Free Volkswagen GLI VIN Decoder

How to decode a Volkswagen GLI VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Volkswagen GLI VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. It forms the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle, such as its manufacturing location, vehicle type, and model year. In the case of Volkswagen vehicles manufactured in Mexico, 3VW serves as the WMI, indicating Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV as the manufacturer. These vehicles, classified under the passenger car type, are produced in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb, Mexico. This WMI code is vital for distinguishing Volkswagen vehicles manufactured in Mexico and provides a unique identifier for the brand and its global manufacturing operations.

List of WMI Codes for a Volkswagen GLI

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 2008-2009
• Example VIN: 3VWDJ71K08M008855
• 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 GLI 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 Volkswagen GLI:

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 GLI 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 GLI VIN — Year Code

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

Known Volkswagen GLI Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Volkswagen GLI

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

What info can a Volkswagen GLI VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Details: The VIN specifies the engine as being manufactured by Volkswagen with a displacement of 1984 CC (1.984 L), which may offer insight into the vehicle’s power and size of the engine.
• Fuel Type: According to the dataset, the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which can be crucial for understanding fuel consumption and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The VIN provides detailed safety features, including Curtain, Front, and Side Air Bag Locations all in the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger), possibly highlighting the vehicle’s focus on occupant safety.
• Body Class and Doors: Information on the body class as a Sedan/Saloon and the fact that the vehicle has 4 doors may offer insights into the vehicle’s size, style, and potential usage.
• Emission Information: Details like the emission certification (50-St. BIN 5/ULEV II) can provide an understanding of the vehicle’s environmental footprint and compliance with regulations.
• Plant Information: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Puebla, Mexico, possibly giving insight into the geographic origin of the vehicle’s production.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Volkswagen GLI