Free Volkswagen Cabrio VIN Decoder

How to decode a Volkswagen Cabrio VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Volkswagen Cabrio VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) forms the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of production, and type. For the Volkswagen Cabrio, two distinct WMIs are used, illustrating changes in manufacturing location and periods. From 1995 to 1996, the WMI WVW identifies Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg, Germany, as the manufacturer of passenger cars. Subsequently, from 1997 to 2002, the WMI transitions to 3VW, indicating the manufacturing shift to Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pue, Mexico. This change not only highlights the Volkswagen Cabrio’s global production footprint but also marks a significant phase in the model’s history.

List of WMI Codes for a Volkswagen Cabrio

WMI: WVW

• Model Years Covered: 1995-1996
• Example VIN: WVWBC81E6SK003369
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Wolfsburg
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2002
• Example VIN: 3VWAA81E0VM805721
• 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 Volkswagen Cabrio 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 Volkswagen Cabrio:

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 Volkswagen Cabrio 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 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN — Year Code

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

Known Volkswagen Cabrio Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Volkswagen Cabrio

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

What info can a Volkswagen Cabrio VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, potentially as the year 2002, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN can provide details about the engine, and in this case, it may show that the engine is made by Volkswagen, with a displacement of 1984 CC (or 1.984 L) and horsepower starting from 115.
• Fuel Type: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle runs on Gasoline, showing the primary fuel type it uses.
• Safety Features: Safety features such as the presence of front airbags in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, along with a side airbag located at the driver’s seat, are possibly specified in the VIN.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN decode may reveal that the vehicle is a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, providing insights into its body style and size.
• Model and Series: Based on the VIN decoding process, the specific model of the vehicle can be identified as the Cabrio, with a series designation of GLX.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN decoding process can reveal manufacturing details, potentially indicating that the vehicle was manufactured in Puebla, Mexico.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Volkswagen Cabrio