How to decode a 2012 BMW 650xi VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2012 BMW 650xi VIN
World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes that denote the manufacturer of a vehicle and provide insights into where it was produced and its specific attributes. The WMI is the first segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is essential not only for vehicle registration and identification but also helps in tracking recalls, registrations, and warranty claims. For instance, a 2012 BMW 650xi has a WMI that identifies it as a vehicle manufactured by BMW AG, located in Munich, Germany. This code effectively marks the vehicle as a German-manufactured passenger car, offering a compact way to understand its origins and the company behind its creation. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI offers valuable information regarding its manufacture and origin, showcasing its unique place within the vast automotive industry.
List of WMI Codes for a 2012 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 2012 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 2012 BMW 650xi:
| Known VDS for a 2012 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 2012 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 2012 BMW 650xi VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| C | 2012 |
11th Character in the 2012 BMW 650xi VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2012 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 2012 BMW 650xi
The final 6 characters in a 2012 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 2012 BMW 650xi’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2012 BMW 650xi is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower right corner of the windshield of your BMW 650xi where the VIN can often be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door post (where the door latches when it is closed) for a sticker that often contains the VIN for your BMW 650xi.
- Check under the hood; the VIN might also be located on the front of the engine block, which can be seen once you open the hood of your BMW 650xi.
- Inspect the rear wheel well; sometimes the VIN is stamped above the tire.
- Look inside the trunk under the spare tire or on the trunk lid for a label containing the VIN for your BMW 650xi.
What info can a 2012 BMW 650xi VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting that it may be the year 2012, potentially indicating the age and market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was possibly assembled in Dingolfing, Germany, suggesting European manufacturing origins.
- Vehicle Specifications: The vehicle is indicated as a 650xi model from the 6-Series, potentially featuring a 4.4L engine with 400 horsepower and an 8-cylinder configuration, suggesting high performance capabilities.
- Body Class and Size: It is classified as a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, possibly designed for leisure and sporty appeal.
- Safety Features: It may be equipped with front, knee, and side airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, alongside a direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), demonstrating a potential focus on occupant safety.
- Fuel Type: It can possibly run on gasoline, which could be important for understanding its environmental impact and fuel efficiency.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: It is classified under Class 1 with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less, potentially indicating its weight classification for licensing and regulatory purposes.
Don’t have your 2012 BMW 650xi’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 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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