Free Audi A3 VIN Decoder

How to decode an Audi A3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of an Audi A3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or three-digit code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. Specifically, for Audi AG in Germany, the WMI code is WAU, indicating that the vehicles produced under this code, such as the Audi A3, originate from the Ingolstadt plant. The WMI is integral to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system, allowing for the specific identification of the manufacturer as well as the vehicle type. For instance, Audi A3 models produced between the years 2006 and 2013, then from 2015 to 2020, and later from 2022 to 2024, can be identified using this specific WMI. This system aids in the global standardization and identification of vehicles, ensuring detailed traceability and verification across the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for an Audi A3

WMI: WAU

• Model Years Covered: 2006-2013, 2015-2020, 2022-2024
• Example VIN: WAUNF78P06A041226
• Manufacturer Name: Audi AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Ingolstadt
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of an Audi A3 VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the most popular vehicle descriptor codes for a 2024 Audi A3:

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 an Audi A3 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 Audi A3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Audi A3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Audi A3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of an Audi A3

The final 6 characters in an Audi A3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can an Audi A3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Type and Specifications: A VIN can specify the body class, such as Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 4 doors and 5 seats, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and capacity.
• Engine and Performance: Details such as the engine size of 1.4 L, displacement in CC (1400.0), and horsepower (204 hp) are typically included, giving insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: A VIN might specify advanced safety features, including standard Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), standard Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), and airbag locations such as all rows for curtain airbags, indicating comprehensive safety measures.
• Fuel Types and Electrification Level: The primary and secondary fuel types, like Electric and Gasoline, along with electrification levels, such as PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), can be identified, highlighting the vehicle’s environmental impact and efficiency.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Features such as standard Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) may be enumerated, showcasing the vehicle’s cutting-edge technology for enhanced driving safety.
• Production Details: The location of manufacturing, such as Ingolstadt, Germany, offers insight into the vehicle’s origin, which can influence perceptions of quality and design.

Sample VIN Decode Report for an Audi A3