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VIN/Option Code Decoder Program
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From: Muenster, TX
The VDS is the "Vehicle Description Code" found on ROW cars. Supposedly, the factory/country of destination could decode this further for destination-specific options. I believe most of them were related to safety/smog options. I haven't yet found a good source where I can decode these... still looking though.
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From: Muenster, TX
Hey I've wondered about that since I bought my S4 over 2 years ago. It has all the stickers with the interior trim codes but I've never been able to find any decode list on any of otherwise excellent 928 websites, or in books like David Hemming's which lists all other options. I just wanted to know what colour the leather was (linen I think).
The app looks great - thanks for creating such a useful resource. As A Mac user it would be great if you ever get round to porting to OSX, or create a web interface.
The app looks great - thanks for creating such a useful resource. As A Mac user it would be great if you ever get round to porting to OSX, or create a web interface.
I would love to support the Mac... just need to find a neighbor who has one so I can build on it :-) [had to give mine back to the company when i left]. In the mean time, I'll get to work on the web version.
Electron Wrangler
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From: Phoenix AZ
VIN Categories:
Digits 1-3 = WMI - Worldwide Manufacturer Identifier
Digits 4-9 = VDS - Vehicle Descriptor Section
Digits 10-17 = VIS - Vehicle Identifier Section
This is a USA VIN anything found on a ROW car will likely be a subset of this at the manufacturers convenience - there is no worldwide requirement though some countries have specific uniqueness requirements. Most manufacturers use something very similar to the USA VIN worldwide for their own convenience (Porsche does).
The VIN carries very little optional vehicle information - it does cover basic body, engine & safety info - its largely ID & insurance related content.
Lower volume manufacurers like Porsche often uses some further encoding of the VIS digits to indicate more vehicle specific info since they don't need to serialize so many cars by year - this is completely manufacturer specific.
Alan
Digits 1-3 = WMI - Worldwide Manufacturer Identifier
Digits 4-9 = VDS - Vehicle Descriptor Section
Digits 10-17 = VIS - Vehicle Identifier Section
This is a USA VIN anything found on a ROW car will likely be a subset of this at the manufacturers convenience - there is no worldwide requirement though some countries have specific uniqueness requirements. Most manufacturers use something very similar to the USA VIN worldwide for their own convenience (Porsche does).
The VIN carries very little optional vehicle information - it does cover basic body, engine & safety info - its largely ID & insurance related content.
Lower volume manufacurers like Porsche often uses some further encoding of the VIS digits to indicate more vehicle specific info since they don't need to serialize so many cars by year - this is completely manufacturer specific.
Alan
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From: Ashburn, VA
Be careful when entering the VIN that you don't enter the one in the engine bay near the passenger fender. On many (all?) 928's, this is stamped with a ZZZ VIN which is for the non-US cards, presumably because the chassis is interchangeable for all markets. Enter the VIN on your windshield for best results.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: The Evil Empire.
Be careful when entering the VIN that you don't enter the one in the engine bay near the passenger fender. On many (all?) 928's, this is stamped with a ZZZ VIN which is for the non-US cards, presumably because the chassis is interchangeable for all markets. Enter the VIN on your windshield for best results.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 36
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From: ND
Nice program.
Thanks, but where can the option codes be found?
I have heard they are attached to the body panel above the fuel tank.
I cant find anything on this panel in my car "79" US
Is there any place else on the car to look? If not how do you git them, or am I just S.O.L.??
Thanks,
John
Thanks, but where can the option codes be found?
I have heard they are attached to the body panel above the fuel tank.
I cant find anything on this panel in my car "79" US
Is there any place else on the car to look? If not how do you git them, or am I just S.O.L.??
Thanks,
John
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8,004
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From: So Cal
Be careful when entering the VIN that you don't enter the one in the engine bay near the passenger fender. On many (all?) 928's, this is stamped with a ZZZ VIN which is for the non-US cards, presumably because the chassis is interchangeable for all markets. Enter the VIN on your windshield for best results.
928 OB-Wan
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From: Zebulon, NC
Be careful when entering the VIN that you don't enter the one in the engine bay near the passenger fender. On many (all?) 928's, this is stamped with a ZZZ VIN which is for the non-US cards, presumably because the chassis is interchangeable for all markets. Enter the VIN on your windshield for best results.
Thanks, but where can the option codes be found?
I have heard they are attached to the body panel above the fuel tank.
I cant find anything on this panel in my car "79" US
Is there any place else on the car to look? If not how do you git them, or am I just S.O.L.??
Thanks,
John
I have heard they are attached to the body panel above the fuel tank.
I cant find anything on this panel in my car "79" US
Is there any place else on the car to look? If not how do you git them, or am I just S.O.L.??
Thanks,
John
