How to decode a 2018 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2018 BMW M5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and specific attributes. For example, the 2018 BMW M5, a high-performance variant in the BMW range, has a WMI that indicates it is manufactured by BMW M GmbH in Munich, Germany. This specific vehicle falls under the category of a passenger car, highlighting its primary use for personal transportation. The WMI, in this case, not only confirms BMW’s renowned engineering and luxury status but also signifies its manufacture in a facility dedicated to the brand’s high-performance models. Understanding the WMI is crucial for identifying vehicle specifics, including model year and manufacturing details, beneficial for everything from parts ordering to historical research of the vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 2018 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
Example VIN: WBSJF0C59JF282186
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 2018 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 2018 BMW M5:

Known VDS for a 2018 BMW M5
JF0C5

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 2018 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 2018 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
J	2018

11th Character in the 2018 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2018 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant Country	Example VIN
B	Dingolfing	Germany	WBSJF0C50JB282004
F	Munich	Germany	WBSJF0C59JF282186
G	Dingolfing	Germany	WBSJF0C51JG577440

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2018 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2018 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 2018 BMW M5’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2018 BMW M5 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2018 BMW M5. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
Inspect the door post (door jamb) on the driver’s side when the door is open. There should be a label or sticker that includes the VIN.
Open the hood of your BMW M5 and check the front of the engine block for the VIN stamp.
Look at the rear wheel well directly above the tire; sometimes the VIN is located here on BMW vehicles.
Check beneath the spare tire in the trunk area of your M5. The VIN may be found on a sticker there.
Review your vehicle’s registration documents, insurance papers, or the owner’s manual, as the VIN is typically printed on these documents.

What info can a 2018 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Type: The BMW M5 features an 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4.4 liters or 268.2 cubic inches, capable of generating up to 599 horsepower, suggesting powerful performance capabilities.
Safety Features: Standard safety equipment includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a sophisticated airbag system with curtain airbags for both the 1st and 2nd rows, indicating a high level of passenger protection.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, providing information on fuel compatibility and possibly fuel efficiency considerations.
Transmission and Drive Configuration: This model comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is designed for left-hand drive (LHD), which could influence its market availability and drivability in various regions.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Features such as Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), Automatic Crash Notification (ACN), and optional systems like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), indicate a vehicle equipped with modern driving aids for enhanced safety and comfort.
Production Details: Manufacturing details state that the vehicle was produced in Munich, Germany, offering clues about its origin and potentially its build quality and design influences.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2018 BMW M5

Vehicle Spec	Value
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)	Optional
Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB)	Standard
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)	Standard
Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs	Standard
Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) / Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN)	Standard
Axles	2
Backup Camera	Standard
Base Price ($)	102700
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)	Optional
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Crash Imminent Braking (CIB)	Optional
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd Rows
Daytime Running Light (DRL)	Standard
Displacement (CC)	4395.0105648
Displacement (CI)	268.2
Displacement (L)	4.4
Doors	4
Dynamic Brake Support (DBS)	Standard
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	Standard
Engine Brake (hp) From	599
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)	Optional
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)
Keyless Ignition	Standard
Knee Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)	Optional
Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA)	Optional
Model	M5
Model Year	2018
Number of Seat Rows	2
Number of Seats	5
Number of Wheels	4
Other Restraint System Info	Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger.
Parking Assist	Optional
Plant City	Dingolfing
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Pretensioner	Yes
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching	Standard
Series	5-series
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Steering Location	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Top Speed (MPH)	163
Traction Control	Standard
Transmission Speeds	8
Transmission Style	Automatic
Trim	M5
Vehicle Descriptor	WBSJF0C5*JG
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Wheel Base (inches) From	117.1
Wheel Size Front (inches)	19
Wheel Size Rear (inches)	19
Sample_VIN	WBSJF0C51JG577440