Free 2006 BMW 550i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2006 BMW 550i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2006 BMW 550i VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code made up of three characters at the beginning of a vehicle identification number (VIN), designating the manufacturer, the vehicle type, and the manufacturing location. For the 2006 BMW 550i, the WMI indicates that the vehicle was produced by BMW AG, highlighting its origin as a luxury passenger car from Munich, Germany. This code is crucial for identification, allowing for the tracing of the car’s manufacturing history and specifications. The WMI not only confirms BMW as the manufacturer but also emphasizes its German craftsmanship, directly tying the vehicle to BMW’s renowned engineering and design philosophies. This system serves globally as a standard for categorizing vehicles, ensuring consistency in vehicle identification across the international automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 2006 BMW 550i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2006-2017
• Example VIN: WBANB53506CP00450
• 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 2006 BMW 550i 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 2006 BMW 550i:

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 2006 BMW 550i 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 2006 BMW 550i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2006 BMW 550i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2006 BMW 550i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2006 BMW 550i

The final 6 characters in a 2006 BMW 550i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2006 BMW 550i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year 2006 and providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: With details from the VIN, it can be inferred that the vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and capacity.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is equipped with a 4.8L engine with 8 cylinders, possibly capable of delivering up to 360 horsepower, suggesting high performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The VIN suggests that the primary fuel type for the vehicle is gasoline, which may be crucial for understanding fuel consumption and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: As indicated by the VIN, the vehicle is possibly equipped with front airbags for both driver and passenger, and features a dual-stage supplementary restraint system (SRS), possibly highlighting the safety measures embedded in the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN specifies that the vehicle was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, providing insights into its production origin.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The information suggests a GVWR ranging from Class 1D (5,001 - 6,000 lb) to Class 1 (6,000 lb or less), potentially important for understanding the vehicle’s carrying capacity and regulatory classification.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2006 BMW 550i