Free 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that forms the first three characters of a vehicle’s identification number (VIN), designated to identify the vehicle manufacturer. For the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio, the WMI “3VW” specifically denotes that this vehicle was manufactured by Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV. This particular WMI informs us that the car falls under the passenger car category and was assembled in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb, Mexico. The WMI is a critical component of a vehicle’s identity, providing insights into not only the maker but also the country and specific facility where the vehicle was produced. For enthusiasts, collectors, or potential buyers, understanding the WMI helps track the origin and authenticity of the vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2002
• Example VIN: 3VWBB81E7WM806223
• 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 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio 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 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio:

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 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio 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 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN specifies the body class and size, described as a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: Engine details are typically encoded within the VIN, showing a Volkswagen engine with 1984 CC displacement, 1.984000 L, 115 hp, and 4 cylinders, providing insights into the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The type of fuel the vehicle uses can be indicated, such as Gasoline for this model, offering insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Plant Location: The manufacturing location, including the plant city and country, can be identified; for example, Puebla in Mexico, providing insights into the vehicle’s origin and potential regional variations in manufacturing standards.
• Safety Features: Standard safety features, which could include the presence and locations of airbags, are inferred from the VIN. For this vehicle, it has front airbags in the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) and side airbags in the same locations, offering insights into the vehicle’s safety features and occupant protection.
• Vehicle Make and Model: Basic vehicle information, like the make Volkswagen and model Cabrio, with series GLS, is typically included within the VIN, providing essential details about the vehicle’s manufacturer and specific model.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio

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