How to decode a 1998 Jaguar XJ VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Jaguar XJ VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of motor vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, and mopeds as defined in ISO 3780. For a 1998 Jaguar XJ, the WMI is “SAJ,” indicating several critical pieces of information. This code signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by Jaguar Land Rover Limited, a prestigious automobile company based in the United Kingdom. Specifically, the manufacturing plant is located in Whitley, Coventry, highlighting the British heritage of the car. The WMI is an essential part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), aiding in vehicle tracking, registration, and recall procedures.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Jaguar XJ

WMI: SAJ

Model Years Covered: 1985-1989, 1998, 2002-2019
Example VIN: SAJHX6240WC814661
Manufacturer Name: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Whitley
State or Province: Coventry
Country: United Kingdom

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

Known VDS for a 1998 Jaguar XJ
HX624	HN124	HX124

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 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Jaguar XJ VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Jaguar XJ Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
C	Browns Lane	United Kingdom	England		SAJHX6240WC814661

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Jaguar XJ

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

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How to find a 1998 Jaguar XJ’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1998 Jaguar XJ is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side of your 1998 Jaguar XJ. The VIN is commonly located there and can be read from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door of your Jaguar XJ and examine the area where the door latches to the body of the car. The VIN could be stamped on a label or a plate in the door jamb.
Check under the hood of your 1998 Jaguar XJ; the VIN might be positioned on a plate or sticker on the firewall of the vehicle.
Inspect the trunk area, specifically under the spare tire, where a sticker with the VIN might be adhered in your Jaguar XJ.
Review your vehicle’s owner’s manual or maintenance records, as the VIN is typically recorded there for reference for your 1998 Jaguar XJ.

What info can a 1998 Jaguar XJ VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting the year 1998, offering insights into the age and generational design specifics of the car.
Body Class and Size: The VIN details indicate that the vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon with a long wheelbase, suggesting a spacious interior and a potentially more comfortable ride.
Engine and Performance: Engine information from the VIN reveals a displacement of 4.0 liters (or 244.0949763789 cubic inches), suggesting a powerful engine with significant performance capabilities.
Safety Features: Safety equipment specifics such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row highlight the vehicle’s focus on occupant protection.
Transmission Details: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission that operates across 5 speeds, indicating the vehicle’s operational efficiency and driver convenience features.
Manufacturing Origin: The VIN specifies that the vehicle was manufactured in Browns Lane, England, United Kingdom, illustrating the geographical origin and potentially the manufacturing standards and heritage of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type and Market: This VIN details a passenger car specifically targeted for the Canadian market, providing insights into the vehicle’s compliance with Canadian vehicle standards and market preferences.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Jaguar XJ

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Destination Market	Canada
Displacement (CC)	4000
Displacement (CI)	244.0949763789
Displacement (L)	4
Doors	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
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	XJ8
Model Year	1998
Other Engine Info	Twin Canister
Plant City	Browns Lane
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	England
Plant State	United Kingdom
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Long Wheel Base
Transmission Speeds	5
Transmission Style	Automatic
Vehicle Descriptor	SAJHN124*WC
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Wheel Base Type	Long
Sample_VIN	SAJHN1242WC819689