Free 1999 Saab 9-3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1999 Saab 9-3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 Saab 9-3 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter sequences assigned to each vehicle manufacturer. They form the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides crucial information about where a car was made, its manufacturer, and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, the 1999 Saab 9-3 has a WMI of “YS3”, denoting its production by Saab Cars North America, Inc., categorizing it as a passenger car, and indicating that it was assembled in the United States, specifically in Royal Oak, Michigan. This system is essential for identifying vehicles accurately and is used worldwide for a variety of regulatory, registration, and manufacturing purposes. The VIN, starting with YS3 for this Saab, helps track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, and thefts, making it an essential component of automotive identification.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 Saab 9-3

WMI: YS3

• Model Years Covered: 1999-2011
• Example VIN: YS3DD75N2X7000482
• Manufacturer Name: Saab Cars North America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Royal Oak
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1999 Saab 9-3 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 1999 Saab 9-3:

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 1999 Saab 9-3 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 1999 Saab 9-3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1999 Saab 9-3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 Saab 9-3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 Saab 9-3

The final 6 characters in a 1999 Saab 9-3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1999 Saab 9-3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting that this example is from 1999, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: It may indicate that this vehicle was assembled in Nystad, Finland, showcasing how VIN details can possibly pinpoint the specific city and country of manufacturing.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN provides comprehensive details about the vehicle, illustrating that it is a Saab 9-3, SE trim, with notable features including a 2.0L turbocharged engine, which might be indicative of its performance capabilities.
• Body Type and Size: From the VIN, it may be possible to determine the vehicle’s body class as a Convertible/Cabriolet, which could shed light on the design and functionality aspects of the model.
• Engine Details: The engine model specified as “Turbo (Std. Output)” combined with displacement information in CC, CI, and liters has the potential to reveal the engine’s size and type, possibly highlighting its power and efficiency characteristics.
• Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row is possibly deciphered from the VIN, indicating the potential existence of safety measures.
• Transmission Specifications: Information about the vehicle’s transmission, including a 4-speed automatic style, is captured within the VIN, possibly illustrating the drivetrain and operational nature of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 Saab 9-3

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