Opel VIN Decoder
Enter an Opel VIN number into our Opel VIN decoder to learn about the car’s full details. Check the model, gears, colour, engine, and more. Upgrade to check the history, to be sure a used vehicle is safe, and worth your money.
- Lowest price check
- Great Customers Review
- Fast and Accurate
- Lowest price check
- Great Customers Review
- Fast and Accurate
What is an Opel VIN Decoder?
An Opel VIN decoder is an easy online tool that helps you learn more about your car. By entering an Opel VIN number, you can see details like the year, make, model, year, engine, colour, trim, and more in seconds.
It helps you check if the car’s information is real and matches what the seller says. This is very helpful when buying or selling a used Opel because it can protect you from hidden damage, mileage discrepancy, inheriting outstanding debt, or buying cars that may have been stolen.
How to Decode an Opel VIN Number?
An Opel VIN number is a special 17-character code that makes every car unique. The letters I, O, and Q are not used because they can be mistaken for numbers 1 and 0. Each part of the VIN shares important details, like who made the car, where it was built, its model, engine, and other key features.
The VIN structure is made up of three key sections:
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): Characters 1 to 3
The first three characters show where and by whom your Opel was made. For example, W0L means it was built by Opel in Europe. The first letter shows the country (like “W” for Germany), the second shows the manufacturer (Opel), and the third shows the vehicle type. Here are some of the possible characters:
- W = Germany (country of origin)
- 0 = Opel (manufacturer)
- L = Passenger car type
Second Section: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
The next six characters (4 to 9) describe the car’s main details. This includes the model type, engine size, body style, transmission, and sometimes safety features such as airbags or seatbelts.
This section helps you know what’s inside the car and what kind of performance or comfort features it has. It also helps match the car’s real specifications to what’s written in the advert or logbook. Some examples include:
- Model type: e.g. Astra, Corsa, or Insignia
- Engine type: e.g. 1.4L petrol or 1.6L diesel
- Body style: e.g. hatchback or sedan
Transmission: e.g. manual or automatic
Section 3: Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)
The last eight characters (10 to 17) are what make your Opel truly unique. They include the year it was made, the plant or factory code, and a serial number that’s like your car’s fingerprint. No two Opels share the same VIS. It helps track the car’s full history, such as MOT results, recalls, and past ownership.
- 10th Character: This provides information about the model year. The table below can help you easily identify the model year
Code/Year
- A 1980
- B 1981
- C 1982
- D 1983
- E 1984
- F 1985
- G 1986
- H 1987
- J 1988
- K 1989
Code/Year
- L 1990
- M 1991
- N 1992
- P 1993
- R 1994
- S 1995
- T 1996
- V 1997
- W 1998
- X 1999
Code/Year
- Y 2000
- 1 2001
- 2 2002
- 3 2003
- 4 2004
- 5 2005
- 6 2006
- 7 2007
- 8 2008
- 9 2009
Code/Year
- A 2010
- B 2011
- C 2012
- D 2013
- E 2014
- F 2015
- G 2016
- H 2017
- J 2018
- K 2019
Code/Year
- L 2020
- M 2021
- N 2022
- P 2023
- R 2024
- S 2025
- T 2026
- V 2027
- W 2028
- X 2029
Code/Year
- A 1980
- B 1981
- C 1982
- D 1983
- E 1984
- F 1985
- G 1986
- H 1987
- J 1988
- K 1989
- L 1990
- M 1991
- N 1992
- P 1993
- R 1994
- S 1995
- T 1996
- V 1997
- W 1998
- X 1999
- Y 2000
- 1 2001
- 2 2002
- 3 2003
- 4 2004
Code/Year
- 5 2005
- 6 2006
- 7 2007
- 8 2008
- 9 2009
- A 2010
- B 2011
- C 2012
- D 2013
- E 2014
- F 2015
- G 2016
- H 2017
- J 2018
- K 2019
- L 2020
- M 2021
- N 2022
- P 2023
- R 2024
- S 2025
- T 2026
- V 2027
- W 2028
- X 2029
- 11th Character: The eleventh character, plant code, indicates the assembly plant. Opel has the following manufacturing plants:
- Rüsselsheim am Main, Germany: Assembly plant for models like the Opel Astra.
- Eisenach, Germany: Manufacturing plant for the Opel Grandland.
- Figueruelas (Zaragoza), Spain: Produces models like the Corsa and Crossland.
- Luton, UK: Manufactures the Vivaro van and related commercial vehicles
- 12th to 17th Characters: These characters make up the unique sequential number (serial number) of the Opel. This number doesn’t mean anything special other than the production number when the car was rolled out of the factory.
How to Run an Opel VIN Number Check
Follow these simple steps use our free VIN decoder or upgrade for a full car history check::
Step 1: Enter the VIN
Type the 17-character VIN into the form above. Make sure all characters are entered correctly.
Step 2: Click “Decode VIN”
Click “Decode VIN” for a free VIN decoding, which reveals the vehicle’s details in seconds. These include the year, make, model, engine, colour, gears, MOT and tax status, and more.
Step 3: Get Full Car Check Report
Our Opel VIN decoder UK gives you instant access to all the important vehicle details. You can get the full car history report to check mileage, outstanding finance, theft, MOT history, previous keepers, and more, for an informed buying decision.
Where Can I Find My Opel VIN Number?
Your Opel’s VIN is like its special ID number, and you can find it in several places on the car. It is a 17-character code that tells the car’s full story.
- Front windscreen (driver’s side): Look at the bottom left corner from outside the car.
- Inside the driver’s door frame (driver’s side): Look for a sticker or metal plate that usually shows the VIN.
