How to decode a 2011 BMW X5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2011 BMW X5 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or three-digit code assigned to automakers, used to identify the manufacturer of a specific vehicle globally. For the 2011 BMW X5, the WMI “5UX” designates it as a vehicle produced by BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America, located in Greer, South Carolina, United States. This specific WMI indicates that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its versatility and functionality. With model years covered from 2002 to 2024 under this WMI, it showcases the long-standing production and evolution of models like the 2011 BMW X5 within this specific category and location. This coding system provides essential information about the vehicle’s origination, manufacturer, and type, crucial for identification, registration, and tracking purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2011 BMW X5

WMI: 5YM

Model Years Covered: 2010-2013, 2015-2018, 2020-2024
Example VIN: 5YMGY0C50BLK26076
Manufacturer Name: BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Greer
State or Province: South Carolina
Country: United States WMI: 5UX
Model Years Covered: 2002-2024
Example VIN: 5UXZV4C50BL400017
Manufacturer Name: BMW Manufacturer Corporation / BMW North America
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Greer
State or Province: South Carolina
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2011 BMW X5 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 2011 BMW X5:

Known VDS for a 2011 BMW X5
GY0C5	ZV4C5	ZW0C5	ZV8C5

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 2011 BMW X5 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 2011 BMW X5 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
B	2011

11th Character in the 2011 BMW X5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2011 BMW X5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
L	Greer	South Carolina	United States		5YMGY0C50BLK26076

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2011 BMW X5

The final 6 characters in a 2011 BMW X5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2011 BMW X5’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2011 BMW X5 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Check the lower-right corner of the dashboard on the driver’s side of your BMW X5. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 2011 BMW X5. There may be a sticker or a plate where the door latches with the VIN printed on it.
Open the hood of your BMW X5 and check the front of the engine block. VIN numbers are often stamped onto the engine itself.
Examine the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. The VIN might be located above the tire.
Check beneath the spare tire in the trunk. Sometimes the VIN is located in this area of a 2011 BMW X5.
Examine your vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card. The VIN for your BMW X5 will be listed there as well.

What info can a 2011 BMW X5 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, with the 2011 X5 M as an example, giving insights into the vehicle’s age and potential market value.
Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, showcasing the design for various purposes, such as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle with a body class of Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), allowing for in-depth insights into the vehicle’s structure and functionality.
Engine Type and Power: The VIN indicates a gasoline engine with a displacement of 4.4 liters (4400 CC or 268.2 CI), demonstrating remarkable power with 555 horsepower and an 8-cylinder configuration, providing valuable information about the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Safety Features: The VIN provides information on safety features, such as the inclusion of front and side airbags for both 1st row driver and passenger, as well as a comprehensive restraint system, suggesting a strong focus on passenger safety.
Fuel Type: The VIN can specify the fuel type, highlighting the vehicle’s preference for gasoline, and potentially providing insights into its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN offers manufacturing insights, revealing the plant location in Greer, South Carolina, United States, offering a glimpse into its production origin and potentially the vehicle’s build quality.
Model Series: The VIN specifies the model as X5 M in the SAV series, giving precise identification of the vehicle’s market positioning and features.
Additional Safety Mechanisms: The VIN may indicate additional safety mechanisms, such as a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) of the direct type and seat belts classified as manual with pretensioners for both driver and front passenger, further enhancing the vehicle’s safety measures.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2011 BMW X5

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	4400.0
Displacement (CI)	268.2
Displacement (L)	4.4
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	555
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	X5
Model Year	2011
Other Restraint System Info	Head Inflatable Restraint for Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Outboard Driver-side and Rear Outboard Passenger-side. Pretensioners for Driver and Front Passenger.
Plant City	Greer
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	South Carolina
Pretensioner	Yes
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	X5
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	M
Trim2	SAV
Vehicle Descriptor	5YMGY0C5*BL
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	5YMGY0C50BLK26076