How to decode a 1988 Merkur Scorpio VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Merkur Scorpio VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle internationally. These codes are the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), delineating not just the manufacturer, but often the specific plant and vehicle type. For the 1988 Merkur Scorpio, the WMI “WF1” specifies that the vehicle was manufactured by Ford Werke AG, denoting it as a passenger car built in Koeln-Niehl, Germany. This system aids in tracking vehicle history, recalls, and specifics about the manufacture location and vehicle type. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI allows for a deeper insight into its origins and identification.
List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Merkur Scorpio
WMI: WF1
- Model Years Covered: 1988
- Example VIN: WF1BT81V9JE992435
- Manufacturer Name: Ford Werke Ag
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City:
- State or Province: Koeln-Niehl
- Country: Germany
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Merkur Scorpio 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 1988 Merkur Scorpio:
| Known VDS for a 1988 Merkur Scorpio |
|---|
| BT81V |
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 1988 Merkur Scorpio 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 1988 Merkur Scorpio VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| J | 1988 |
11th Character in the 1988 Merkur Scorpio VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1988 Merkur Scorpio Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Cologne | North Rhine-Westphalia | Germany | WF1BT81V9JE992435 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Merkur Scorpio
The final 6 characters in a 1988 Merkur Scorpio’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Merkur Scorpio’s VIN below:
How to find a 1988 Merkur Scorpio’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1988 Merkur Scorpio is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1988 Merkur Scorpio. The VIN can often be seen through the windshield near the corner where the dashboard meets the glass.
- Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb or door post. The VIN should be on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
- Check under the hood of your Merkur Scorpio for a metal plate or sticker that may have the VIN details, often found on the firewall or near the front of the engine bay.
- Inspect the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. Sometimes the VIN is stamped on the frame close to the tire.
- If your Scorpio has its original documentation, the VIN will be listed on the vehicle title, registration, and insurance papers.
What info can a 1988 Merkur Scorpio VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Type and Size: The vehicle is equipped with a V-shaped engine configuration with a displacement of 2.9L or 2900.0 CC, hinting at its potential performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: It is indicated that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, suggesting the type of fuel the vehicle is designed to use for optimal performance.
- Safety Features: The presence of Active Seat Belts across all designated seating positions may suggest a focus on passenger safety.
- Manufacturing Information: According to the information available, the vehicle was manufactured in Cologne, Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, highlighting its geographical production origin.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN classifies the vehicle as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 4 doors, providing insight into the design and functionality of the vehicle.
- Engine Manufacturer and Model: The engine is manufactured by Ford and is designated as the Merkur model, offering details on the engineering and brand behind the vehicle’s power source.
Don’t have your 1988 Merkur Scorpio’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Merkur Scorpio
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Displacement (CC) | 2900.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 176.96885787472 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.9 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 144 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Ford |
| Engine Model | Merkur |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | Scorpio |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| Other Engine Info | Electronic fuel injection |
| Other Restraint System Info | Active Seat Belts ( all designated seating positions) |
| Plant City | Cologne |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Plant State | North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WF1BT81V*JE |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WF1BT81V9JE992435 |
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