How to decode a 2009 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 BMW M5 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a vital part of a vehicle’s unique identification, specifically the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), pinpointing the vehicle’s manufacturer, the type of vehicle it is, and where it was made. For example, BMW M GmbH, a division of BMW known for high-performance vehicles, uses the WMI “WBS” for its cars, including models like the 2009 BMW M5. This particular WMI indicates that the car is a passenger vehicle type, crafted in Munich, Germany. WMIs are universally recognized and provide essential information that can be used for registration, identification, and regulatory purposes. Through WMIs, manufacturers like BMW can ensure their vehicles are appropriately identified worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
Example VIN: WBSNB93509CX10838
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 2009 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 2009 BMW M5:

Known VDS for a 2009 BMW M5
NB935

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 2009 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 2009 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
9	2009

11th Character in the 2009 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
C	Dingolfing		Germany		WBSNB93509CX10838

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2009 BMW M5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2009 BMW M5’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2009 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 2009, just beneath the windshield, which can be seen from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb area. The VIN should be located on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
Examine the engine bay. On a BMW M5, the VIN can be stamped on the front engine block or on a plaque attached to the engine bay’s firewall.
Check the vehicle registration documents or the title for your 2009 BMW M5, as the VIN will be printed on these official documents.
Look at your insurance card/policy, as the VIN is generally listed with your other vehicle information.

What info can a 2009 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating a 2009 model, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Specifications: The VIN may encode basic information such as the model being an M5 belonging to the 5-Series, along with engine details like a 5.0L displacement and 500 hp from a 10-cylinder engine.
Body Class and Size: The VIN can reveal the body type and size, possibly identifying the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Safety Features: Standard safety features for the model can be inferred from the VIN, potentially including the presence of front airbags in the 1st row for both driver and passenger and a dual-stage supplemental restraint system (SRS).
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type of the vehicle, which in this example is Gasoline, can typically be identified through the VIN, providing information on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN often includes manufacturing details such as the plant city, Dingolfing, and the plant country, Germany, possibly indicating where the vehicle was assembled, offering insights into its production history.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN may contain information on the vehicle’s weight class, noting it within Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) in this case, providing insights into its load-carrying capacity.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 BMW M5

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	4999.6932264
Displacement (CI)	305.1
Displacement (L)	5.0
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	500
Engine Number of Cylinders	10
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)
Model	M5
Model Year	2009
Other Restraint System Info	Dual-stage suppl. restraint system (SRS) certified to the advanced airbag requiremnets of FMVSS 208, S14.
Plant City	Dingolfing
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	5 - Series
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	WBSNB935*9C
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBSNB93509CX10838