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The BuildVIN blog

Guides on build sheets, window stickers, option codes and decoding your car's factory spec by VIN.

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.

Audi

Audi PR Codes Explained: Decode Your Audi's Options

Audi PR codes are the factory codes for every option on your Audi. Learn what PR codes are and how to decode yours from the VIN.

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.

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.

BMW

BMW Option Codes Explained: Decode Your BMW by VIN

BMW option (SA) codes are the factory codes for every feature on your BMW. Learn what they mean and how to decode yours from the VIN.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Data Card: Decode Your VIN's Factory Options

The Mercedes-Benz data card lists every factory option on your car. Here's what it is and how to decode yours from the VIN.

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.

Porsche

Porsche Option Codes: Decode Your Porsche by VIN

Porsche option codes record exactly how your car was specified — Sport Chrono, PASM, Bose and more. Here's how to decode yours by VIN.

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.

Volvo

Volvo Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Volvo's Options

Decode your Volvo's factory equipment list by VIN — trim line, packs, wheels and options like Bowers & Wilkins and Pilot Assist.

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.

Hyundai

Hyundai Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Hyundai's Options

Decode your Hyundai's factory equipment list by VIN — trim grade, packs, wheels and features like SmartSense and KRELL audio.

Kia

Kia Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Kia's Options

Decode your Kia's factory equipment list by VIN — trim grade, packs, wheels and features like Drive Wise and Meridian audio.

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.

SEAT

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

Škoda Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Škoda's PR Codes

Decode your Škoda's factory PR codes by VIN — trim line, packs, wheels and features like Columbus navigation and Canton audio.

Ford

Ford Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Ford's Factory Options

Get your Ford's factory build sheet by VIN — the trim series, option packs and every feature it left the line with, from SYNC to B&O sound.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall Build Sheet by VIN: Check Your Car's Factory Spec

Decode your Vauxhall's factory equipment by VIN — trim level, option packs, wheels and features like IntelliLux LED matrix headlights.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your VW's PR Codes

Decode your Volkswagen's factory PR codes by VIN — trim line, option packs, wheels and features like IQ.Light, Discover Pro and Travel Assist.

Peugeot

Peugeot Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Peugeot's Spec

Get your Peugeot's factory build sheet by VIN — trim level, option packs and features like the 3D i-Cockpit and Focal audio.

Citroën

Citroën Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Car's Factory Spec

Decode your Citroën's factory equipment by VIN — trim level, option packs and features like Advanced Comfort seats and Connect Nav.

Opel

Opel Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Opel's Factory Options

Get your Opel's factory build sheet by VIN — trim line, option packs and features like IntelliLux LED matrix headlights and AGR seats.

Fiat

Fiat Build Sheet by VIN: Check Your Fiat's Factory Spec

Decode your Fiat's factory equipment by VIN — trim level, option packs and features like the Uconnect touchscreen and folding roof.

Jaguar

Jaguar Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Jaguar's Spec

Get your Jaguar's factory build sheet by VIN — trim, option packs and features like Meridian sound, Pivi Pro and a panoramic roof.

MINI

MINI Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your MINI's Option Codes

Decode your MINI's factory option codes by VIN — style, packs, wheels and features like Harman Kardon sound and a panoramic roof.

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.

Jeep

Jeep Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Jeep's Factory Options

Get your Jeep's factory build sheet by VIN — trim, option packs and features like Uconnect navigation, Alpine sound and the off-road pack.

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.

Dealers

Factory Build Sheets for Car Dealers: List Faster, Price Right

For dealers, a build sheet by VIN means faster listings, sharper pricing and proof for buyers. Plus credits and subscriptions built for volume.

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.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Build Sheet by VIN — Decode RPO Codes

Look up any Chevrolet by VIN and get the factory build sheet — RPO option codes, trim, engine, wheels and every fitted option, in one clean branded PDF.

GMC

GMC Build Sheet by VIN — RPO Codes & Equipment

Decode any GMC by VIN: RPO codes, trim from SLE and AT4 to Denali Ultimate, Bose audio, MultiPro tailgate and every factory option, in one branded PDF.

Cadillac

Cadillac Build Sheet by VIN — RPO Codes & Options

Decode any Cadillac VIN into a factory build sheet: RPO codes, trim, AKG audio, Super Cruise and every fitted option, delivered as a branded PDF.

Buick

Buick Build Sheet by VIN — RPO Codes & Equipment

Decode any Buick VIN into its factory build sheet — RPO codes, trim (Preferred, Essence, Avenir, ST), Bose audio, packages and options — as a branded PDF.

