Free 1998 Volkswagen Golf VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Volkswagen Golf VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Volkswagen Golf VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a crucial component of a vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), signifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and category. For instance, Volkswagen Golfs made in Mexico between 1996 and 1999 have a WMI of “3VW”, highlighting Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV as the manufacturing entity. This three-letter code, placed at the beginning of the VIN, allows for quick identification of crucial manufacturing details. Specifically for the 1998 Volkswagen Golf, the WMI “3VW” designates it as a passenger car produced in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb, Mexico. Understanding WMIs enables consumers and industry professionals to verify the legitimacy and origin of vehicles.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Volkswagen Golf

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1989-1991, 1996-1999, 2015-2021
• Example VIN: 3VWFB81H2WM281082
• 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 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 1998 Volkswagen Golf:

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 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 1998 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1998 Volkswagen Golf Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Volkswagen Golf

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

Check your Volkswagen Golf’s VIN below:

What info can a 1998 Volkswagen Golf VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN encodes detailed specifications for the Volkswagen Golf GL / TDI model, including a 1.984L engine with 4 cylinders and an engine brake horsepower starting from 115, which provides valuable information about the vehicle’s performance and power.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates that the vehicle has a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback body class with 4 doors, potentially offering insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Fuel Type: It can be determined from the VIN that the vehicle runs on Gasoline as its primary fuel source, offering valuable information for potential buyers or owners.
• Safety Features: Essential safety features such as front airbags located in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger can be discerned from the VIN, providing important information about the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
• Engine Manufacturer: The VIN reveals that the engine is manufactured by Volkswagen, highlighting the brand’s specific engineering and design attributes, providing insights into the vehicle’s performance and potential maintenance needs.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was assembled in Puebla, Mexico, showcasing the geographical diversity of automotive production locations and potential implications for the vehicle’s manufacturing standards.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Volkswagen Golf