How to decode a 2008 Mazda CX-7 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Mazda CX-7 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, signifying key information such as the manufacturing location, vehicle type, and the brand name. For instance, Mazda Motor Corporation, headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan, uses the WMI “JM3” for a range of vehicles, including the 2008 Mazda CX-7. Specifically, this WMI denotes vehicles manufactured by Mazda in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, identifying them as multipurpose passenger vehicles. This code forms the first section of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is critical for tracking the identity, history, and specifications of individual vehicles. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI, like that of the 2008 Mazda CX-7, provides essential insights regarding its origin and classification.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Mazda CX-7

WMI: JM3

Model Years Covered: 2007-2012
Example VIN: JM3ER293080169975
Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Hiroshima
State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2008 Mazda CX-7 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 2008 Mazda CX-7:

Known VDS for a 2008 Mazda CX-7
ER293	ER29L

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 2008 Mazda CX-7 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 2008 Mazda CX-7 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

11th Character in the 2008 Mazda CX-7 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 Mazda CX-7 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
0	Hiroshima		Japan		JM3ER293080169975

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Mazda CX-7

The final 6 characters in a 2008 Mazda CX-7’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Mazda CX-7’s VIN below:

How to find a 2008 Mazda CX-7’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2008 Mazda CX-7 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mazda CX-7, near where the dashboard meets the windshield, which is viewable from outside the vehicle.
Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Mazda CX-7 for a label or sticker that may contain the VIN where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood of your Mazda CX-7 for a metal plate that might be attached to the engine bay area, which could have the VIN inscribed on it.
Inspect the trunk area of your Mazda CX-7, specifically under the spare tire, as sometimes the VIN can be found there on a sticker or plate.
Look at your Mazda CX-7 vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or title, where the VIN is almost always listed.

What info can a 2008 Mazda CX-7 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2008, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class: The VIN decodes to reveal that the vehicle is classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), providing insights into its size, purpose, and capability.
Engine Type: The VIN identifies the engine in this vehicle as a 2.3 L (2300 cc or 140.35 cubic inches) In-Line 4-cylinder L3T Turbo California model, indicating its power source and performance attributes, such as 244 horsepower.
Safety Features: The VIN suggests comprehensive safety features, with airbag locations including all rows and the 1st row for both driver and passenger, showcasing the vehicle’s equipment designed to protect occupants in various seating positions.
Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that this vehicle runs on gasoline, offering a glimpse into its energy requirements and possibly its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Manufacturing Details: It was assembled in Hiroshima, Japan, hinting at the manufacturer’s origin and the production quality associated with the vehicle’s geographical manufacturing context.
Additional Features: The presence of a Turbo indicates enhanced performance capabilities, and the direct type Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) underscores modern vehicle technology aimed at safety and efficiency.

Don’t have your 2008 Mazda CX-7’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Mazda CX-7

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Curtain Air Bag Locations	All Rows
Displacement (CC)	2300.0
Displacement (CI)	140.35461141788
Displacement (L)	2.3
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	244
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Model	L3T Turbo California
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	CX-7
Model Year	2008
Plant City	Hiroshima
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Japan
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Wagon
Series2	Wagon body style
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Turbo	Yes
Vehicle Descriptor	JM3ER29L*80
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	JM3ER29L080171662