How to decode a 2005 Buick Rainier VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2005 Buick Rainier VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of characters assigned to every vehicle manufacturer for identification purposes. In the case of the 2005 Buick Rainier, the WMI “5GA” specifically denotes that the vehicle is manufactured by General Motors LLC, located in Warren, Michigan, United States. This identifier not only pinpoints the manufacturer but also indicates that the vehicle is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), catering to a broad spectrum of utility and passenger needs. The WMI forms the initial portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which further encompasses details regarding the vehicle’s specifications, model year, and serial number. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI is crucial for accurate identification, registration, and in certain cases, recall purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2005 Buick Rainier

WMI: 5GA

Model Years Covered: 2004-2007
Example VIN: 5GAET13M052307084
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2005 Buick Rainier 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 2005 Buick Rainier:

Known VDS for a 2005 Buick Rainier
ET13M	ES13M	DS13S	DT13S

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 2005 Buick Rainier 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 2005 Buick Rainier VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
5	2005

11th Character in the 2005 Buick Rainier VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2005 Buick Rainier Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
2	Moraine	Ohio	United States	Gm Truck Group	5GAET13M052307084

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2005 Buick Rainier

The final 6 characters in a 2005 Buick Rainier’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Buick Rainier’s VIN below:

How to find a 2005 Buick Rainier’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2005 Buick Rainier is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2005 Buick Rainier, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. You can view the VIN through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb. The VIN might be located on a label or sticker where the door latches.
Check the engine block, as VIN numbers are often stamped onto parts of the engine itself in vehicles like the 2005 Buick Rainier.
Examine the frame of the vehicle, near the windshield washer container. Some models have the VIN located in this area.
Look in the rear wheel well above the tire. In some cases, the VIN may be found stamped on the chassis.
Review your vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance paperwork as the VIN for your Buick Rainier will be listed on all official vehicle documents.

What info can a 2005 Buick Rainier VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that the vehicle is likely a model from 2005, potentially hinting at its market value and age.
Make and Model: The VIN provides essential identification information, indicating that the vehicle is a Rainier.
Body Class and Doors: The VIN illustrates the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, providing specific details about the body style and access points.
Engine Specifications: Information about a 5.3L V-Shaped engine with 8 cylinders designed by GM is included in the VIN, possibly highlighting the vehicle’s powertrain attributes. It may also mention features like Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) and cylinder deactivation for potential fuel efficiency improvements.
Fuel Type: The VIN specifies gasoline as the primary fuel type, offering crucial details for potential owners regarding fuel compatibility and potential operating costs.
Drive Type and Brake System: It mentions a 4x2 drive type combined with a hydraulic brake system, possibly offering insight into the vehicle’s drivetrain and safety mechanisms.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN provides manufacturing information, indicating that the vehicle was manufactured in Moraine, Ohio, United States by GM Truck Group. This may be significant for understanding regional specifications or recall histories.

Don’t have your 2005 Buick Rainier’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2005 Buick Rainier

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Cooling Type	Water
Displacement (CC)	5300.0
Displacement (CI)	323.42584370208
Displacement (L)	5.3
Doors	4
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	GM
Engine Model	LH6
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	Rainier
Model Year	2005
Other Engine Info	Alum, Cyl Deactivation, HO
Plant City	Moraine
Plant Company Name	GM Truck Group
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Ohio
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Valve Train Design	Overhead Valve (OHV)
Vehicle Descriptor	5GAES13M*52
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	5GAES13M252264774