Free 1998 Volkswagen Beetle VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Volkswagen Beetle VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Volkswagen Beetle VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, its country of origin, and the type of vehicle it is. Specifically, for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, the WMI “3VW” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV, located in Cuautlancingo Ciudad, Puebla, Mexico. This code indicates that the vehicle falls into the passenger car category. The WMI is essential for vehicle identification purposes, offering a standardized method to identify the vehicle’s make and manufacturing location, which is crucial for registration, titling, and legal functions. This coding system provides an invaluable tool for automotive industries and regulatory bodies worldwide, ensuring a consistent way to track vehicles from manufacture to end of life.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Volkswagen Beetle

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2010, 2012-2019
• Example VIN: 3VWBF61C1WM037371
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb
• State or Province:
• Country: Mexico

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

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 Beetle 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 Beetle VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1998 Volkswagen Beetle Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Volkswagen Beetle

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

Check your Volkswagen Beetle’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1998 Volkswagen Beetle VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN suggests that the vehicle is from the model year 1998, potentially indicating its age and historical significance.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN provides details about the engine, which is manufactured by Volkswagen with a displacement of 1984 CC (1.984 L). It is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine delivering 115 horsepower, showcasing the car’s potential performance abilities.
• Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which can have an impact on its fuel efficiency and environmental footprint.
• Body Class and Doors: According to the VIN, the vehicle falls under the Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback body class with 2 doors, shedding light on its design and functionality.
• Safety Features: Safety features listed in the VIN data include front airbags for both the driver and passenger, as well as side airbags in the 1st row, highlighting the vehicle’s focus on occupant protection.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN indicates that the car was assembled in Puebla, Mexico, offering insight into the geographical origins of its manufacturing process.
• Model and Vehicle Type: The VIN identifies the vehicle as a 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, categorized as a Passenger Car, providing a quick overview of its make, model, and intended use.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Volkswagen Beetle

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