Decoding Porsche VIN Numbers
08-10-2006, 12:34 AM
#1
Decoding Porsche VIN Numbers
Can anyone point me to a resource that describes the significance of each of the 17 digit VIN numbers for 1990 and older 911's?
I am aware of http://p-car.com/vin.html, but I don't think this info is entirely accurate in digits 4-6, and 13-17.
Any help would be appreciated!
I am aware of http://p-car.com/vin.html, but I don't think this info is entirely accurate in digits 4-6, and 13-17.
Any help would be appreciated!
08-10-2006, 11:18 AM
#2
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08-11-2006, 12:39 AM
#3
just tried it, and it is helpful. I guess I could figure out the code if I put in VIN numbers of various 911 derivatives, but I was hoping that someone has already done that legwork.
08-11-2006, 01:26 PM
#4
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Code:
DIGIT: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
EXAMPLE: W P O Z Z Z 9 1 Z K S 1 0 0 1 2 5
=== = = = =============
! ! ! ! !
VEHICLE TYPE 1ST+2ND DIGIT----------------+ ! ! ! !
! ! ! !
MODEL YEAR----------------------------------------+ ! ! !
! ! !
MANUFACTURING LOCATION--------------------------------+ ! !
! !
VEHICLE TYPE 3RD DIGIT------------------------------------+ !
!
SERIAL NUMBER-------------------------------------------------------+
08-11-2006, 04:50 PM
#5
Jason,
I don't have this thing at all figured out, but my research is showing that digits 4-6 pertain to the USA/Canadian market. The designation of "WPOZZZ" means a "Rest of World" car, that is, not a USA car.
Digit 4 is apparently "USA/Canada Body Type" and can be A= coupe or B= cab (I'm not sure what Targa is; maybe C?). But Randy Leffingwell's book "Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide" on p.129 claims that "WPOJ" means a Canadian car, which doesn't seem correct.
Digit 5 seems to be "USA/Canada Engine Type" but apparently B= Turbo or "B" can also signify something else that applies to Cayman's, Cayennes, and Boxsters.
Digit 6 seems to be USA/Canada Restraint System, where 2= Driver & passenger airbags, and 0= No airbags, so presumably 1= Driver airbag only?
Digit 13 seems to be a Body/Engine code, which 2=Coupe, and 5= Cab or Turbo or Turbo S slant-nose.
So basically, I'm just wondering what the option lists are for each of those digits so that I can correctly interpret any Porsche VIN I come across, particularly 911 VIN's.
Any light you or anyone else can shed would be appreciated.
I don't have this thing at all figured out, but my research is showing that digits 4-6 pertain to the USA/Canadian market. The designation of "WPOZZZ" means a "Rest of World" car, that is, not a USA car.
Digit 4 is apparently "USA/Canada Body Type" and can be A= coupe or B= cab (I'm not sure what Targa is; maybe C?). But Randy Leffingwell's book "Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide" on p.129 claims that "WPOJ" means a Canadian car, which doesn't seem correct.
Digit 5 seems to be "USA/Canada Engine Type" but apparently B= Turbo or "B" can also signify something else that applies to Cayman's, Cayennes, and Boxsters.
Digit 6 seems to be USA/Canada Restraint System, where 2= Driver & passenger airbags, and 0= No airbags, so presumably 1= Driver airbag only?
Digit 13 seems to be a Body/Engine code, which 2=Coupe, and 5= Cab or Turbo or Turbo S slant-nose.
So basically, I'm just wondering what the option lists are for each of those digits so that I can correctly interpret any Porsche VIN I come across, particularly 911 VIN's.
Any light you or anyone else can shed would be appreciated.
08-11-2006, 05:26 PM
#6
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First of all Porsche used three different Vehicle Identification systems. 1964-1979 (all number system), 1980 (interim 10-digit system) and the 17 digit VIN was introduced in model year 1981 for the 911SC and 928 with a ROW and USA market system. US market includes Canada.
Unfortunately Porsche did not stick to using the same decode for each series.
To give you an example based on what you have written above using the 4th digit in a USA market VIN for the 964 series.
A = Coupe
B = Targa
C = Cabriolet
This worked until the 993 when the new Targa was introduced and B became D.
Using the 5th digit for the 964 series.
A = 3.3 litre turbocharged engine.
B = Normally aspirated engine.
C = 3.6 litre turbocharged engine.
For the 993
A = Normally aspirated engine
C = Turbocharged.
The claim that WP0J is a Canadian model is incorrect.
Digit 6
1 = nothing, has never been used.
0 = Seat belts only
2 = Seat belts and airbags. This designation has only been used for the USA market and no 911 was delivered to the USA with only a driver's side airbag.
The Canadian models of the 964 for model year 1990 imported without airbags used 0.
Digit 13, very unreliable to say what this means. It varied even within a series.
