How to decode a 2009 BMW 550i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2009 BMW 550i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code comprises the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), detailing the manufacturer’s identity, vehicle type, and country of origin. For the 2009 BMW 550i, the WMI signifies that this vehicle was produced by BMW AG, a well-known luxury car manufacturer based in Munich, Germany. The WMI, specific to this model, indicates it is a passenger car, reflecting BMW’s renown in crafting high-performance and luxurious vehicles. This particular coding system is essential for vehicle identification, enabling precise tracking and registration processes worldwide.
List of WMI Codes for a 2009 BMW 550i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2006-2017
- Example VIN: WBANW53509CT55509
- 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 2009 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 2009 BMW 550i:
| Known VDS for a 2009 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 2009 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 2009 BMW 550i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 9 | 2009 |
11th Character in the 2009 BMW 550i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2009 BMW 550i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBANW53509CT55509 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 BMW 550i
The final 6 characters in a 2009 BMW 550i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 2009 BMW 550i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2009 BMW 550i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW 550i. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield on a metal or plastic plate.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 2009 BMW 550i. This VIN is often found on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Check the front of the engine block. For the BMW 550i, the VIN might be stamped on the engine itself.
- Consult the vehicle maintenance book or owner’s manual for the VIN, as it is often recorded there for reference.
- Inspect the rear wheel well above the tire. Sometimes, the VIN can be found in this area on your BMW 550i.
- Look underneath the spare tire in the trunk or cargo area. Occasionally, the VIN is located in this location for added security and identification purposes.
What info can a 2009 BMW 550i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, indicating it may be a 2009 model, providing insights into the age and potential technological and safety features of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: Basic specifications such as the make being BMW, the model 550i, and details like a 4.8L engine with 360 horsepower, highlight the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Body Class and Size: It is identified as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, providing an indication of the vehicle’s size and potential use case.
- Engine and Performance: The vehicle boasts an 8-cylinder engine, indicating robust performance and power which is further detailed by its displacement specifications in CC, CI, and L.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which is crucial for understanding fuel consumption and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: Features such as front airbags located in the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) and a manual seat belt type point towards the vehicle’s safety provisions. Additionally, the mention of a dual-stage supplemental restraint system signifies advanced safety considerations.
- Manufacturing Information: The vehicle was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, offering insight into its production origin which could influence quality perceptions and part availability.
Don’t have your 2009 BMW 550i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 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 | 2009 |
| 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*9C |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBANW53509CT55509 |
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