- Under the bonnet (engine bay): Check near the firewall or on the engine.
Official Documents: Your V5C logbook, MOT certificate, or insurance documents all list the Opel VIN number.
Why Do I Need to Run an Opel VIN Number Check?
No one wants to buy a car that turns out to be a problem. To stay safe, use a VIN check to learn the car’s history. Here’s why it’s important:
See Previous Keepers
An Opel VIN decoder shows how many people owned the Opel before you buy it. This helps you see how the car was used and cared for. It gives clues about its condition, maintenance history, and whether it is a reliable car to buy.
Checks Original Parts and Features
An Opel VIN check can tell you if the Opel has all its original parts or if anything has been changed. This helps you know the car is safe, works well, and has the features the seller promised.
Confirms Model Year and Original Details
A VIN check shows the car’s exact model year and the original colour, transmission, and more. This helps you make sure the Opel is what the seller says it is and prevents mistakes when buying or selling the car.
Tracks Opel Recall History
The car check report can show if the Opel has any safety recalls that were not fixed. This keeps you safe by showing if important repairs, like airbags, brakes, or other safety features, were completed.
Identifies Import or Export History
Our paid Opel VIN decoder tells if the Opel came from another country or was sent abroad. Cars from other countries may have different parts or documents, so this helps you avoid problems with registration or repairs later.
Protects Against Fraud
The VIN number check confirms the accuracy of the Opel VIN, logbook history and important registration dates. This helps you avoid fake documents, cloned cars, or scams. It gives peace of mind and ensures that you are buying a real and legal vehicle.
Free Opel VIN Decoding Vs. Full Car Check
You can choose between our free VIN decoder or a full paid car check. The full car check is best if you are buying a used Opel and want all the details.
Free VIN Decoding
Our free Opel VIN decoder shows basic information about your car, like the model, year, engine, transmission, trim, and more. It’s perfect for a quick check to learn the main details about the car.
Below is everything you can access with our free VIN decoder.
Year
Body style
Colour
Gears
Make
Trim level
Engine size
Fuel type
Model
Transmission
Engine cylinders
Displacement
Vehicle type
Vehicle class
Engine specs
Emission standard
Number of doors
Number of seats
Displacement
Emissions
Full Car Check Service
See the full history of an Opel with our complete car check. It shows MOT records, past accidents or write-offs, theft status, finance details, and more. Our premium VIN check report reveals the following vital records:
High-risk records
Written-off check
Stolen records
Outstanding finance
Mileage history
Scrapped records
Auction history
Plate change history
MOT history
Ownership records
Logbook checks
Colour change history
Tax Status
Imported checks
Exported checks
Vehicle Registration
Interesting Fact About Opel History
The joy of getting a used car can quickly fade if you discover any hidden problems later. Here are some key reasons why you should always get a full car history report:
Founded in 1862
Founded in 1862: Opel, founded by Adam Opel, started in Germany as a sewing machine company. He quickly became known for quality craftsmanship, laying the foundation for a brand that would later become a global car maker.
First car in 1899
Opel built its first automobile in 1899, entering the growing car industry. This small step marked the start of Opel’s journey from machines to motor vehicles.
1920s – Germany’s largest car maker
By the 1920s, Opel became the top car producer in Germany. Their cars were reliable, affordable, and popular, helping ordinary people own cars for the first time.
Famous models
The Kadett, Astra, and Corsa are some of Opel’s best-known cars. They are celebrated for safety, performance, and comfort, making them favourites for families and drivers worldwide.
Other Smart Car Check Tools
We provide a range of vehicle check tools to ensure complete and accurate information is delivered to you within seconds. You can explore our additional tools below:
Registration Number Check
Retrieve vehicle details using the registration number.
MOT History Check
Access past MOT records to evaluate the car’s condition.
Insurance Write-Off Check
Identify vehicles previously classified as total losses.
Tax Check
Confirm tax status and compliance.
Stolen Car Check
Verify if the car is flagged as stolen in databases.
MPG Check
Determine the fuel efficiency and performance of the car.
Motorcycle VIN Check
Get specific data and history for motorcycles.
Car Value Check
Estimate the current market value of the vehicle.
Car Outstanding Finance Check
Verify if a car has an outstanding finance or loans.
Get the Smart Car Check Mobile App
Looking for the best car history check in the UK? Download the Smart Car Check App today. With just a registration number, you can instantly detect hidden history, past problems, or issues the seller won’t mention. Make smarter, safer decisions before buying any vehicle.
FAQs About Opel VIN Decoder
How to check an Opel VIN number?
To check an Opel VIN, find the 17-character code on your car, then enter it into our Opel VIN decoder. This will display details such as the model, year, engine, and any hidden history like theft, finance, write-off, odometer rollback, and more.
How do you read an Opel VIN number?
Every Opel VIN has 17 characters, and each part tells a different story about the car.
- The first three characters are the WMI, showing the car’s maker and country of origin.
- The next six characters are the VDS, which describe the model, engine type, body style, and key features.
The last eight characters are the VIS, showing the production year, factory, and a unique serial number. Reading all three parts gives you the car’s full history and specifications.
How do you check the engine by VIN number?
Our VIN check can show a vehicle’s engine type, size, and specifications. Enter the VIN into our free VIN decoder to understand the exact engine fitted when the car was made.
Can I get the VIN by number plate check?
Yes! Our number plate check reveals the last five digits of the VIN number for compliance purposes. You will also see details like the vehicle’s model, year, colour, transmission, MOT history, and engine type. This check is easy and ensures you don’t need to worry if you don’t have the VIN handy.
