Free 1988 Buick Electra VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Buick Electra VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Buick Electra VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial section of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), comprising the first three characters. This unique code identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle, its country of origin, and the vehicle type. For instance, in the case of the 1988 Buick Electra, the WMI is “1G4”, indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States. Specifically, this code points to Warren, Michigan, as the city of manufacture for a passenger car. The WMI serves as an essential identifier for automotive standards worldwide, ensuring that every vehicle can be universally recognized and traced back to its maker and origin.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Buick Electra

WMI: 1G4

• Model Years Covered: 1982-1984, 1986-1990
• Example VIN: 1G4CW51C2J1612676
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Buick Electra 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 1988 Buick Electra:

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 1988 Buick Electra 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 1988 Buick Electra VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Buick Electra VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Buick Electra Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Buick Electra

The final 6 characters in a 1988 Buick Electra’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Buick Electra’s VIN below:

What info can a 1988 Buick Electra VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN reveals that the vehicle was manufactured in Wentzville, Missouri, United States, by the Wentzville Assembly plant, providing a trace of its origin and assembly quality.
• Vehicle Specifications: For example, this VIN details a BOCF manufactured Electra model, equipped with a V-Shaped engine configuration and a 3.8L (or 3800 CC) displacement, indicating its power and performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: It specifies a primary fuel type of gasoline and utilizes Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) for fuel delivery, which may influence fuel efficiency and performance.
• Safety Features: The seat belt type specified is manual, giving a glimpse into the safety features and standards of the time.
• Body Class and Size: The body class is noted as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, providing insight into the vehicle’s design and functionality intended for passenger comfort.
• Engine Details: It comes with a 6-cylinder engine, which can be a balance between performance and fuel economy, tailored for those who value a smooth and efficient ride.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Buick Electra