How to decode a 2021 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2021 BMW M5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. For the 2021 BMW M5, the WMI is “WBS,” which signifies that the vehicle was produced by BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW AG dedicated to high-performance cars. This specific identifier reveals that the M5 was manufactured in Munich, Germany, highlighting its origins from a region known for engineering and automotive excellence. The WMI code is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its manufacturer, attributes, and serial number. For the 2021 BMW M5, owning a vehicle with a WMI of “WBS” not only denotes its make and model but also the prestigious lineage of high-performance vehicles crafted by BMW M GmbH.

List of WMI Codes for a 2021 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
Example VIN: WBS83CH00MCE79228
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 2021 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 2021 BMW M5:

Known VDS for a 2021 BMW M5
83CH0

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 2021 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 2021 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
M	2021

11th Character in the 2021 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2021 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
C	Dingolfing		Germany		WBS83CH00MCE79228

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2021 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2021 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 2021 BMW M5’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2021 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 typically visible through the windshield on a small plate.
Examine the door pillar on the driver’s side when you open the door of your 2021 BMW M5. The VIN can usually be found on a label or sticker where the door latches.
Inspect the engine bay of your BMW M5, as the VIN might also be stamped onto the engine block or printed on a label attached to the engine compartment.
Peek under the vehicle at the front end of the frame for the BMW M5. The VIN may be stamped onto the frame itself.
Check your vehicle’s insurance or registration documents, as they will always list the VIN of your 2021 BMW M5.

What info can a 2021 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating that it is from the 2021 production year. This insight provides valuable information about the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Type and Performance: It may uncover critical performance metrics, such as the presence of a powerful 8-cylinder engine capable of delivering between 600 to 617 horsepower. These details highlight the engine’s capability and power range, providing insights into the vehicle’s performance potential.
Safety Features: Standard safety features may include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Curtain Air Bags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, and Forward Collision Warning (FCW). These indications showcase the vehicle’s emphasis on passenger safety through advanced technology, potentially contributing to peace of mind for potential buyers.
Fuel Type and Efficiency: The primary fuel type is likely gasoline, with the VIN potentially indicating significant power output and efficiency considerations. Advanced features like the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may contribute to a balance of power and fuel efficiency.
Body Type and Drive Configuration: Details from the VIN may point towards the vehicle being a Sedan/Saloon with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offering insights into both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the vehicle’s design and drive configuration.
Advanced Tech and Comfort Features: Descriptions like Keyless Ignition and standard inclusion of a Backup Camera may highlight the vehicle’s modern technological conveniences and commitment to comfort and ease of use, potentially enhancing the overall driving experience.
Manufacturing Details: Specific details like the manufacturing location being in Dingolfing, Germany, offer clues about the vehicle’s origin and production background, potentially adding to its historical and geographical context.

Don’t have your 2021 BMW M5’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2021 BMW M5

Vehicle Spec	Value
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 ($)	103500.00
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)	4.3950105648
Doors	4
Drive Type	AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Dynamic Brake Support (DBS)	Standard
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	Standard
Engine Brake (hp) From	600
Engine Brake (hp) To	617
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)	Standard
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)	Standard
Model	M5
Model Year	2021
Number of Seat Rows	2
Number of Seats	5
Number of Wheels	4
Other Engine Info	M5 Comp: 617 hp / M5: 600 hp
Other Restraint System Info	Seat Belt: All Positions / Front/Rear: Pretensioner / Front/Rear: Head Inflatable Restraint: Rear Outboard Driver-side & Rear Outboard Passenger-side
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
Vehicle Descriptor	WBS83CH0*MC
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Wheel Base (inches) From	117.40
Sample_VIN	WBS83CH00MCE79228