So to answer your question you need to go and purchase the books written on each individual series and make up your own 911 decode.
Beware some books have neglected to note the change of the Targa from B to D for the 993.
Oh yes my source; Porsche AG records.
Ciao,
Adrian.
PS: You may occassionally see a VIN like WP0ABZ. This means that the 911 was built to US specs, but cannot be imported into the USA.
Unfortunately Porsche did not stick to using the same decode for each series.
To give you an example based on what you have written above using the 4th digit in a USA market VIN for the 964 series.
A = Coupe
B = Targa
C = Cabriolet
This worked until the 993 when the new Targa was introduced and B became D.
Using the 5th digit for the 964 series.
A = 3.3 litre turbocharged engine.
B = Normally aspirated engine.
C = 3.6 litre turbocharged engine.
For the 993
A = Normally aspirated engine
C = Turbocharged.
The claim that WP0J is a Canadian model is incorrect.
Digit 6
1 = nothing, has never been used.
0 = Seat belts only
2 = Seat belts and airbags. This designation has only been used for the USA market and no 911 was delivered to the USA with only a driver's side airbag.
The Canadian models of the 964 for model year 1990 imported without airbags used 0.
Digit 13, very unreliable to say what this means. It varied even within a series.
So to answer your question you need to go and purchase the books written on each individual series and make up your own 911 decode.
Beware some books have neglected to note the change of the Targa from B to D for the 993.
Oh yes my source; Porsche AG records.
Ciao,
Adrian.
PS: You may occassionally see a VIN like WP0ABZ. This means that the 911 was built to US specs, but cannot be imported into the USA.
09-11-2006, 02:08 PM
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What if my VIN is only 10 digits long? On a 77 911. I am trying to get info on the car, but when I took down the VIN it is only 10 digits. Non US model I believe.
9117310175
9117310175
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09-11-2006, 05:07 PM
#8
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Code:
DIGIT: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EXAMPLE: 9 1 1 7 3 1 0 1 7 5
===== = = =========
! ! ! !
VEHICLE TYPE--------------------------+ ! ! !
! ! !
MODEL YEAR----------------------------------+ ! !
! !
CODE FOR BODY AND ENGINE------------------------+ !
!
SERIAL NUMBER-------------------------------------------+
Code:
911 COUPE 77 7 91173 00001>> 911.81/911.86 SPM 911 TARGA 77 7 91173 10001>> 911.81/911.86 SPM 911 CARRERA COUPE 77 7 91176 00001>> 930.02/930.12 SPM 911 CARRERA TARGA 77 7 91176 10001>> 930.02/930.12 SPM 911S COUPE (USA)(CDN) 77 7 91172 00001>> 911.85/911.90 SPM 911S TARGA (USA)(CDN) 77 7 91172 10001>> 911.85/911.90 SPM 911S COUPE (J) 77 7 91173 00001>> 911.94/911.99 SPM 911S TARGA (J) 77 7 91173 10001>> 911.94/911.99 SPM
09-11-2006, 05:17 PM
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So I see that it is the 911S TARGA (J) 77 7 91173 10001>> 911.94/911.99 SPM
What I am wondering is what engine came with this car stock? The PO said that it had the 3.0 in it and that it what came with the car straight from the factory. I am just trying to find out if that it true or not. I am thinking that it is not and either the engine is a 2.7 or perhaps it is a 3.0 that the first owner had put in.
What I am wondering is what engine came with this car stock? The PO said that it had the 3.0 in it and that it what came with the car straight from the factory. I am just trying to find out if that it true or not. I am thinking that it is not and either the engine is a 2.7 or perhaps it is a 3.0 that the first owner had put in.
09-11-2006, 05:23 PM
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It could also be
Code:
911 TARGA 77 7 91173 10001>> 911.81/911.86 SPM
Code:
VEHICLE TYPE TYPE MJ ENGINE-NO. TECHNICAL DATA 911 911.81 77 7 637 0001>> 6ZYL/2,7L/121KW 911 SPM 911.86 77 7 637 9001>> 6ZYL/2,7L/121KW
09-11-2006, 05:25 PM
#11
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Originally Posted by jdogporsche
I am thinking that it is not and either the engine is a 2.7 or perhaps it is a 3.0 that the first owner had put in.
Code:
EXAMPLE: 6 3 7 0 2 5 3
= = = =======
! ! ! !
ENGINE TYPE (4 = 4-CYL.-ENGINE)------------------+ ! ! !
(6 = 6-CYL.-ENGINE)------------------+ ! ! !
! ! !
ENGINE VERSION-------------------------------------+ ! !
! !
MODEL YEAR-------------------------------------------+ !
!
