Free 2001 BMW M5 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2001 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2001 BMW M5 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a sequence of three letters or numbers that uniquely identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, as part of the larger Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 2001 BMW M5, the WMI is “WBS,” which signifies a vehicle made by BMW M GmbH. This specific code not only points to BMW as the manufacturer but indicates that the vehicle was crafted under the high-performance subsidiary, BMW M GmbH, based in Munich, Germany. The WMI is vital for obtaining detailed information about the vehicle, including its make, model year, and manufacturing location. It serves as an essential tool for tracking, registration, and recall purposes for vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2001 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
• Example VIN: WBSDE93401BZ97991
• 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 2001 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 2001 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 2001 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 2001 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2001 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2001 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2001 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2001 BMW M5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2001 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2001, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN provides insights into the vehicle type as a Passenger Car and its body class as a Sedan/Saloon, offering detailed information about the vehicle’s design and purpose.
• Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information can be decoded, including the Engine Manufacturer as BMW M GmbH, the number of cylinders which is 8, and the engine brake horsepower at 394 hp, potentially showcasing the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle is Gasoline, highlighting its energy source and potential fuel efficiency.
• Safety Features: The VIN may reveal safety equipment such as the presence of front airbags for both driver and passenger, and a comprehensive restraint system, indicating advanced safety measures that the vehicle may possess.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN outlines specifics about the manufacturing, including the Plant Country as Germany and Plant City as Dingolfing, providing insights into the vehicle’s origin and potential build quality.
• Vehicle Specifics: Beyond general details, the VIN decodes into very specific data such as Displacement (measured in CC, CI, and L), Door count (4), and the inclusion of manual seat belts, possibly painting a detailed picture of the vehicle’s features and capabilities.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2001 BMW M5

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