How to decode a 2010 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2010 BMW M5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that indicates the manufacturer of a vehicle and other key attributes, such as the vehicle type and manufacturing location. In the case of the 2010 BMW M5, the WMI “WBS” signifies that BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW AG specialized in high-performance models, is the manufacturer. This specific sequence indicates that the car falls under the passenger car category and is produced in Munich, Germany. The WMI is an essential component of the VIN, providing valuable information for the identification and registration of vehicles globally. For enthusiasts and professionals within the automotive industry, the WMI serves as a quick reference to understand the foundational details of a vehicle, including its origin and model type.

List of WMI Codes for a 2010 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
Example VIN: WBSNB9C50AC043130
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 2010 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 2010 BMW M5:

Known VDS for a 2010 BMW M5
NB9C5

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 2010 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 2010 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
A	2010

11th Character in the 2010 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2010 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
C	Dingolfing		Germany		WBSNB9C50AC043130

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2010 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2010 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 2010 BMW M5’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2010 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. The VIN is usually visible through the windshield on a small plate mounted at the corner.
Examine the driver-side door jamb on your 2010 BMW M5. The VIN should be on a label or sticker where the door latches when it is closed.
Inspect the engine block of your BMW M5, where the VIN might be stamped onto the engine itself.
Check the vehicle registration documents or the title of your 2010 BMW M5, as they will have the VIN printed on them.
Review your BMW M5’s insurance card or insurance policy documents, which should list the VIN along with other important vehicle information.
Look under the hood or at the front of the engine bay, as there can be a VIN plate located in this area for your BMW M5.

What info can a 2010 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN suggests that the vehicle is likely from the 2010 model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Size: The vehicle is identified as a Sedan/Saloon, indicating its design and capacity, which typically offers comfortable seating for passengers and spaciousness.
Engine Specifications: The vehicle features a 5.0-liter engine capable of producing 500 horsepower from 10 cylinders, hinting at a high-performance design optimized for power and speed.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which may be essential for prospective buyers in budgeting for fuel costs and understanding the vehicle’s environmental impact.
Safety Features: Front airbags are located at the 1st row for both driver and passenger, alongside a manual seat belt type and a dual-stage supplemental restraint system (SRS), suggesting a focus on occupant safety.
Manufacturing Details: The vehicle is manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, offering insight into the origin and potentially the build quality of the vehicle associated with German engineering standards.
Advanced Technologies: Equipped with a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), the vehicle showcases an advanced feature to enhance driving safety by monitoring the pressure of each tire automatically.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2010 BMW M5

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	5000.0
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	2010
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	WBSNB9C5*AC
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBSNB9C50AC043130