Free 2015 BMW M5 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2015 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2015 BMW M5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This three-letter code not only identifies the manufacturer but also provides specific information about the vehicle type and manufacturing location. For instance, the BMW M5 from 2015 has a WMI of “WBS”, which signifies that the vehicle is manufactured by BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW focused on high-performance versions of standard BMW models. This particular vehicle is classified as a passenger car and is manufactured in Munich, Germany. WMIs are crucial for ensuring the traceability and authenticity of vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 2015 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
• Example VIN: WBSFV9C50FD594171
• 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 2015 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 2015 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 2015 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 2015 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2015 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2015 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2015 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2015 BMW M5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2015 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, which in the case of this Sedan/Saloon, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Type: The VIN can provide comprehensive engine details, including the displacement in liters (4.4 L), the number of cylinders (8), and the brake horsepower (553), offering a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Efficiency: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, is specified by the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN decodes to reveal the plant city and country where the vehicle was manufactured, providing indications of build quality and design, for example, Dingolfing, Germany in this case.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN indicates the GVWR range, for this example being Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), which helps in understanding the vehicle’s size and potential usage.
• Safety Features: Through the VIN, certain safety features like the type of Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can be identified, in this case, a Direct type, contributing to enhanced safety awareness and maintenance planning.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2015 BMW M5