Free Mazda RX-8 VIN Decoder

How to decode a Mazda RX-8 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Mazda RX-8 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International. It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), providing essential information such as the manufacturer’s name, the vehicle’s type, and the country of production. For the Mazda RX-8, the WMI JM1 signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation, denoting it as a passenger car produced in Hiroshima, Japan. This specific identifier applies to models from the years 2004 to 2011. Through this coded system, the WMI offers a standardized method to track and identify vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a Mazda RX-8

WMI: JM1

• Model Years Covered: 2004-2011
• Example VIN: JM1FE173040102339
• Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Hiroshima
• State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8:

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 Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Mazda RX-8 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Mazda RX-8 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mazda RX-8

The final 6 characters in a Mazda RX-8’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a Mazda RX-8 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating that it is a 2004 model, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN may also uncover production specifics, such as the vehicle being assembled in Hiroshima, Japan by the Mazda Motor Corporation.
• Vehicle Specifications: Characteristics such as the vehicle being a Coupe model RX-8, with engine model 13B (1.3L) HP, indicating a displacement of 1.3 liters or 79.33 cubic inches, are likely encoded within the VIN.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can reveal the body class as a Coupe, possibly indicating the distinct configuration of having 4 doors, despite its coupe classification.
• Engine Performance: The range of engine brake horsepower (from 222.3 hp to 271.7 hp) from the VIN points to the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities.
• Safety Equipment: Locations of safety equipment such as front and side airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, along with curtain airbags, might be designated by the VIN.
• Advanced Features: The VIN may disclose the presence of a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which could enhance the safety and driving experience of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mazda RX-8