How to decode a 1988 BMW M5 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1988 BMW M5 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about the vehicle’s manufacturer. The WMI reveals the manufacturer’s name, the vehicle type, and the country of assembly. For example, a 1988 BMW M5, manufactured by BMW M GmbH, features a WMI that hints at its prestigious lineage, indicating it’s a passenger car designed in Munich, Germany. This detail is key to tracing the vehicle’s origin, verifying its authenticity, and understanding its specifications. The 1988 BMW M5’s WMI not only underscores BMW’s commitment to luxury and performance but also highlights the specific era and location of manufacturing, encapsulating a significant aspect of automotive identification.
List of WMI Codes for a 1988 BMW M5
WMI: WBS
- Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
- Example VIN: WBSDC9300J2791654
- Manufacturer Name: BMW M GmbH
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Munich
- State or Province:
- Country: Germany
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 BMW M5 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 1988 BMW M5:
| Known VDS for a 1988 BMW M5 |
|---|
| DC930 |
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 1988 BMW M5 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 1988 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| J | 1988 |
11th Character in the 1988 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1988 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Munich Or Dingolfing | Germany | WBSDC9300J2791654 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 BMW M5
The final 6 characters in a 1988 BMW M5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your BMW M5’s VIN below:
How to find a 1988 BMW M5’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1988 BMW M5 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW M5. Typically, the VIN is located in the corner where the dashboard meets the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb. Your 1988 BMW M5 should have a VIN plate or sticker where the door latches when closed.
- Check under the hood; the VIN might also be stamped on the front of the engine block.
- Inspect the rear wheel well above the tire. Sometimes the VIN is placed in this area on older BMW models like the 1988 M5.
- Examine the trunk area of your BMW M5, specifically under the spare tire, as the VIN may be located there on a sticker or a plate.
What info can a 1988 BMW M5 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: The vehicle is powered by a BMW-MOTORSPORT GmbH engine, featuring a 6-cylinder design with a displacement of approximately 3.4 liters (210 cubic inches) and the potential to produce 256 horsepower.
- Fuel Type: It may be inferred that the vehicle uses gasoline as its primary fuel, which can impact fuel efficiency, performance, and environmental considerations.
- Body Class and Size: The vehicle is classified as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, indicating its body style and size, which can influence its use, interior space, and passenger capacity.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was manufactured in Germany, specifically in Munich or Dingolfing, potentially reflecting the vehicle’s origin and engineering quality.
- Safety Features: Manual seat belts were standard for the vehicle at the time of manufacture, indicating certain safety features that may have been included.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The vehicle is classified under Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), impacting handling, fuel economy, and legal use in different locations.
Don’t have your 1988 BMW M5’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 BMW M5
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3441.283440 |
| Displacement (CI) | 210 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.441283440 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 256 |
| Engine Manufacturer | BMW-MOTORSPORT GmbH |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| 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 | M5 |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| Plant City | Munich Or Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBSDC930*J2 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WBSDC9300J2791654 |
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today