I'm sure this has been covered, but I'm looking for what every digit of the VIN stands for. Specifically, I'd like to know which digit stores the build month. Surprisingly, the 5th gen FAQ and search didn't help. Anyone?

This is what I've hunted down so far:

Look in the engine bay at the firewall. There should be a metal plate with your VIN number stamped on it. Below the VIN number on the plate is another number. It should be something like this:

BLJULTYA33EUA-----

Here's a breakdown of what that code means:

B = Sedan
LJ = Engine (see below)
U = 2WD Axle
L = Left Hand Drive
T = Trim Level (see below)
A = Transmission Type (see below)
A33 = Car Model
E = EGI Intake
N = Emissions Type (see below)
A = Seating Capacity

The options for LJ are:
LH = VQ30DE
LJ = VQ35DE

The options for T are:
B = GXE
E = GXEL
G = GLE
T = SE, SES
V = SES, SEL

The options for Y are:
A = Automatic
F = Manual with LSD
Y = Manual without LSD

The options for N are:
U = Federal Emissions
V = California Emissions

 

Mods should add this thread to the FAQ once someone answers

 

subscribed

 

i believe you can get the build month if you do a carfax report.

 

I browsed my Carfax. No dice. It lists the day it was first registered, but no build date.

 

http://www.courtesyparts.com/specs/vin.html

 

have you looked on the actual car itself? there should be a sticker on the bottom of the pillar in between the two doors. from what i remember mine had the month and year it was manufactured in.

 

subscribing

 

Not sure on the 03 but on my 1995 the build month is in the inner door area. Wow, in fact, she turned 10yrs this month.

 

open your driver's side door. Look at the little sticker inside on the door area underneath the latch on the frame of the car

the build date is there

 

found this for the digits 14-18 from build date June 2001- apr 2002

14 N/A

15 Seat Heater - E
Cold - A
Both - F

16 Sunroof w/Map Lamp - A
Spare Tire - B
Both - F

17 Bose Audio w/7-spkers - A
Navigation System - C

18 Side airbag - A
TCS - B
LSD - E
Side Air + Tcs - C
LSD + Side Air - F

 

Housecor-

Yet again, you are da man! Thanks for the info!

 

so is theres no way to tell just from the vin if its a cali or fed spec car? about to buy one for my girlfriend and was curious before we drove 5 hours to pick it up.

 

REPOST from the time of Jesus