The 5th character of a VIN encodes the model line, series or body style. It falls in the VDS (4–8) block of the 17-character VIN. Below is exactly what it means, with a real sample VIN highlighting the 5th position.
Here it is 5, part of the descriptor block C57BU for this Volkswagen Jetta.
The 5th character sits inside the VDS (positions 4–8). Manufacturers most often use it for the model, series or body style — for example distinguishing a sedan from a coupe, or a base line from a higher series.
Because the VDS is defined per manufacturer, read character 5 against the maker's own decoding table (or use a decoder that pulls the full descriptor from NHTSA).
Decode a full VIN → · See all 17 positions →
← 4th character · 6th character →
It encodes the model line, series or body style. In the sample 3VWC57BU7PM383155 the 5th character is 5.
It is a VDS character, typically the model, series or body style, defined by the manufacturer.
Use the make (positions 1-3) plus the manufacturer VDS table, or a decoder that reads the descriptor from NHTSA.