How to decode a 1998 Land Rover Discovery VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Land Rover Discovery VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that is designated to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe. For instance, Land Rover vehicles manufactured between 1994 and 2004, then again from 2017 to 2024, are assigned “SAL” as their WMI. This code is crucial as it reveals essential information about the vehicle, including its manufacturer, Jaguar Land Rover Limited, and indicates that the vehicle is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV). The specific WMI also ties the vehicle to its production location in Whitley, Coventry, within the United Kingdom. Recognizing a WMI is foundational in understanding vital aspects of a vehicle’s identity and origin.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Land Rover Discovery

WMI: SAL

Model Years Covered: 1994-2004, 2017-2024
Example VIN: SALJY1240WA779060
Manufacturer Name: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Whitley
State or Province: Coventry
Country: United Kingdom

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Land Rover Discovery 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 Land Rover Discovery:

Known VDS for a 1998 Land Rover Discovery
JY124

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 Land Rover Discovery 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 Land Rover Discovery VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Land Rover Discovery VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Land Rover Discovery Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
A	Solihull	United Kingdom	England		SALJY1240WA779060

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Land Rover Discovery

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

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How to find a 1998 Land Rover Discovery’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1998 Land Rover Discovery. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield on a small plate at the corner.
Examine the driver’s side door jamb on your Land Rover Discovery. The VIN can usually be found on a sticker where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood of your 1998 Land Rover Discovery; the VIN may be stamped onto the chassis or found on a plate attached to the engine bay.
Inspect the rear wheel well; sometimes, the VIN of a Land Rover Discovery is stamped on the chassis where the spare tire is housed.
Look at the vehicle’s registration documents, insurance papers, or service records, as the VIN should be recorded on all official Land Rover documentation.

What info can a 1998 Land Rover Discovery VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1998, providing insight into the age and generation of the vehicle.
Body Class: The VIN indicates that this vehicle is classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), which may speak to its design and intended use.
Engine Type: The engine of this Discovery model is detailed as having a V-shaped configuration with 8 cylinders and a displacement of 3.9 liters, offering specifics on its power and design.
Transmission Type: The vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission that has 4 speeds, providing details on its operational mechanics.
Manufacturing Location: The VIN specifies that the vehicle was manufactured in Solihull, England, United Kingdom, pinpointing its origin and potentially reflecting on its build quality.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: It falls within Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), highlighting its size and capacity range.
Fuel Efficiency: Information like EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) hints at the vehicle’s adherence to certain emissions standards and technology used for fuel delivery, which can impact performance and efficiency.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Land Rover Discovery

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	3900.0
Displacement (CI)	237.99260196945
Displacement (L)	3.9
Doors	4
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	Discovery
Model Year	1998
Other Engine Info	EFI: Electronic Fuel Injection, Displacement: 3.9 - 4L
Plant City	Solihull
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	England
Plant State	United Kingdom
Transmission Speeds	4
Transmission Style	Automatic
Vehicle Descriptor	SALJY124*WA
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	SALJY1240WA779060