SERIAL NUMBER-----------------------------------------------+
Code:
911 CARRERA 3.0 930.02 77 7 667 0001>> 6ZYL/3,0L/147KW 911 CARRERA 3.0 SPM 930.12 77 7 667 9001>> 6ZYL/3,0L/147KW
09-14-2010, 05:09 PM
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VIN number for '79 928
Hey all,
This is my first post, so forgive me if I've trodden on etiquette that I am unaware of....
Adrian - I couldn't sort out how to post to you directly, so I've copied your indepth response to this thread below.
My question is: I have a 928, and I want to figure out who the original owner of the vehicle was- is it possible track this information down with Porsche through the VIN? It seems that sites that cater to VIN history data can't handle the ten digit Porsche number.... The VIN on this particular car is: 9289201803
Thanks a million in advance!
James-Maurice
Original Post by Adrian:
First of all Porsche used three different Vehicle Identification systems. 1964-1979 (all number system), 1980 (interim 10-digit system) and the 17 digit VIN was introduced in model year 1981 for the 911SC and 928 with a ROW and USA market system. US market includes Canada.
Unfortunately Porsche did not stick to using the same decode for each series.
To give you an example based on what you have written above using the 4th digit in a USA market VIN for the 964 series.
A = Coupe
B = Targa
C = Cabriolet
This worked until the 993 when the new Targa was introduced and B became D.
Using the 5th digit for the 964 series.
A = 3.3 litre turbocharged engine.
B = Normally aspirated engine.
C = 3.6 litre turbocharged engine.
For the 993
A = Normally aspirated engine
C = Turbocharged.
The claim that WP0J is a Canadian model is incorrect.
Digit 6
1 = nothing, has never been used.
0 = Seat belts only
2 = Seat belts and airbags. This designation has only been used for the USA market and no 911 was delivered to the USA with only a driver's side airbag.
The Canadian models of the 964 for model year 1990 imported without airbags used 0.
Digit 13, very unreliable to say what this means. It varied even within a series.
So to answer your question you need to go and purchase the books written on each individual series and make up your own 911 decode.
Beware some books have neglected to note the change of the Targa from B to D for the 993.
Oh yes my source; Porsche AG records.
Ciao,
Adrian.
PS: You may occassionally see a VIN like WP0ABZ. This means that the 911 was built to US specs, but cannot be imported into the USA.[/I]
This is my first post, so forgive me if I've trodden on etiquette that I am unaware of....
Adrian - I couldn't sort out how to post to you directly, so I've copied your indepth response to this thread below.
My question is: I have a 928, and I want to figure out who the original owner of the vehicle was- is it possible track this information down with Porsche through the VIN? It seems that sites that cater to VIN history data can't handle the ten digit Porsche number.... The VIN on this particular car is: 9289201803
Thanks a million in advance!
James-Maurice
Original Post by Adrian:
First of all Porsche used three different Vehicle Identification systems. 1964-1979 (all number system), 1980 (interim 10-digit system) and the 17 digit VIN was introduced in model year 1981 for the 911SC and 928 with a ROW and USA market system. US market includes Canada.
Unfortunately Porsche did not stick to using the same decode for each series.
To give you an example based on what you have written above using the 4th digit in a USA market VIN for the 964 series.
A = Coupe
B = Targa
C = Cabriolet
This worked until the 993 when the new Targa was introduced and B became D.
Using the 5th digit for the 964 series.
A = 3.3 litre turbocharged engine.
B = Normally aspirated engine.
C = 3.6 litre turbocharged engine.
For the 993
A = Normally aspirated engine
C = Turbocharged.
The claim that WP0J is a Canadian model is incorrect.
Digit 6
1 = nothing, has never been used.
0 = Seat belts only
2 = Seat belts and airbags. This designation has only been used for the USA market and no 911 was delivered to the USA with only a driver's side airbag.
The Canadian models of the 964 for model year 1990 imported without airbags used 0.
Digit 13, very unreliable to say what this means. It varied even within a series.
So to answer your question you need to go and purchase the books written on each individual series and make up your own 911 decode.
Beware some books have neglected to note the change of the Targa from B to D for the 993.
Oh yes my source; Porsche AG records.
Ciao,
Adrian.
PS: You may occassionally see a VIN like WP0ABZ. This means that the 911 was built to US specs, but cannot be imported into the USA.[/I]
01-18-2012, 04:27 AM
#14
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To understand all the Porsche chassis number systems, the 5-digit, 6-digit, 8-digit, 9-digit, 10-digit and 17-digit, please click here:
http://stuttcars.com/technical/vin-decoder
08-30-2015, 02:57 AM
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Hi Jason, I'm trying to make sense out of my VIN & engine # and no luck. Is it weird that my car only has 12 digits (080125241182 )? & I've got no clue what's going on with the engine code (63D1063). Would somebody mind helping me out with these numbers as I would like to know more about the car I've purchased. Thank you very much in advance.
