A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufactured. The VIN serves as an identification number for the vehicle and provides a wealth of information about the car.
The VIN is a 17-character combination of letters and numbers. Each position in the VIN provides specifics on the vehicle, such as model, model year, plant location, and more. With a VIN decoder, individuals can learn everything about a vehicle’s mechanical details and origins.
Understanding how to read and decode a VIN is an invaluable skill for any automotive enthusiast. The VIN reveals key details that cannot be obtained anywhere else, essentially providing the vehicle’s fingerprint. For owners, decoding the VIN enables confirming that all parts match the car as originally built. For buyers, it assists in identifying red flags and verifying the vehicle’s history before purchasing, including aspects like Audi price history.
Audi VIN Structure
The vehicle identification number (VIN) for all Audi models consists of 17 characters that provide specific details about that vehicle.
The VIN contains important information about the vehicle, including:
Length – All Audi VINs are 17 characters long. This is the standard length for all vehicles conforming to modern VIN specifications.
Format – The VIN is comprised of both letters and numbers. The first three characters identify the manufacturer and vehicle type. The fourth through eighth positions provide details like the engine and model. The remaining characters include the model year, manufacturing plant, and a unique serial number.
Meaning of Each Position – Here is what each of the 17 positions in an Audi VIN represents:
1st – Region
2nd – Manufacturer
3rd – Vehicle type
4th – Body style, engine and transmission
5th – Restraint system
6th – Model Series
7th – Platform
8th – Engine
9th – Check digit
10th – Model year
11th – Assembly plant
12th-17th – Production sequence number
In summary, the VIN format provides in-depth information about the vehicle if you know how to decode each position. This standard 17-character structure was implemented by Audi and other manufacturers to allow for universal vehicle identification. For example, Audi VIN decoding reveals crucial details about the vehicle’s specifications, manufacturing location, and more.
World Manufacturer Identifier
The first 3 digits of an Audi VIN number represent the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). This identifies the country, region, and specific manufacturer of the vehicle.
For Audi vehicles, the WMI is always WAU. This breaks down as follows:
- W – Germany, where Audi vehicles are manufactured
- A – Audi brand
- U – Auto Union AG, the automaker that later became the Audi company
So WAU will identify any vehicle as being produced by Audi AG in Germany. This is consistent across all Audi models, from the A3 to the R8.
The WMI is a standard system used globally by all vehicle manufacturers. It allows anyone to instantly recognize the country of origin and brand for a vehicle just by looking at the first 3 digits. Along with the rest of the VIN, it provides a clear way to trace the manufacturer and engineering history of each unique car.
Vehicle Attributes (Digits 4-8)
The middle portion of Audi VINs contains key information about the vehicle’s attributes like model, body style, engine type, and more. This section contains 5 digits:
Digit 4 – Model
This digit identifies the model or name of the Audi vehicle. Some examples include:
- A4
- A5
- A6
- A7
- Q3
- Q5
Digit 5 – Body Style
The 5th digit denotes the vehicle’s body style such as sedan, wagon, SUV, coupe, or convertible.
Digit 6 – Series
This digit specifies the series level which indicates options and features included. Higher numbers represent higher trim levels.
Digit 7 – Restraint System
The 7th digit describes the type of restraint system in the Audi model – whether it has airbags or automatic seatbelts.
Digit 8 – Engine Type
The engine type is designated by the 8th digit – 6 cylinders, 5 cylinders, hybrid, electric, etc. This helps identify the power and performance of the engine.
By decoding digits 4-8 in the VIN, you can learn key details about the vehicle’s attributes to determine the specific Audi model, body type, features, and powertrain. This data provides valuable information for owners, dealers, and auto professionals.
Plant Code
The 9th digit of the VIN represents the plant or factory code where the vehicle was manufactured. This is an important part of decoding the origins of an Audi vehicle.
For Audi vehicles, the plant code tells you where in the world the car was assembled:
- J = Germany
- K = Germany
- L = Germany
- S = Germany
- 8 = Germany
- 1 = Belgium
- 3 = Spain
- V = Slovakia
- 4 = Indonesia
- 5 = Mexico
- 7 = Hungary
For example, if the 9th digit is “K”, that means the Audi was manufactured at the Neckarsulm plant in Germany. “L” would indicate the Ingolstadt factory in Germany.
Knowing the plant code helps identify not only the factory location but also provides clues into the vehicle’s production specifications. Certain factories were set up to produce only specific models.
The plant code is useful for validating the vehicle’s VIN during the decoding process. Since plants stamp their own codes, the production location should match where that model type was assembled at the time.
Production Sequence
Positions 10-17 in an Audi VIN represent the vehicle’s production sequence. This is an alphanumeric code assigned sequentially as each car is built.
The first number indicates the model year of the car. For example, a “D” represents a 2013 model year, and an “E” is for a 2014 model year. The remaining numbers and letters continue counting up in sequence.
So a VIN that reads “DD100123” was produced earlier in the 2013 model year than “DD500123”. The larger production number indicates the car came off the assembly line later in that model year.
This sequence number restarts at the beginning of each new model year. So the first Audi produced for 2014 would begin with “E0000001” after the previous year topped out around “D9999999”.
Tracking the production sequence helps determine if you have an early or late-built vehicle for that model year. There can sometimes be changes made mid-year, so this provides insight into potential variations between cars of the same model year.
The sequence also indicates the overall volume of cars produced. A higher number means more cars were built that year before yours rolled off the line.
In summary, the production sequence in an Audi VIN reveals both the manufacturing sequence for that specific model year as well as the model year itself. Decoding this code provides useful context into your vehicle’s place in the production timeline.
