How to decode a BMW 650xi VIN
Characters 1-3 of a BMW 650xi VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier, or WMI, is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. For the BMW 650xi, these characters are “WBA,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW AG. BMW AG is a renowned luxury car manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany. The WMI is critical for distinguishing the vehicle’s brand and country of origin, asserting the global recognition of the BMW’s reputation for precision engineering and luxury. The subsequent characters in a VIN provide more detailed information, but it all starts with the WMI - the unique code that signifies the BMW 650xi as a product of BMW’s legacy of automotive excellence.
List of WMI Codes for a BMW 650xi
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2012
- Example VIN: WBALZ5C50CDW99700
- 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 BMW 650xi 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 650xi:
| Known VDS for a BMW 650xi | ||
|---|---|---|
| LZ5C5 | LX5C5 | LZ3C5 |
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 650xi 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 650xi VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| C | 2012 BMW 650xi |
11th Character in the BMW 650xi VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known BMW 650xi Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBALX5C50CC893896 | ||
| D | Dingolfing | Germany | WBALZ5C50CDW99700 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW 650xi
The final 6 characters in a BMW 650xi’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a BMW 650xi’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your BMW 650xi is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower right corner of the windshield, on the driver’s side, to observe the VIN through the glass on your BMW 650xi.
- Open the door on the driver’s side of the BMW 650xi and check the door post (where the door latches when it is closed) for a sticker that may contain the VIN.
- Examine the vehicle registration documents or the title of your BMW 650xi, as the VIN is typically listed in these documents.
- Inspect the engine bay of the BMW 650xi, as the VIN might be stamped onto a plate or directly onto the engine.
- Check the car’s insurance policy or insurance card for the BMW 650xi, as the VIN will usually be printed on these documents.
- If available, look in the trunk area for a sticker or plate that may display the VIN, particularly around the spare tire well of the BMW 650xi.
- Review your BMW 650xi’s owner’s manual or service book, as the VIN is often recorded in these booklets upon purchase or during maintenance.
What info can a BMW 650xi VIN reveal?
- Manufacturer Name: The manufacturer name can be revealed from the VIN, and in this case, it is BMW AG.
- Model Year: The VIN indicates that the BMW 650xi may be a 2012 model, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Plant City: The VIN specifies that this BMW 650xi was possibly manufactured in Dingolfing, offering information about its production location.
- Series: The VIN reveals that this BMW 650xi possibly belongs to the 6-Series series, indicating its place within the manufacturer’s lineup.
- Trim: The VIN possibly indicates that this BMW 650xi is a Coupe, providing insights into the vehicle’s body type and design.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN classifies the BMW 650xi as a passenger car, offering information about its intended use.
Don’t have your BMW 650xi’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW 650xi
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 4400.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 268.2 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| 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 | 650xi |
| Model Year | 2012 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Head inflatable restraint for driver and front passenger. Pretensioners for driver and front passenger. |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 6-Series |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Trim | Convertible |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBALZ5C5*CD |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBALZ5C50CDW99700 |
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