Free 2001 BMW X5 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2001 BMW X5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2001 BMW X5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that forms the initial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. For instance, the WMI for BMW AG, specifically for models like the 2001 BMW X5, is “WBA”. This code indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany. WMIs are essential for distinguishing between manufacturers and are used in vehicle registration, identification, and regulatory compliance. The specific WMI also suggests that the vehicle falls under the category of passenger cars, providing a quick reference to the vehicle type and origin.

List of WMI Codes for a 2001 BMW X5

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2000-2001
• Example VIN: WBAFA53501LH78472
• Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Munich
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2001 BMW X5 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 X5:

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 X5 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 X5 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2001 BMW X5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2001 BMW X5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2001 BMW X5

The final 6 characters in a 2001 BMW X5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2001 BMW X5 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 2001, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN allows for the identification of comprehensive engine specifications, including the manufacturer (BMW-AG), displacement (4.4 L or 268.4 CI), and horsepower (282 hp), along with indicating that the engine houses 8 cylinders.
• Body Class and Doors: By examining the VIN, one can learn that the vehicle is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a specification of having 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle is specified as gasoline, providing insight into the vehicle’s fuel compatibility and efficiency aspects.
• Safety Features: The VIN discloses the vehicle’s equipped safety features, highlighting its comprehensive safety measures, including curtain airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), and side airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The vehicle falls into the Class 2E category for its weight rating, suggesting a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), which could impact its handling, fuel efficiency, and permit requirements.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides specific information about the vehicle’s manufacturing, including the plant country (United States), plant city (Greer), and plant state (South Carolina), which may give insights into the production standards and quality control measures.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2001 BMW X5