This gives a description of the model as designated by the manufacturer, e.g. The next six digits represent the vehicle descriptor section (VDS).WMI numbers are the same across the world. This shows who the car was built by, e.g. The first three digits represent the world manufacturer identifier (WMI).Here, we look at what a VIN number can tell you about your car. The number is 17 digits long, made up of numbers and letters, and consists of three specific parts which give information about the car. VIN numbers were introduced in 1983 and are used globally as a means of identifying a vehicle. This acts like a fingerprint, carrying specific details about the vehicle, and no two VINs are the same.

What is a VIN and What Can It Tell You About Your Car?Īll cars registered in the UK have a unique vehicle identification number.

What is a VIN and What Can It Tell You About Your Car?.

In this guide, we tell you where to find the VIN on your car, what the number means, and how you can decode it to find out more about your vehicle. To find your car’s engine type, you’ll need its vehicle identification number (VIN). It’s also interesting to see how much horsepower and torque its capable of, as individual engines can vary from the figures quoted by the manufacturer. Knowing what sort of engine your car has can make it easier to find the parts you need to keep it running at its best.

You know your car’s make, model and registration, but what if you need more specific details, like its engine type?

Volkswagen engine serial number lookup