Free 2008 Volkswagen GLI VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2008 Volkswagen GLI VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Volkswagen GLI VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes used to identify a vehicle’s manufacturer, its country of origin, and other critical details. The 3VW WMI, for instance, is assigned to Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV, indicating a vehicle assembled in Mexico, specifically in the city of Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb. This code is crucial for recognizing the manufacturer’s identity and provides vital information regarding the vehicle’s type and production location. In the case of the 2008 Volkswagen GLI, the WMI forms the beginning part of its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), serving as a passport that deciphers its manufacturing origins and its classification as a Passenger Car. This system ensures each vehicle can be globally recognized and traced back to its manufacturer.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 Volkswagen GLI VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2008 Volkswagen GLI VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 Volkswagen GLI Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Volkswagen GLI

The final 6 characters in a 2008 Volkswagen GLI’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2008 Volkswagen GLI VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that the vehicle is likely from the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN may include basic Volkswagen GLI model information alongside engine details, such as a 1.984-liter engine with a horsepower starting from 200, demonstrating what can typically be encoded within the VIN.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, illustrating how the VIN can clarify the energy sources powering the vehicle.
• Safety Features: Safety features like curtain, front, and side airbags for the first row (driver and passenger), as well as a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), can be inferred from the VIN.
• Emission Standards: Details like “50-St. BIN 5/ULEV II emission” may provide insight into the vehicle’s compliance with specific emission standards, indicating potential environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Information: Through the VIN, it can be revealed that the Volkswagen GLI with sunroof series was manufactured in Puebla, Mexico, offering insights into the vehicle’s origin and production location.
• Body Type and Doors: The VIN specifies the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, showing how body type and structural design are encoded within the VIN.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Volkswagen GLI