How to decode a 2013 BMW 550i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2013 BMW 550i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to identify the origin of its vehicles. For instance, the WMI for a 2013 BMW 550i reveals that it is manufactured by BMW AG, a prestigious automaker based in Munich, Germany. This code, appearing at the beginning of the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), not only pinpoints the manufacturer but also specifies the vehicle’s type, which, in this case, is a passenger car. The WMI is an essential element in decoding valuable information about a vehicle, ensuring the identification of its make, model, and place of origin. For the 2013 BMW 550i, the WMI indicates that it spans model years from 2006 to 2017, highlighting its place within BMW’s production timeline.
List of WMI Codes for a 2013 BMW 550i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2006-2017
- Example VIN: WBAFR9C50DD227096
- 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 2013 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 2013 BMW 550i:
| Known VDS for a 2013 BMW 550i | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| FR9C5 | SN0C5 | SP0C5 | FU9C5 |
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 2013 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 2013 BMW 550i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| D | 2013 |
11th Character in the 2013 BMW 550i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2013 BMW 550i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAFR9C50DC271573 | ||
| D | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAFR9C50DD227096 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2013 BMW 550i
The final 6 characters in a 2013 BMW 550i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW 550i’s VIN below:
How to find a 2013 BMW 550i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2013 BMW 550i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 550i, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN can typically be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb area. There should be a sticker or a plate on the door pillar of your BMW 550i with the VIN printed on it.
- Examine the area under the hood; the VIN might be stamped on the engine block or on the firewall of your BMW 550i.
- Peer into the trunk area. Sometimes the VIN of a BMW 550i can also be found on the crossbar that holds the trunk lid.
- Check the vehicle’s registration documents, insurance card, or title/ownership documents, which should list the VIN for your BMW 550i.
What info can a 2013 BMW 550i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 2013, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: The dataset includes detailed specifications such as the make being a 5-Series 550i GT Sedan with a 4.4L engine, possibly indicating both model information and engine details.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle is gasoline, which may provide insight into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and power source.
- Safety Features: Information like the presence of curtain airbags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, knee airbags, front airbags for the driver and passenger, and side airbags in the 1st row, possibly indicating comprehensive safety features.
- Engine Specifications: The vehicle’s engine is notable for its 4.4L displacement with 440 horsepower and 8 cylinders, which may offer a robust performance profile.
- Manufacturing Information: Production specifics, such as the vehicle being manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, possibly detail the geographic origin of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: This dataset may confirm the vehicle’s body class as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, providing a possibly clear picture of the vehicle’s size and style.
Don’t have your 2013 BMW 550i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2013 BMW 550i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Displacement (CC) | 4395.0105648 |
| Displacement (CI) | 268.2 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 400 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Knee Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Model | 550i |
| Model Year | 2013 |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Trim | xDrive |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBAFU9C5*DD |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBAFU9C50DDY70272 |
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