Free Volkswagen Beetle VIN Decoder

How to decode a Volkswagen Beetle VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Volkswagen Beetle VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) forms the initial trio of characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as a unique identifier that reveals the manufacturer and, oftentimes, the vehicle type and manufacturing country. In the case of the Volkswagen Beetle models ranging from the years 1998 to 2010, and then 2012 to 2019, the WMI 3VW denotes vehicles manufactured by Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV. This specific identifier informs that the vehicle originates from Mexico, specifically from the plant located in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Puebla. Consequently, when you encounter a Volkswagen Beetle with a VIN starting with 3VW, it indicates not only its manufacturing origin but also assures its classification as a passenger car. This coded system helps in providing essential details about a vehicle’s origins, making the WMI a crucial tool for identification purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a Volkswagen Beetle

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2010, 2012-2019
• Example VIN: 3VWBF61C1WM037371
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb
• State or Province:
• Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle:

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 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Volkswagen Beetle VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Volkswagen Beetle Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Volkswagen Beetle

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

What info can a Volkswagen Beetle 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.
• Engine Type: It is equipped with a 2.0L engine by VW, offering an engine type with performance potential.
• Safety Features: The vehicle includes an array of safety features such as Engine Brake Assist, Automatic Rollover Support System, and Intelligent Crash Response System, alongside standard essentials like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), providing comprehensive safety measures.
• Fuel Type: It runs on Gasoline, and adheres to Federal/California Emission Standards (Bin 30/LEV III SULEV 30), indicating its compliance with strict environmental regulations.
• Body Class and Drive Type: Characterized as a Coupe with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), this information helps in understanding the vehicle’s design and driving dynamics.
• Manufacturing Location: The Beetle was manufactured in Puebla, Mexico, providing insight into its production location which can be significant for various reasons including parts sourcing and historical value.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Volkswagen Beetle