Free 1990 Volkswagen Golf VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1990 Volkswagen Golf VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1990 Volkswagen Golf VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or three-digit code assigned to automakers globally, essentially serving as the first part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that indicates the vehicle’s manufacturer, make, and country of origin. For example, Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV, the manufacturer of Volkswagen vehicles, uses the WMI “3VW” for certain models of the Volkswagen Golf produced between 1989 and 1991, among other years. This particular WMI indicates that these Volkswagen Golf models were manufactured in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb, Mexico. It’s an essential tool for identifying vehicles, especially during recalls, registrations, and for tracking the vehicle’s history. WMIs are standardized globally, ensuring that each vehicle’s origin and manufacturing details are universally recognized.

List of WMI Codes for a 1990 Volkswagen Golf

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1989-1991, 1996-1999, 2015-2021
• Example VIN: 3VWFA21G0LM026031
• 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 1990 Volkswagen Golf 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 1990 Volkswagen Golf:

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 1990 Volkswagen Golf 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 1990 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1990 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1990 Volkswagen Golf Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1990 Volkswagen Golf

The final 6 characters in a 1990 Volkswagen Golf’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1990 Volkswagen Golf VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN can provide information about the plant country, offering clues about the production origin of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN may detail engine specifics, such as configuration and horsepower range, which are crucial for understanding performance capabilities.
• Body Type and Number of Doors: The VIN can reveal the body class and the number of doors, highlighting the vehicle’s design and practical features.
• Safety Features: Information about safety equipment, such as seat belt type and the presence of a passive restraint system, can be inferred from the VIN.
• Weight Classification: The VIN may indicate the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, providing insight into potential licensing, taxation, and usage limitations.
• Vehicle Identification: The VIN is unique to the specific vehicle, showcasing that it can offer a detailed look into a vehicle’s specs, history, and authenticity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1990 Volkswagen Golf

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