Free 1989 Volkswagen Golf VIN Decoder

Unlock the secrets of your robust 1989 Volkswagen Golf using our free VIN decoder tool. Begin exploring its rich history and safeguard your classic vehicle's legacy by entering your VIN in the box below.

Over 1 Million reports ran on
Bumper.com

Approved NMVTIS Data Provider

Approved NMVTIS Data Provider

Reference to these media organizations does not constitute or imply endorsement of Bumper or its products and services.

How to decode a 1989 Volkswagen Golf VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1989 Volkswagen Golf VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial sequence of three letters and numbers in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. For a 1989 Volkswagen Golf, the WMI is “1VW,” indicating that the vehicle was produced by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. in the United States. Specifically, this WMI points to their operations in Herndon, Virginia, classifying the vehicle type as a passenger car. The WMIs are crucial for accurately identifying vehicles, providing essential information about the manufacturer, production location, and vehicle category.

List of WMI Codes for a 1989 Volkswagen Golf

WMI: 1VW

  • Model Years Covered: 1985-1989
  • Example VIN: 1VWBA9176KV004014
  • Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
  • City: Herndon
  • State or Province: Virginia
  • Country: United States

WMI: 3VW

  • Model Years Covered: 1989-1991, 1996-1999, 2015-2021
  • Example VIN: 3VWAB01GXKM012986
  • 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 1989 Volkswagen Golf 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 1989 Volkswagen Golf:

Known VDS for a 1989 Volkswagen Golf
BA917AB01GAB017DC01G

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 1989 Volkswagen Golf 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 1989 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Year Code

Year Code Year
K 1989

11th Character in the 1989 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1989 Volkswagen Golf Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code Plant City Plant State Plant Country Plant Company Name Example VIN
M Mexico 3VWAB01GXKM012986
V Westmoreland Pennsylvania United States 1VWBA9176KV004014

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1989 Volkswagen Golf

The final 6 characters in a 1989 Volkswagen Golf’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?

How to find a 1989 Volkswagen Golf’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1989 Volkswagen Golf is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

  1. Examine the driver’s side dashboard of your 1989 Volkswagen Golf, which is visible through the windshield.
  2. Look on the driver’s side door jamb of your Volkswagen Golf; the VIN can typically be found on a sticker where the door latches shut.
  3. Check the front of the engine block. In older models like your 1989 Volkswagen Golf, the VIN may be stamped onto the engine itself.
  4. Inspect the rear wheel well above the tire. Sometimes the VIN is placed in this area on Volkswagens including the Golf.
  5. Review your vehicle’s title or registration documents, which will always list the VIN for your 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
VIN Decoder

What info can a 1989 Volkswagen Golf VIN reveal?

  • Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1989, suggesting insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
  • Vehicle Type and Body Class: A VIN may uncover that the vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car with a specific Body Class such as Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
  • Make and Model: Through decoding a VIN, one can find that the vehicle is a Golf, providing insight into both the make and model.
  • Engine Specifications: The VIN could provide details on engine characteristics, such as having a 4-cylinder engine with horsepower ranging from 102 to 123, offering possible insights into the vehicle’s performance.
  • Manufacturing Details: The VIN can reveal where the vehicle was manufactured, indicating that this particular Golf was assembled in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States, giving insights into its production origin.
  • Safety Features: Information on safety measures like the “Other Restraint System Info” might be discovered, indicating the possible presence of an active restraint system, providing insights into the vehicle’s safety features.
  • Weight Classification: It can also inform regarding the vehicle’s weight classification, detailing that it falls into Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), potentially providing insights into the vehicle’s size and load capacity.
VIN Decoder

Don’t have your 1989 Volkswagen Golf’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1989 Volkswagen Golf

Vehicle Spec Value
Body Class Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors 2
Engine Brake (hp) From 102
Engine Brake (hp) To 123
Engine Number of Cylinders 4
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model Golf
Model Year 1989
Other Restraint System Info Restraint System: Active
Plant City Westmoreland
Plant Company Name
Plant Country United States
Plant State Pennsylvania
Vehicle Descriptor 1VWAB017*KV
Vehicle Type Passenger Car
Sample_VIN 1VWAB0170KV018687

Source

Decode other Golf Years

Ready, Set, Bumper...

Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.

TRY Bumper Today
Race flag