The BuildVIN blog
Guides on build sheets, window stickers, option codes and decoding your car's factory spec by VIN.
Pick your car's make to jump straight to its guides.
Most read guides
VW PR Codes by VIN: Decode Your Volkswagen Build Sheet
What Volkswagen PR codes are, how to read them, the most common codes from real VW build sheets, and how to get every PR code of your car by VIN in minutes.
Read the guideMercedes-Benz Data Card (Datenkarte): Every Option Code Explained
What the Mercedes-Benz data card (Datenkarte) is, how to read its SA codes and paint code, the most common codes, and how to get yours by VIN in minutes.
Read the guideBMW SA Codes by VIN: Option Code List & Decoder
BMW SA option codes explained: how to read codes like S5ASA and P337A, a list of the most common codes, and how to get every option of your BMW by VIN.
Read the guideAudi PR Codes by VIN: Decoder & List of Common Codes
Audi PR codes explained: how to read the three-character codes on your Audi, the most common codes from real build sheets, and how to get every PR code by VIN.
Read the guideStart here
What a build sheet is, how to read the codes, and what to check before you buy a car.
Guides & how-to
- Guide
What Is a Car Build Sheet (and How to Get Yours by VIN)
A build sheet is the factory's official record of every option your car was ordered with. Here's what it contains and how to pull yours from your VIN.
- Guide
How to Read a Window Sticker and Factory Equipment List
A window sticker (equipment list) lists every factory option on your car. Here's how to read the codes, packages and standard vs optional equipment.
- How-to
How to Find Your Car's Original Factory Options by VIN
Want to know your car's original factory options? Your VIN unlocks the full build record. Here's how to look up factory options by VIN.
- Basics
Where to Find Your VIN (and What the 17 Digits Mean)
Not sure where your VIN is? Here are the common places to find your 17-character VIN, and what the digits actually mean.
- How-to
How to Get a Window Sticker by VIN
Lost the original window sticker? You can recover your car's factory equipment list from just the VIN. Here's how it works.
- How-to
How to Decode a VIN Number: What Every Character Means
Decode your VIN's 17 characters — WMI, VDS and VIS explained — and learn how to turn it into your car's full factory equipment list.
- Guide
Build Sheet vs Window Sticker: What's the Difference?
Build sheet or window sticker? They describe the same factory spec from different traditions. Here's the difference — and which you can still get by VIN.
- Guide
Car Option Codes Explained: PR, SA, RPO & Data Cards
What do car option codes mean? PR codes, BMW SA numbers, GM RPO codes and Mercedes data cards — explained, and how to decode yours by VIN.
- Guide
Model Year vs Production Date: What's the Difference?
A car's model year and its production date are not the same. See real examples from factory records, and how to find both from the VIN.
- Guide
Used EV Check by VIN: Battery Size and Heat Pump Codes
Check a used electric car by VIN: the factory record shows the battery size and whether a heat pump was fitted. Real codes for the Volkswagen ID.4, Škoda Enyaq, Audi e-tron, Porsche Taycan and more.
- Guide
VIN Check or Vehicle History Report: What Each One Tells You
A VIN check and a vehicle history report answer different questions. One shows how a car was built, the other what happened to it since. Here is what each one covers.
Buying a used car
- Buying
Buying a Used Car? Verify the Spec by VIN First
Before you buy a used car, verify its factory spec by VIN. A build sheet confirms the options are genuine — and protects your money.
- Buying
How a Car's Options Affect Its Used Value (Check by VIN)
Factory options can make two identical cars worth very different amounts. Here's how to value a used car by its real spec — decoded from the VIN.
- Buying
How to Check a Car's Real Spec Before You Buy
Don't trust the advert — verify a used car's real factory spec by VIN before you pay. A simple 3-minute checklist that protects your money.
