How to decode a 2015 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2015 BMW M5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This three-letter code not only identifies the manufacturer but also provides specific information about the vehicle type and manufacturing location. For instance, the BMW M5 from 2015 has a WMI of “WBS”, which signifies that the vehicle is manufactured by BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW focused on high-performance versions of standard BMW models. This particular vehicle is classified as a passenger car and is manufactured in Munich, Germany. WMIs are crucial for ensuring the traceability and authenticity of vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 2015 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
Example VIN: WBSFV9C50FD594171
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 2015 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 2015 BMW M5:

Known VDS for a 2015 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 2015 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 2015 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
F	2015

11th Character in the 2015 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2015 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
D	Dingolfing		Germany		WBSFV9C50FD594171

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2015 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2015 BMW M5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?

TRY BUMPER

How to find a 2015 BMW M5’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2015 BMW M5 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW M5. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield on a small plate mounted there.
Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side door of your 2015 BMW M5. There should be a label or sticker with the VIN where the door latches when closed.
Open the hood of your BMW M5 and check the front of the engine block. The VIN might be engraved on the metal surface.
Inspect the trunk area of your 2015 BMW M5, specifically under the trunk mat or on the walls of the trunk; sometimes the VIN is placed there.
The vehicle registration documents and insurance card for your 2015 BMW M5 will also list the VIN.

What info can a 2015 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, which in the case of this Sedan/Saloon, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Engine Type: The VIN can provide comprehensive engine details, including the displacement in liters (4.4 L), the number of cylinders (8), and the brake horsepower (553), offering a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Efficiency: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, is specified by the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s efficiency and environmental impact.
Manufacturing Location: The VIN decodes to reveal the plant city and country where the vehicle was manufactured, providing indications of build quality and design, for example, Dingolfing, Germany in this case.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN indicates the GVWR range, for this example being Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), which helps in understanding the vehicle’s size and potential usage.
Safety Features: Through the VIN, certain safety features like the type of Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can be identified, in this case, a Direct type, contributing to enhanced safety awareness and maintenance planning.

Don’t have your 2015 BMW M5’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

Search License Plate

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2015 BMW M5

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	4395.0105648
Displacement (CI)	268.2
Displacement (L)	4.4
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	553
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
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	2015
Plant City	Dingolfing
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Series	5-Series
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	Sedan
Vehicle Descriptor	WBSFV9C5*FD
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WBSFV9C50FD594171