Mini VIN decoder

What is a Mini VIN?

A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-character combination that makes every vehicle unique. It works like a personal identification number and is necessary for registering a vehicle, passing an MOT, or checking its history.

The current VIN format became standard in 1981, requiring most car manufacturers to implement it. However, Mini had still been using their old 15-character VIN format up until the 1990s; therefore, only then did all new Mini cars receive the current-format VIN.

The history of this company began in 1959 when it introduced the first Mini. The compact car quickly became an icon of British motoring with its space-efficient design, efficient engine, and funky characteristics. Over the years, it underwent several transformations but maintained its iconic styling and popularity. Today, the Mini brand is owned by BMW and continues to produce a range of stylish and compact cars while preserving its legendary heritage.

Where to search for the VIN?

A vehicle’s VIN number is located in multiple places and can depend on the brand. However, there are specific common locations where the VIN is usually found in most vehicles.

Here’s where you can find them on a Mini:

• On the dashboard near the windshield
• Driver’s or passenger’s side door pillar
• In the engine bay, next to the shock absorber
• On the hood slam panel

Remember that a VIN plays an important role in a car’s ownership. It should be printed on a tamper-proof sticker or stamped into metal. Make sure the numbers in each location match, and there are no signs of tampering.

What is Mini VIN decoder?

One of the most important things about VIN numbers is that they can provide essential information about the car’s past. Once you have the VIN number of your vehicle or car you want to buy, you can perform a VIN lookup using a VIN decoder to find out about mileage rollbacks, damage records, changes of ownership, and other historical facts.

Our Mini VIN decoder is easy to use – all you need to do is enter the car’s VIN, and we’ll do the rest for you.

How accurate is the information provided by the Mini VIN decoder?

carVertical’s Mini VIN decoder collects information from various reliable sources, such as governmental registries, vehicle inspection centers, law enforcement databases, dealerships, and insurance companies. Information provided in vehicle history reports is always up-to-date and legitimate, therefore, it’s a great way to evaluate a car when buying it or provide more information when selling.

On rare occasions, databases don’t have data about particular cars, and our reports appear a bit scarce. However, if a full history report provides little to no information, you’ll get your spent credits back automatically.

How to decode a VIN number - Mini VIN breakdown

VIN numbers are divided into 4 main sections: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), Check Digit, and Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS).

While the Check Digit section consists of a single number and is used for security, characters in other sections hold such information as model, body style, year of manufacture, etc. However, different car makers choose different meanings for each letter and number.

Although it’s much faster and easier with a VIN decoder, you can decode a car’s VIN manually if you know what each character means. This can help you make a few quick insights about the car.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The first 3 characters of a VIN number create a WMI section. The 1st character reveals the country of origin, which is almost always W (the United Kingdom). The 2nd character shows the manufacturer, which is always M (Mini). Finally, the 3rd character represents the type of car, which is usually either W or Z. So, the most common MINI WMIs are WMW and WMZ.

Older Minis may have different WMI sections. For instance, SAX was popular in the 1990s, meaning that the car was manufactured by MG-Rover.

Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

The second section (VDS) consists of 5 characters, revealing information about the car’s model, engine, body style, and safety features. For instance, each body type and trim has its own representing character in a VIN number, helping you understand if the VIN is legitimate.

You can also check the following (6th) character to make sure the engine type is right: 3 represents gasoline engines, while 1 is for diesel.

The 7th character is also worth checking, as it reveals whether the car was manufactured as left-hand-drive (1 or 3) or right-hand-drive (2).

Security Check Digit

The 9th character of a VIN is a Check Digit, which helps verify the legitimacy of the VIN. The number varies in different VINs because it’s a result of the special U.S. Department of Transportation formula that uses all remaining VIN characters. The check digit won’t be the same if one or more characters of the VIN are changed.

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

The last section has 8 characters, but the most important is the 10th character, as it lets you reveal the model year at a glance.

Here’s what model years each character represents:

The last 6 characters are always digits, forming a sequential production number.

Is a Mini VIN decoder available for a free VIN check?

Mini VIN decoder is free if you want to learn a car’s model, specs, and other basic information. However, if you want to uncover a car’s history, you’ll have to buy a full history report.

They aren’t free because raw data is taken from various sources, processed, and provided in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

List of Mini models

• MINI Clubman
• MINI Convertible
• MINI Hardtop
• MINI Countryman
• MINI SE Countryman
• MINI Cooper
• MINI Cooper S
• MINI Coupe
• MINI Paceman
• MINI Roadster
• MINI One
• MINI John Cooper Works GP

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