Free BMW M6 VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW M6 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW M6 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer, crucial for identifying the brand, country of origin, and vehicle type. For instance, the BMW M6, a high-performance variant of the BMW 6 Series, is produced by BMW M GmbH and its WMI is WBS. This specific WMI indicates that these vehicles are assembled in Munich, Germany, by BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW AG focused on high-performance luxury vehicles. The WMI WBS was used for BMW M6 models spanning from 2006 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2019, highlighting the continuity and legacy of BMW’s commitment to luxury and performance. Through the WMI, enthusiasts and professionals alike can understand key details about a vehicle’s origin and its manufacturing division, adding a layer of depth to the vehicle’s identity.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW M6

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 1987-1988
• Example VIN: WBAEE1400H2560492
• Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Munich
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 2006-2010, 2012-2019
• Example VIN: WBSEH93406B797373
• 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 M6 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 M6:

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 M6 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 M6 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW M6 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW M6 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW M6

The final 6 characters in a BMW M6’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW M6 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle, such as a 2017 M6.
• Make: The VIN also discloses the make of the vehicle, offering a clear starting point for understanding the vehicle’s heritage and key specifications.
• Engine Type: It may detail the engine type, like a 4.4L with an 8-cylinder configuration, offering insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Horsepower: The VIN may also provide the horsepower, which in this case starts from 553 hp, further indicating the vehicle’s performance potential.
• Safety Features: The VIN could detail standard and optional safety features available for the model, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and the presence of airbags in various locations, showing the emphasis on passenger safety.
• Fuel Type: It often includes the primary fuel type, for example, Gasoline, which is a critical factor for consumers focusing on fuel economy and environmental impact.
• Body Type: The VIN might include information on the body class, door count, and seating capacity, providing insights into the vehicle’s design and utility. For example, a 2-door configuration with seating for 4.
• Advanced Technology Features: A VIN can also indicate the presence of advanced technology features, whether they are standard or optional, reflecting the vehicle’s modernity and convenience attributes.
• Manufacturing Details: It may include the plant country and city, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s production origin, which can be a factor in assessing build quality and heritage.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW M6