Chrysler

Chrysler Build Sheet by VIN — Factory Equipment List

Look up any Chrysler by VIN and get the factory build sheet: trim, packages, Uconnect, Stow 'n Go and every option fitted at the plant, as a branded PDF.

Dodge

Dodge Build Sheet by VIN — Factory Equipment List

Decode any Dodge VIN into its factory build sheet — trim, packages, wheels and options for Charger, Challenger, Durango and Hornet. Branded PDF, minutes.

RAM

RAM Build Sheet by VIN — Factory Equipment List

Look up any RAM 1500, 2500, 3500 or ProMaster by VIN and get the exact factory equipment it left the plant with, as a clear branded PDF build sheet.

Lincoln

Lincoln Build Sheet by VIN — Factory Equipment List

Decode any Lincoln by VIN: trim line, option packages, wheels and features like Revel audio, SYNC 4 and BlueCruise — as a branded PDF build sheet.

Acura

Acura Build Sheet by VIN — Factory Equipment List

Decode any Acura by VIN: trim, packages, A-Spec or Type S details, ELS Studio audio and factory options in one clear build sheet PDF. North America only.

Mazda

Mazda Build Sheet by VIN — US & Canada Factory Specs

Decode any North American Mazda VIN into a factory build sheet — trim, packages, Bose audio, i-Activsense and wheels. Covers Mazda3, CX-5, CX-50, CX-90 and MX-5.

Rivian

Rivian Build Sheet by VIN — Factory Equipment List

Decode any Rivian VIN into a full factory equipment list — R1T, R1S and R2. Motor setup, battery pack, audio system, packages and wheels in one branded PDF.

Toyota

Toyota Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Toyota's Options

Decode your Toyota's factory equipment list by VIN — trim grade, packs, wheels and features like JBL audio, Toyota Safety Sense and a panoramic roof.

Nissan

Nissan Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Nissan's Options

Decode your Nissan's factory equipment list by VIN — trim grade, packs, wheels and features like BOSE audio, ProPILOT and Around View Monitor.

Lexus

Lexus Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Lexus's Options

Decode your Lexus's factory equipment list by VIN — trim, packs, wheels and features like Mark Levinson audio and Lexus Safety System+.

Tesla

Tesla Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Tesla's Factory Spec

Decode your Tesla's factory configuration by VIN — model, drivetrain, interior, wheels and features like Autopilot and the glass roof.

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Options

Decode your Alfa Romeo's factory equipment list by VIN — trim, packs, wheels and features like Harman Kardon sound and Q4 all-wheel drive.

Suzuki

Suzuki Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Suzuki's Options

Decode your Suzuki's factory equipment list by VIN — trim, packs, wheels and features like ALLGRIP all-wheel drive and adaptive cruise.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Options

Decode your Mitsubishi's factory equipment list by VIN — trim, packs, wheels and features like Power Sound audio and S-AWC all-wheel control.

Polestar

Polestar Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Options

Decode your Polestar's factory equipment list by VIN — variant, Pilot and Plus packs, wheels and features like Harman Kardon audio and Nappa leather.

Infiniti

Infiniti Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Infiniti's Options

Decode your Infiniti's factory equipment list by VIN — trim, packs, wheels and features like BOSE audio, ProACTIVE and Around View Monitor.

Abarth

Abarth Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Abarth's Spec

Decode your Abarth's factory equipment list by VIN — model, pack, wheels and the sporting kit like the Record Monza exhaust and Sabelt seats.

Alpine

Alpine Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Alpine's Spec

Decode your Alpine's factory equipment list by VIN — version, wheels and features like Focal audio, Sabelt seats and Brembo brakes.

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.

DS

DS Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your DS's Factory Options

Decode your DS's factory equipment list by VIN — trim, packs, wheels and features like Focal Electra audio and DS Active Scan Suspension.

Lancia

Lancia Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your Lancia's Spec

Decode your Lancia's factory equipment list by VIN — trim, packs, wheels and features like the infotainment, LED lighting and leather trim.

smart

smart Build Sheet by VIN: Decode Your smart's Options

Decode your smart's factory equipment list by VIN — line, pack, wheels and features like Beats audio, a panoramic roof and ambient lighting.

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

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.

BMW Motorrad

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.

Mercedes-Benz

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.

Land Rover

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.

Porsche

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.

Volkswagen

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.

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.

Audi

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.

Škoda

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.

Land Rover

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.

Bentley

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.

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.

Porsche

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.

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.

Volkswagen

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.

Audi

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.

Mercedes-Benz

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.

CUPRA

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.

BMW

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.

Škoda

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.

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

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.

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