Free Sterling Motor Car VIN Decoder

How to decode a Sterling Motor Car VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Sterling Motor Car VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a critical component of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system, used globally to uniquely identify the maker of a vehicle. These codes are the initial three characters of the VIN, providing essential information about the vehicle, including the manufacturer’s identity, the vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, in the case of the Austin Rover Group Limited, the WMI code ‘SAX’ designates vehicles produced by this manufacturer, specifically pointing to passenger cars made in Woking, United Kingdom, during specific years such as 1987 and 1990. This system plays a vital role in tracking, registration, and recall processes for vehicles worldwide, offering a standardized method to quickly glean important details about a car, its origins, and its manufacturer. The use of WMIs ensures a consistent framework for identifying vehicles, supporting various stakeholders from manufacturers to regulatory bodies in efficiently managing automotive inventories and safety recalls.

List of WMI Codes for a Sterling Motor Car

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Sterling Motor Car 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 Sterling Motor Car:

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 Sterling Motor Car 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 Sterling Motor Car VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Sterling Motor Car VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Sterling Motor Car Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Sterling Motor Car

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

What info can a Sterling Motor Car VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle, such as the year 1987.
• Engine Specifications: Details such as the engine model C25, a V-shaped engine configuration, and specific displacement values can offer in-depth insights into the vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency.
• Fuel Type: The VIN may specify the primary fuel type, for example, gasoline, offering information about the vehicle’s environmental impact and fuel consumption characteristics.
• Transmission and Drive: It may indicate the vehicle has an automatic transmission, potentially affecting ease of driving and fuel economy.
• Safety Features: The type of seat belt, such as manual, provides a glimpse into the vehicle’s safety features and adherence to safety standards at the time of manufacturing.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN can offer details about the vehicle manufacturing, such as the plant city and country, offering clues about the production quality and the manufacturer’s history.
• Vehicle Type and Trim: It categorizes the vehicle and specifies the trim level, which might indicate additional features or a specific level of comfort and performance.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Sterling Motor Car