Is It a Real AMG, RS or M? How to Check by VIN

Badges and bumpers are easy to change. The factory record tied to the VIN is not.

Why looks alone don't prove it

A genuine Mercedes-AMG, Audi RS or BMW M model costs far more than the regular car it is based on. Factory sport packages give regular models a similar look, and badges, grilles and bumpers can be fitted later, so the only reliable answer is the factory record.

Mercedes-AMG or AMG Line?

• AMG Line — codes such as 950 (AMG Line) and P31 (AMG Line exterior) appear on regular models like the A 250 e, C 220 d and GLC 300
• Genuine AMG — the record names the Mercedes-AMG model, and models such as the G 63, E 63 S and S 63 show the AMG V8 engine M177. AMG-only options such as 250 (AMG Driver's Package) can appear too

Audi RS or RS look?

• Genuine RS — RS models carry codes such as FN1 (“RS” version) and A52 (Audi Sport GmbH)
• RS look — RS-style grilles, badges and bumpers can be fitted to any Audi, but they don't change the factory record

BMW M, M Performance or M Sport?

• M Sport — the M Sport package (P337A) and the M Aerodynamics package (S715A) appear on regular models such as the 430i and 520d
• M Performance — models such as the M340i and X5 M50d sit between the regular models and the full M cars, and the record names them exactly
• Full M — the record names the M model, such as the M3, M4 or M5, and can show M-only options such as the Competition package (S7MAA) or the M Driver's Package (S7MEA)

Check before you buy

Ask the seller for the 17-character VIN and check it before you view the car. The build sheet shows the model, the engine code and every factory option, so you know whether you're looking at the real thing. For a full pre-purchase check, see how to verify a used car's spec.