Free 2018 BMW M5 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2018 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2018 BMW M5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and specific attributes. For example, the 2018 BMW M5, a high-performance variant in the BMW range, has a WMI that indicates it is manufactured by BMW M GmbH in Munich, Germany. This specific vehicle falls under the category of a passenger car, highlighting its primary use for personal transportation. The WMI, in this case, not only confirms BMW’s renowned engineering and luxury status but also signifies its manufacture in a facility dedicated to the brand’s high-performance models. Understanding the WMI is crucial for identifying vehicle specifics, including model year and manufacturing details, beneficial for everything from parts ordering to historical research of the vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 2018 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
• Example VIN: WBSJF0C59JF282186
• 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2018 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2018 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2018 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2018 BMW M5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2018 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type: The BMW M5 features an 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4.4 liters or 268.2 cubic inches, capable of generating up to 599 horsepower, suggesting powerful performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: Standard safety equipment includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a sophisticated airbag system with curtain airbags for both the 1st and 2nd rows, indicating a high level of passenger protection.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, providing information on fuel compatibility and possibly fuel efficiency considerations.
• Transmission and Drive Configuration: This model comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is designed for left-hand drive (LHD), which could influence its market availability and drivability in various regions.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Features such as Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), Automatic Crash Notification (ACN), and optional systems like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), indicate a vehicle equipped with modern driving aids for enhanced safety and comfort.
• Production Details: Manufacturing details state that the vehicle was produced in Munich, Germany, offering clues about its origin and potentially its build quality and design influences.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2018 BMW M5

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