acmw

Hey guys, looking to buy a privately owned 997 and i want to make sure that all the Vins on the title match those on the car , so far i know that there are vins on the door jab, bottom left corner of windshield, and in the front trunk where the battery goes.. any where else i should look?

jhbrennan

That's it.

acmw

thanks! is the one where the battery goes etched like a firewall or a sticker because this one has a sticker.

PJorgen

I'd always heard there were some hidden VINs that only law enforcement knew about. True?

Edgy01

We can't tell you.

acmw

I doubt it ... I wrecked my Sti and bought it from the insurance and parted it out to the bare chassis. Only had 3 vins besides the one on the motor. Dealer said they had hidden vins I didn't find any besides the etching on the window

Macster

The DME should have the vehicle's VIN and deliver it when asked using the right OBD2 tool.

Sincerely,

Macster.

acmw

Thanks for your input , please tell me more about the DME , this is my first time hearing of it .

Macster

DME is German for something motor controller something.

I used DME because most here use DME. I prefer ECU (engine control unit) because this is the term used in all of my OBD2 references.

Regardless of which term one uses DME or ECU what it is is the computer that controls the engine, that is decides when to trigger the fuel injectors to come on and for how long, when to trigger the spark, decides when to advance or retard the ignition timing or the intake valve timing, when to select low intake valve lift, high/full intake valve lift and about a zillion other things.

Among other things though this device can be 'talked' to using the right electronics.

For a start on what I'm talking about look here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-board_diagnostics

Among the various derived and sensor values one can query the DME/ECU for it also retains and supplies upon demand the VIN. (Not all cars support this query but since oh about 2006 or so most cars and their DME/ECU do and I believe all modern Porsches support this query and this includes for instance my 02 Boxster.)

Sincerely,

Macster.

jakes dad

Actually, we CAN tell you but then we have to kill you....

PJorgen

The story of my life...

jhbrennan

If you have access to a Durametric, it also will report the VIN from the ECU.

acmw

Im about to close the purchase of my used car but it has a rebuilt title and want to make sure all vins match but only found 2 the one of the door and dash. I read theres supposed to be one under the battery tray but i cant find it! theres no metal plate , etching or sticker, seems fishy! can someone post a pic as to where its located to make sure im looking in the right place! thanks!

jhbrennan

Not under the battery tray. The picture in the owner's manual shows it in the battery compartment to the left of the battery (as you're facing it - passenger side) maybe on the firewall.

acmw

Thanks man!