How to decode a 2008 BMW 550i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2008 BMW 550i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and provides key information about the car such as its country of origin, type, and manufacturing company. In the case of a 2008 BMW 550i, the WMI is “WBA”, indicating that the car was manufactured by BMW AG, a renowned car manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. This WMI is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which helps in distinguishing this vehicle as a passenger car produced by BMW between the years 2006 and 2017. The WMI serves as a critical identifier in the automotive industry, enabling the tracking and registration of vehicles worldwide.
List of WMI Codes for a 2008 BMW 550i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2006-2017
- Example VIN: WBANW53508CT34559
- 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 2008 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 2008 BMW 550i:
| Known VDS for a 2008 BMW 550i |
|---|
| NW535 |
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 2008 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 2008 BMW 550i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 8 | 2008 |
11th Character in the 2008 BMW 550i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2008 BMW 550i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBANW53508CT34559 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 BMW 550i
The final 6 characters in a 2008 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 2008 BMW 550i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2008 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. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield on a small plate.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb. There’s likely a sticker or a plate on the area where the door latches that will display the VIN for your BMW 550i.
- Inspect under the hood of your BMW 550i. The VIN may also be found on the front engine block or on a strut tower.
- Look in the trunk area. Your BMW 550i’s VIN might be located on the inside of the trunk lid or in the spare tire well.
What info can a 2008 BMW 550i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: The 2008 BMW 550i is equipped with a 4.8L engine with 8 cylinders, demonstrating a high level of power, possibly indicating a performance-oriented driving experience.
- Body Class and Size: The body class of the vehicle is identified as a Sedan/Saloon, with 4 doors, catering to those who prefer spacious and comfortable passenger vehicles.
- Safety Features: Safety features of the 2008 BMW 550i include front airbags for both the driver and passenger, along with a dual-stage supplementary restraint system (SRS) that meets advanced airbag requirements, reflecting the vehicle’s adherence to safety standards.
- Fuel Type: This vehicle runs on gasoline, a detail crucial for understanding fuel compatibility and possibly, fuel economy.
- Manufacturing Details: The 2008 BMW 550i was manufactured at the plant located in Dingolfing, Germany, highlighting the vehicle’s European origin, which could be an indicator of build quality and design philosophy.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): A direct TPMS is specified, enhancing vehicle safety and performance through real-time tire pressure monitoring.
Don’t have your 2008 BMW 550i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 BMW 550i
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 4799.7710456 |
| Displacement (CI) | 292.9 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.8 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 360 |
| 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) |
| Model | 550i |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14. |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBANW535*8C |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBANW53508CT34559 |
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