Free Volkswagen GTI VIN Decoder

How to decode a Volkswagen GTI VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Volkswagen GTI VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of motor vehicles, including details like the country of manufacture, vehicle type, and the producing company. For Volkswagen GTI models, for example, these codes vary based on the geographic location and time of manufacture. The codes 1VW and 3VW highlight Volkswagen passenger cars produced in the United States and Mexico, respectively, denoting different model years and manufacturing details such as the plant location. WVW is another prominent code representing Volkswagen passenger cars crafted in Germany, covering various model years including recent productions. Thus, WMI codes like 1VW, 3VW, and WVW serve as crucial identifiers for understanding the origins and specifics of Volkswagen GTI vehicles, among others.

List of WMI Codes for a Volkswagen GTI

WMI: 1VW

• Model Years Covered: 1989
• Example VIN: 1VWDC0171KV017848
• 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: 1996-1998, 2015
• Example VIN: 3VWDA81H6TM132096
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb
• State or Province:
• Country: Mexico

WMI: WVW

• Model Years Covered: 1999-2001, 2006-2012, 2014, 2023-2024
• Example VIN: WVWDC31J2XW601645
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Wolfsburg
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

WMI: 9BW

• Model Years Covered: 2001-2003, 2005-2006
• Example VIN: 9BWPG61J014044875
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Herndon
• State or Province: Virginia
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Volkswagen GTI 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 GTI:

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 GTI 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 GTI VIN — Year Code

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

Known Volkswagen GTI Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Volkswagen GTI

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

What info can a Volkswagen GTI VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2009, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The specific manufacturing location provided by the VIN is Wolfsburg, Germany, highlighting its origin with some level of certainty.
• Vehicle Specifications: The given Volkswagen GTI exemplifies detailed engine data such as a 1984 cubic centimeters displacement, 200 horsepower, and it may operate with a gasoline fuel type.
• Body Class and Size: Through the VIN, it’s found that the body class is a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 4 doors, indicating the vehicle’s style and accessibility with a certain level of probability.
• Safety Features: The presence of curtain airbags in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, alongside advanced front airbags and side airbags, may point to the comprehensive safety features installed with some level of probability.
• Engine Details: Engine specifics like being manufactured by Volkswagen, having 4 cylinders, and adhering to emission standards (50-St. BIN 5/ULEV II) are encoded within the VIN, indicating these details with a certain level of probability.
• Transmission and TPMS: The vehicle features a manual/standard transmission and is equipped with a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which could enhance its drivability and safety.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Volkswagen GTI