How to decode a 2013 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2013 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 identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. In the case of the 2013 BMW M5, its WMI is “WBS,” pinpointing BMW M GmbH as the manufacturer. This code reveals that the vehicle was assembled by BMW’s performance division in Munich, Germany, and is classified as a passenger car. The WMI not only signifies the maker but also conveys important details like the vehicle’s country of origin and the specific plant where it was produced. For enthusiasts and owners, understanding the WMI of their vehicle offers insight into its heritage and manufacturing background.

List of WMI Codes for a 2013 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
Example VIN: WBSFV9C50DD095514
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 2013 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 2013 BMW M5:

Known VDS for a 2013 BMW M5
FV9C5

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 2013 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 2013 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
D	2013

11th Character in the 2013 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2013 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
C	Dingolfing		Germany		WBSFV9C50DC772258
D	Dingolfing		Germany		WBSFV9C50DD095514

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2013 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2013 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 2013 BMW M5’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2013 BMW M5 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard near the windshield on the driver’s side of your 2013 BMW M5. The VIN should be visible through the glass.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb for a sticker or plate; the VIN is often located there on your BMW M5.
Examine the firewall of the vehicle’s engine bay, as the VIN may also be found stamped onto this metal part in your 2013 M5.
Inspect the trunk area of your BMW M5. The VIN might be under the trunk mat or on the trunk walls, particularly where the latches are.
Peek under the hood and locate the front of the engine block; this is another common location where the VIN can be found on the BMW M5.
Review your vehicle’s paperwork; the VIN will be on the title, registration, and insurance documents of your 2013 BMW M5.

What info can a 2013 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2013, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class: The VIN details the body class, indicating that the vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon, which can inform potential buyers about the style and capacity of the car.
Engine Specifications: Critical engine details are encoded, specifying an 8-cylinder engine with a 4.4-liter displacement, which hints at the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: It is noted that the primary fuel type for the vehicle is Gasoline, which is essential for understanding fuel economy and environmental impact.
Safety Features: The VIN reveals comprehensive safety equipment, including curtain airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for both the driver and passenger, and knee airbags, indicating a high level of occupant protection.
Manufacturing Origin: The VIN provides information on the manufacturing location, with this particular vehicle being assembled in Dingolfing, Germany, which may be an indicator of build quality and design influences.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN specifies the GVWR as Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), which helps in understanding the vehicle’s size class and potential usage scenarios.

Don’t have your 2013 BMW M5’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2013 BMW M5

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd Rows
Displacement (CC)	4400.0
Displacement (CI)	268.2
Displacement (L)	4.4
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	553
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
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)
Knee Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Model	M5
Model Year	2013
Plant City	Dingolfing
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Pretensioner	Yes
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	5-Series
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	Sedan
Vehicle Descriptor	WBSFV9C5*DC
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBSFV9C50DC772258