How Do I Read the Vin Number on My 1999 VW Passat?

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.

Instructions

1

Interpret the first digit of the VIN as the manufacturing country. W refers to German; 3 means Mexico.

2

Interpret the second digit as the make. V is for VW.

3

Interpret the third character as the model. W means car and 2 is multi-purpose vehicle.

4

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

5

Interpret digit 5 as the engine type:
A-Four-cylinder, 1.8L, gas Passat, 150HP
D-Six-cylinder, 2.8L, gas Passat, 190HP

6

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

7

Interpret digits 7 and 8 as the model. For a Passat the code is 3B.

8

Ignore digit 9. This is whats called a check digit, which is VWs internal code.

9

Interpret the 10th digit as the model year. X is for 1999.

10

Interpret the eleventh digit as the assembly plant:
E-Emden
H-Hannover
M-Mexico
W-Wolfsburg

11

Interpret the last six digits as the position in the production sequence in which the cars roll off the production line.