- Buying
Is It a Real AMG, RS or M? How to Check by VIN
AMG Line and M Sport packages make ordinary cars look like AMG and M models, and badges are easy to add. Here's how the factory record shows what a car really is.
- Buying
How to Spot a Re-badged or Mis-listed Car
Badges, trim names and option packages are easy to fit or to get wrong in an advert. Here is how the factory record shows what a car really left the factory as.
Guides by make
Abarth
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Alpine
Audi
Audi PR Codes by VIN: Decoder & List of Common Codes
Audi PR codes explained: how to read the three-character codes on your Audi, the most common codes from real build sheets, and how to get every PR code by VIN.
Audi Q5, Q7 and Q8 Options by VIN: The PR Codes That Matter
Decode an Audi Q5, Q7 or Q8 by VIN: real PR codes for Matrix LED headlights, air suspension, the S line package, the head-up display and more, straight from the factory record.
Audi A3, A4, A5 and A6 Options by VIN: The PR Codes That Matter
Decode an Audi A3, A4, A5 or A6 by VIN: real PR codes for multiple matrix beam headlights, the S line sport package, black exterior trim, the tour assistance package, 360° cameras and more, straight from the factory record.
Bentley
Bentley Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Bentley's Spec
Decode your Bentley's factory specification by VIN — model, Mulliner spec, veneers and features like Naim for Bentley audio.
Bentley Specification by VIN: Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga
Decode a Bentley by VIN: the factory record shows the Touring, Mood Lighting, City and Blackline specifications, the air suspension and every other option.
BMW
BMW SA Codes by VIN: Option Code List & Decoder
BMW SA option codes explained: how to read codes like S5ASA and P337A, a list of the most common codes, and how to get every option of your BMW by VIN.
BMW X5 and X3 Options by VIN: The Codes That Matter
Decode a BMW X5 or X3 by VIN: real option codes for BMW Laserlight, the M Sport package, the head-up display, Harman/Kardon sound, the panoramic glass roof and more, straight from the factory record.
BMW Motorrad
BMW Motorcycle Build Sheet by VIN: Factory Options Decoded
Look up a BMW motorcycle by VIN and get its factory build sheet: packages, suspension, electronics, comfort options and the code for every item fitted at the factory, as two branded PDFs.
BMW Motorrad Option Codes Explained: Decode Your Bike by VIN
BMW Motorrad option codes record every factory option on a BMW motorcycle, from packages to Dynamic ESA. See real examples and decode your bike's codes by VIN.
Buying a Used BMW Motorcycle? Check Its Factory Options by VIN
Before you buy a used BMW motorcycle, check its factory build sheet by VIN: packages, Dynamic ESA, Keyless Ride and more, so you pay for the spec it really has.
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Citroën
CUPRA
CUPRA Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your CUPRA's PR Codes
Decode your CUPRA's factory PR codes by VIN — trim and packs (VZ, VZ2, VZ3), wheels and features like Sennheiser sound and bucket seats.
CUPRA Formentor and Leon Options by VIN: The PR Codes That Matter
Decode a CUPRA Formentor or Leon by VIN: real PR codes for the BeatsAudio sound system, adaptive chassis control, Matrix LED headlights, sport seats and more, straight from the factory record.
Dacia
Dodge
DS
Fiat
Ford
GMC
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lancia
Land Rover
Land Rover Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Options
Decode your Land Rover or Range Rover's factory equipment list by VIN — trim, packs, wheels, Meridian audio and Terrain Response.
Range Rover Options by VIN: What the Factory Record Shows
Decode a Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Velar or Evoque by VIN: air suspension, the panoramic roof, Terrain Response, the plant it was built in and every factory option.
Land Rover Defender Options by VIN: Packs, Air Suspension and More
Decode a Land Rover Defender by VIN: the factory record shows the specification, air suspension, the towing and seating options, the roof and where it was built.
