How to decode a 2016 BMW 550i VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW 550i VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer, the country of manufacture, and the type of vehicle. For the 2016 BMW 550i, the WMI indicates that BMW AG is the manufacturer, pointing to its prestigious lineage. More specifically, this code signifies that the car is a passenger type vehicle produced in Munich, Germany. This classification system offers a standardized method to decode valuable information about a vehicle’s origin, brand, and category, just from the first glance at its VIN. Given its application, the WMI serves as an essential tool for automotive identification and tracking on a global scale.
List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW 550i
WMI: WBA
- Model Years Covered: 2006-2017
- Example VIN: WBAKN9C50GD961705
- 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 2016 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 2016 BMW 550i:
| Known VDS for a 2016 BMW 550i | ||
|---|---|---|
| KN9C5 | 5M0C5 | KP9C5 |
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 2016 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 2016 BMW 550i VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| G | 2016 |
11th Character in the 2016 BMW 550i VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2016 BMW 550i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAKN9C50GD961705 | ||
| G | Dingolfing | Germany | WBAKP9C50GG587489 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW 550i
The final 6 characters in a 2016 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 2016 BMW 550i’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2016 BMW 550i is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2016 BMW 550i, where it meets the windshield. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
- Look on the driver’s side door jamb of your BMW 550i. There should be a sticker or a plate with the VIN where the door latches when closed.
- Under the hood of your 2016 BMW 550i, check the front of the engine block. VINs are often stamped directly onto parts of the engine.
- Inspect the trunk area, sometimes the VIN is located under the trunk carpet or on the trunk lid for your BMW 550i.
- Review your BMW 550i vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or title/ownership papers where the VIN is generally listed.
What info can a 2016 BMW 550i VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year to be 2016, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates the vehicle is a sedan/saloon with four doors, offering details about its form and accessibility.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN specifies an engine with a 4.4-liter displacement, 448 horsepower, equipped with 8 cylinders, hinting at the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: According to the VIN, the primary fuel type for the vehicle is gasoline, giving an idea of fuel consumption and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: The VIN details include numerous safety features such as curtain, front, knee, and side airbags for both the 1st and 2nd rows, along with pretensioners for the driver and front passenger, showcasing the vehicle’s emphasis on occupant protection.
- Manufacturing Information: The vehicle was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, providing glances into its production origin which can be a factor in quality and design preferences.
- Advanced Features: Details such as a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are noted, pointing towards additional conveniences and safety enhancements included in the vehicle.
Don’t have your 2016 BMW 550i’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 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 | 448 |
| 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 | 2016 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger. |
| 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 GT |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBA5M0C5*GD |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBA5M0C50GD085195 |
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