How to decode a 2003 BMW M5 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 2003 BMW M5 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. It forms the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which serves as a unique identifier for each vehicle. The WMI for the 2003 BMW M5 indicates that it was manufactured by BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW AG that specializes in high-performance versions of standard BMW models. This specific vehicle was produced in Munich, Germany, and is classified as a passenger car. The inclusion of the WMI in the VIN allows for the tracking and validation of vehicles on an international scale, ensuring each car’s history and specifications are accurately recorded.
List of WMI Codes for a 2003 BMW M5
WMI: WBS
- Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
- Example VIN: WBSDE93403CF92164
- 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 2003 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 2003 BMW M5:
| Known VDS for a 2003 BMW M5 |
|---|
| DE934 |
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 2003 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 2003 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 3 | 2003 |
11th Character in the 2003 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 2003 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Dingolfing | Germany | WBSDE93403CF92164 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 BMW M5
The final 6 characters in a 2003 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 2003 BMW M5’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 2003 BMW M5 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2003 BMW M5. The VIN should be visible through the windshield on a small plate near where the dashboard meets the glass.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side door of your BMW M5. A sticker or plate with the VIN can often be found where the door latches when it is closed.
- Inspect the front of the car frame, near the engine bay of your 2003 BMW M5. The VIN might be stamped onto the frame itself.
- Check under the hood of your BMW M5; the VIN may be on a plaque situated on the firewall of the engine compartment.
- In your 2003 BMW M5, examine the trunk area. The VIN could be found on the lid, the trunk floor, or the area where the spare tire is stored.
What info can a 2003 BMW M5 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that it was manufactured in 2003, potentially offering insights into its age and market value.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon body, possibly providing potential buyers or owners with an idea of the vehicle’s design and usage.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN specifies that the vehicle is powered by a V-Shaped, 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4.9 liters (or 4900 cc / 299.016 ci), capable of possibly producing up to 394 horsepower, highlighting potential performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: It indicates that the primary fuel type for the engine is Gasoline, which may be an important consideration for operating costs and environmental impact.
- Manufacturing Details: The VIN details that the car was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, offering insight into the vehicle’s production origin, which might influence its build quality and availability of parts.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN suggests that the vehicle falls within the class range of 1C to 1, indicating a weight limit between 4,001 - 6,000 lbs, potentially important for understanding load capacity and potential commercial use restrictions.
- Model and Series: The data reveals that the vehicle is a model M5 from the 5-Series, possibly providing specific information that might help in identifying the vehicle’s market segment and the associated features or prestige level.
Don’t have your 2003 BMW M5’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 BMW M5
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 4900.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 299.01634606418 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.9 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 394 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | M5 |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| Plant City | Dingolfing |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Series | 5-Series |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WBSDE934*3C |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 111.4 |
| Sample_VIN | WBSDE93403CF92164 |
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