Lexus
Lincoln
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Data Card (Datenkarte): Every Option Code Explained
What the Mercedes-Benz data card (Datenkarte) is, how to read its SA codes and paint code, the most common codes, and how to get yours by VIN in minutes.
Mercedes-Benz Build Sheet by VIN: Every Factory Option Decoded
Decode a Mercedes-Benz by VIN: the factory build sheet shows the production date, the paint code and every option code, from AMG Line to KEYLESS-GO and the 360° camera.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, GLC and GLE Options by VIN
Decode a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, GLC or GLE by VIN: real option codes for AIRMATIC air suspension, AMG Line, digital LED headlamps, DISTRONIC, the 360° camera and more, straight from the factory record.
MINI
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Opel
Peugeot
Polestar
Porsche
Porsche Option Codes by VIN: Decoder & Code List
Porsche option codes explained: how to read codes like 1BK and 8LH, the codes you see most, and how to get every option of your Porsche by VIN.
Porsche 911 and Cayenne Option Codes: Real Examples by VIN
Real Porsche 911 and Cayenne option codes from factory records — Sport Chrono, PASM, PDK and ceramic brakes — and how to decode your Porsche's options by VIN.
Porsche Taycan, Macan and Panamera Options by VIN: The Codes That Matter
Decode a Porsche Taycan, Macan or Panamera by VIN: real option codes for the Taycan battery, the heat pump, air suspension, Sport Chrono Package Plus, the sound system and more, straight from the factory record.
RAM
Renault
Rivian
SEAT
- VW Group
VW, Škoda & SEAT PR Codes Explained (Decode by VIN)
PR codes are the Volkswagen Group's factory option codes, shared across VW, Audi, Škoda, SEAT and CUPRA. Here's how to decode yours by VIN.
SEAT Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your SEAT's PR Codes
Decode your SEAT's factory PR codes by VIN — trim level, packs, wheels and features like BeatsAudio and the digital cockpit.
Škoda
- VW Group
VW, Škoda & SEAT PR Codes Explained (Decode by VIN)
PR codes are the Volkswagen Group's factory option codes, shared across VW, Audi, Škoda, SEAT and CUPRA. Here's how to decode yours by VIN.
Škoda Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Škoda's PR Codes
Škoda PR codes explained: how to read codes like 8T8 and KA2, the codes you see most, Enyaq battery and heat pump codes, and your full list by VIN.
Škoda Enyaq by VIN: Battery Size, Heat Pump and Every Factory Option
Check a Škoda Enyaq by VIN: the factory record shows the battery size, whether it has a heat pump, rear- or all-wheel drive, the charging equipment and every other option.
Škoda Octavia Options by VIN: The PR Codes That Matter
Decode a Škoda Octavia by VIN: real PR codes for multiple Matrix LED headlights, animated LED tail lights, Keyless Advanced, the swivelling tow bar, heated rear seats and more, straight from the factory record.
smart
Suzuki
Tesla
Toyota
Vauxhall
Volkswagen
- VW Group
VW, Škoda & SEAT PR Codes Explained (Decode by VIN)
PR codes are the Volkswagen Group's factory option codes, shared across VW, Audi, Škoda, SEAT and CUPRA. Here's how to decode yours by VIN.
VW PR Codes by VIN: Decode Your Volkswagen Build Sheet
What Volkswagen PR codes are, how to read them, the most common codes from real VW build sheets, and how to get every PR code of your car by VIN in minutes.
VW California and Multivan Options by VIN: Check the Real Spec
Decode a VW California, Multivan or Transporter by VIN: trim line, roof bed, awning, swivel seats, heating and every other factory option, so you know the real spec.
Volkswagen Golf, Tiguan and Passat Options by VIN: The PR Codes That Matter
Decode a Volkswagen Golf, Tiguan or Passat by VIN: real PR codes for IQ.LIGHT matrix headlights, DCC adaptive chassis control, the camera package, Discover Pro navigation and more, straight from the factory record.
Volvo
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