Free 1996 Volkswagen GTI VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Volkswagen GTI VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Volkswagen GTI VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, comprising the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). WMIs are crucial for distinguishing a vehicle’s make, country of origin, and vehicle type. For instance, a Volkswagen GTI manufactured in 1996 in Mexico by Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV would have a WMI of “3VW”. This code indicates that the vehicle was produced in Mexico (“3”) and identifies the manufacturer as Volkswagen (“VW”), classifying the vehicle as a passenger car. The WMI is an essential tool for tracking, registration, and recall purposes, providing valuable information about the vehicle’s origins and manufacturer at a glance.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Volkswagen GTI

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1996-1998, 2015
• Example VIN: 3VWDA81H6TM132096
• 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 1996 Volkswagen GTI 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 1996 Volkswagen GTI:

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 1996 Volkswagen GTI 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 1996 Volkswagen GTI VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Volkswagen GTI VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Volkswagen GTI Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Volkswagen GTI

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Volkswagen GTI’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Volkswagen GTI’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1996 Volkswagen GTI VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1996, providing insights into the age and potentially the design and technology era of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The engine information is quite detailed, showcasing a 1984 CC (1.98 L) displacement, 115 hp engine output from Volkswagen, with 4 cylinders, illustrating the vehicle’s power and performance characteristics.
• Body Class and Doors: The vehicle is classified as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 2 doors, outlining its design and accessibility features.
• Fuel Type: It uses Gasoline as its primary fuel, indicating the engine’s compatibility and efficiency factors.
• Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, along with detailed restraint system information, emphasizes the vehicle’s focus on safety.
• Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was manufactured in Puebla, Mexico, which can give insights into the regional production specifics and potentially the quality control measures typical for vehicles produced in that area.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Identified within Class 1, which means it has a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), aiding in understanding the vehicle’s size and load capacity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Volkswagen GTI

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