW M5 VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW M5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which indicates the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. In the case of the BMW M5, the WMI is WBS, denoting that BMW M GmbH in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This prestigious performance division of BMW is renowned for producing high-performance passenger cars with a specific focus on luxury and power. The BMW M5 models specified by this WMI have been in production for various years, including from 1988, 2000 through 2003, 2006 to 2010, and more recently from 2013 to 2016, as well as from 2018 to 2023, reflecting the car’s enduring appeal and innovation in automotive engineering. The identification through WMI is critical for understanding a vehicle’s origin, authenticity, and the specific attributes tied to its manufacturer.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW M5

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
• Example VIN: WBSDC9300J2791654
• Manufacturer Name: BMW M GmbH
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Munich
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a BMW M5 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 BMW M5:

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 BMW M5 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 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a BMW M5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW M5 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type: Detailed engine information, including the number of cylinders, displacement, and horsepower, is typically encoded, offering insights into the vehicle’s performance potential.
• Safety Features: The VIN may decode the presence of standard and optional safety features, such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), and options for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), highlighting the vehicle’s commitment to safety.
• Body Class and Doors: VIN can specify the body class along with details like the number of doors and seat rows, giving a clear picture of the vehicle’s size and configuration, for example, Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors and 2 seat rows.
• Fuel Efficiency: Information on the primary fuel type, for example, Gasoline, provides insights into the vehicle’s environmental and operational considerations.
• Advanced Technology: Details about standard and optional technological advancements, including Backup Camera, Keyless Ignition, and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), can be identified, showcasing the vehicle’s modern conveniences and driver assist systems.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN may provide the plant city and country, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin, suggesting the manufacturing quality and heritage associated with specific production locations.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW M5