Here is an actual VIN from a car being sold currently at a dealership. Let's break it down.
WBSUR9C51BVP76087
W=GERMANY, country manufactured
B= BMW, car manufacturer code
S= ///M, Vehicle type/division
UR9C5= Feature/attributes
1= VIN accuracy 'check digit'
B= 2011, Model year(this is 'B' on all USA/CAN 1M models)edit
V= Assembly plant code
P76087= Sequence of vehicle production as it rolled off assembly line. Last 4 always numeric.