How to decode a 2020 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2020 BMW M5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, distinguishing where, by whom, and the type of vehicle produced. In the case of the 2020 BMW M5, the WMI “WBS” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW AG known for their high-performance models. The production of this particular vehicle took place in Munich, Germany, capturing the essence and engineering prowess germane to the country’s automotive tradition. This identifier not only marks the vehicle as a passenger car but also ties it to a legacy of luxury and precision inherent to the brand. The WMI serves as an essential tool in verifying the authenticity, origin, and specific attributes of vehicles on a global scale.

List of WMI Codes for a 2020 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
Example VIN: WBSJF0C00LCD02921
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 2020 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 2020 BMW M5:

Known VDS for a 2020 BMW M5
JF0C0

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 2020 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 2020 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
L	2020

11th Character in the 2020 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2020 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
B	Dingolfing		Germany		WBSJF0C00LB448769
C	Dingolfing		Germany		WBSJF0C00LCD02921

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2020 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2020 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 2020 BMW M5’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2020 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 should be visible through the windshield on a small metal or plastic plate.
Look at the driver’s side door pillar on your 2020 BMW M5. When you open the door, you should find a sticker or plate on the door jamb with the VIN.
Check under the hood of your BMW M5, as the VIN might also be located on the front of the engine block.
Examine the rear wheel well of your 2020 M5. Sometimes the VIN is stamped above the tire.
Look in the trunk area of your BMW M5, particularly under the carpet where the spare tire is stored. The VIN might be printed there on a sticker.
Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or related paperwork, as the VIN will certainly be listed in official BMW documentation for your M5.

What info can a 2020 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2020, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Type and Performance: The car is equipped with a 4.4 L engine, capable of producing up to 599 horsepower. This showcases the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities, including its 8-cylinder engine configuration.
Safety Features: Numerous safety features are standard, such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Backup Camera, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), indicating a high level of safety and driver assistance technologies.
Fuel Type and Efficiency: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, providing insight into its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Body Class and Drive Type: Being classified as a Sedan/Saloon with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) specifies the vehicle’s body style and driving mechanics, useful for potential buyers interested in the vehicle’s handling and drivability.
Advanced Technology and Comfort: Optional features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) highlight the vehicle’s availability of advanced driving assistance systems, enhancing the comfort and safety of the driving experience.
Manufacturing Details: The vehicle’s manufacturing location in Dingolfing, Germany provides context on its production quality and origin.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2020 BMW M5

Vehicle Spec	Value
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)	Optional
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)	Standard
Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs	Standard
Axles	2
Backup Camera	Standard
Base Price ($)	102700.00
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)	Standard
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
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
Drive Type	AWD/All-Wheel Drive
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)
Headlamp Light Source	LED
Keyless Ignition	Standard
Knee Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)	Standard
Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA)	Optional
Model	M5
Model Year	2020
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
Traction Control	Standard
Transmission Speeds	8
Transmission Style	Automatic
Trim	M5 / M5 Comp
Turbo	Yes
Vehicle Descriptor	WBSJF0C0*LC
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Wheel Base (inches) From	117.40
Sample_VIN	WBSJF0C00LCD02921