The Vehicle Identification Number, a 17-digit alphanumeric code unique to each car since the 1980s, serves not only as an anti-theft measure but also to tell you your car's make, model, year, features and engine type--and even whether it accepts ethanol. In a VW Passat, the VIN number is located on the left side of the dashboard through the windshield.
Interpret the first digit of the VIN as the manufacturing country. W refers to German; 3 means Mexico.
Interpret the second digit as the make. V is for VW.
Interpret the third character as the model. W means car and 2 is multi-purpose vehicle.
Interpret digit 4 as the series:
M-Passat four-door GLS
N-Passat GLS wagon
R-Passat GLS Syncro Wagon
In Canada,
A-Passat four-door GLS
B-Passat GLS wagon
E-Passat GLS Syncro Wagon
F-Passat four-door GLS Syncro
G-Passat four-door GLX Syncro
H-Passat GLX Syncro Wagon
Interpret digit 5 as the engine type:
A-Four-cylinder, 1.8L, gas Passat, 150HP
D-Six-cylinder, 2.8L, gas Passat, 190HP
Interpret digit 6 as the restraint type:
2 or 8-Airbags on driver and passenger side, active seatbelts on driver and passenger side
3 or 6-Front and side airbags on driver and passenger side
4-Front and side airbags on driver and passenger side, side airbags rear passenger
Interpret digits 7 and 8 as the model. For a Passat the code is 3B.
Ignore digit 9. This is what’s called a “check digit,” which is VW’s internal code.
Interpret the 10th digit as the model year. X is for 1999.
Interpret the eleventh digit as the assembly plant:
E-Emden
H-Hannover
M-Mexico
W-Wolfsburg
Interpret the last six digits as the position in the production sequence in which the cars roll off the production line.
