Free BMW i5 VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW i5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW i5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code made up of three characters at the beginning of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which reveals the vehicle’s manufacturer and the country of manufacture. For example, BMW AG, a renowned automotive manufacturer based in Munich, Germany, uses the WMI WBY for its BMW i5 model starting from the 2024 model year. This identifier not only helps in distinguishing BMW vehicles from other brands but also enables easier retrieval of important information such as the vehicle type, which, in this case, is a passenger car. The WMI is a critical part of the VIN, serving as a global standard for classifying and tracking vehicles from production to scrap, ensuring each car’s history is uniquely tied to its VIN.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW i5

WMI: WBY

• Model Years Covered: 2024
• Example VIN: WBY43FK00RCN83429
• 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 BMW i5 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 BMW i5:

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 BMW i5 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 BMW i5 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW i5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known BMW i5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW i5

The final 6 characters in a BMW i5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW i5 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2024, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: From the VIN, one could determine that the vehicle is classified as a Sedan/Saloon, providing insights into its size, style, and potentially its intended use or comfort level.
• Engine and Performance: Specifically, the vehicle is identified as a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) with an engine that can produce up to 593 horsepower, highlighting its electrification level and performance capabilities without emitting pollutants.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type is electric, indicating the vehicle’s environmental footprint and its reliance on electric charging infrastructure rather than fossil fuels.
• Safety Features: The VIN discloses comprehensive safety features, including airbags located in the 1st and 2nd rows, knee airbags for the driver and passenger, and other restraint systems like seat belts with pretensioners, showing a high level of protection for occupants.
• Manufacturing Information: Information about the manufacturing, such as the plant city Dingolfing and plant country Germany, gives insight into the vehicle’s origin, which could influence perceptions of craftsmanship and quality.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type: The fact that it has a direct type TPMS is revealed, which is crucial for maintaining proper tire pressure, enhancing safety, and possibly improving fuel efficiency in vehicles where applicable.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW i5