Free 1998 Volkswagen Passat VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Volkswagen Passat VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Volkswagen Passat VIN

WMI, standing for World Manufacturer Identifier, is a unique three-letter code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This identifier provides specific information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, including their name, location, and the type of vehicle they produce. For instance, the WMI “WVW” is designated to the Volkswagen AG for their passenger cars, specifically pointing to their manufacturing facility in Wolfsburg, Germany. This identifier is an essential part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which helps in tracking the vehicle’s history, specifications, and identification globally. For the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, the WMI “WVW” signifies its production by Volkswagen AG in Germany, ensuring its authenticity and origin.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Volkswagen Passat

WMI: WVW

• Model Years Covered: 1992, 1995, 1997-2011, 2013
• Example VIN: WVWMA63B1WE189235
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Wolfsburg
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat:

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 Passat 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 Passat VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1998 Volkswagen Passat Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Volkswagen Passat

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

What info can a 1998 Volkswagen Passat VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting the vehicle is likely from 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is a Wagon with 4 doors, possibly offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: Key details such as the engine’s displacement in liters (1.781000 L), horsepower (150 hp), and the fact it’s a 4-cylinder engine designed by Volkswagen can be discerned, providing specific information about the vehicle’s engine capabilities.
• Safety Features: The presence of front and side airbags for both driver and passenger in the 1st row highlights the vehicle’s safety features, suggesting a focus on occupant protection.
• Fuel Type: The VIN specifies that the vehicle uses gasoline as its primary fuel source, offering insights into fuel preferences and possibly fuel efficiency.
• Manufacturing Details: It identifies the vehicle’s production specifics, like the manufacturing plant being located in Emden, Germany, underlining the geographic origin of the vehicle.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The vehicle falls into Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less, which can provide insights on handling, utility, and possibly fuel efficiency, highlighting important details about the vehicle’s weight and potential performance.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Volkswagen Passat

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