Free 2009 BMW M5 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2009 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 BMW M5 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a vital part of a vehicle’s unique identification, specifically the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), pinpointing the vehicle’s manufacturer, the type of vehicle it is, and where it was made. For example, BMW M GmbH, a division of BMW known for high-performance vehicles, uses the WMI “WBS” for its cars, including models like the 2009 BMW M5. This particular WMI indicates that the car is a passenger vehicle type, crafted in Munich, Germany. WMIs are universally recognized and provide essential information that can be used for registration, identification, and regulatory purposes. Through WMIs, manufacturers like BMW can ensure their vehicles are appropriately identified worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
• Example VIN: WBSNB93509CX10838
• 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2009 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2009 BMW M5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2009 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating a 2009 model, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN may encode basic information such as the model being an M5 belonging to the 5-Series, along with engine details like a 5.0L displacement and 500 hp from a 10-cylinder engine.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can reveal the body type and size, possibly identifying the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Safety Features: Standard safety features for the model can be inferred from the VIN, potentially including the presence of front airbags in the 1st row for both driver and passenger and a dual-stage supplemental restraint system (SRS).
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type of the vehicle, which in this example is Gasoline, can typically be identified through the VIN, providing information on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN often includes manufacturing details such as the plant city, Dingolfing, and the plant country, Germany, possibly indicating where the vehicle was assembled, offering insights into its production history.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN may contain information on the vehicle’s weight class, noting it within Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) in this case, providing insights into its load-carrying capacity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 BMW M5

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