Clarifying a vehicle version
Check available model and variant information when several versions share the same commercial name.
Understand your vehicle specification
VIN identification and vehicle data
A model name and registration year may not identify the exact vehicle version. Send your VIN and the details you need clarified. VIN Expert checks available manufacturer catalogue data and provides a written explanation of the vehicle specification.
Manual research by an automotive parts specialist. Available data varies by manufacturer and catalogue coverage.
When is a VIN identification useful?
Start with the vehicle specification when the registration document, advert or model badge leaves questions unanswered.
Preparing for maintenance
Clarify available engine and transmission details before discussing a repair or requesting parts research.
Checking production details
Distinguish available production information from the first registration date shown in the vehicle documents.
What should you send?
- The full 17-character VIN, copied carefully from the vehicle or its documents.
- A specific question: for example, the engine version, transmission or production details you want clarified.
- Known make, model and registration year as supporting information.
- A photo of the VIN plate or relevant label if any characters or vehicle details are unclear.
Attach only the information relevant to your question. Personal details on documents can be covered before uploading.
What can the written result include?
- The model and vehicle variant identified in the available catalogue.
- Production date or year, where the source provides it.
- Engine designation or code, fuel type and transmission details, where available.
- An explanation of missing data, conflicting information or details that need a physical check.
These are possible result fields, not a guaranteed complete dataset for every VIN. Factory equipment and options are a separate request type.
A manual check with an explanation
Ivo Baharov reviews requests using over 20 years of automotive parts experience and professional manufacturer catalogues, including PartsLink24 and EPC systems where coverage is available.
The result explains what the available source establishes. If the catalogue does not provide a requested detail, that limitation is stated.
Production year and registration year can differ
For example, a car first registered in 2018 may have been produced in 2017. Selecting a vehicle solely by its registration year can therefore point to the wrong catalogue version. VIN research helps clarify the production specification where the manufacturer data supports it.
Catalogue data describes the recorded factory specification. A replacement engine, transmission or later modification may require labels, photos or inspection to establish what is currently fitted.
How to request a VIN identification
- 1
Choose the vehicle data service
Create an account or sign in. In the request form, select VIN identification and vehicle data.
- 2
Explain what you need
Enter the VIN and describe the details you want clarified. Add relevant labels or photos if available.
- 3
Receive a written result
We review the available catalogue information and publish the result in your request. If clarification is needed, we contact you there.
VIN identification pricing
Vehicle data and factory equipment are separate services. Choose the one that matches your question.
- VIN identification and vehicle data
- €2 per request
- Factory equipment and options — separate service
- €3 per request
Your first request as a newly registered client is free. This applies to one request, for any service. Subsequent requests follow the normal pricing.
The request form shows the applicable price and whether your first free request applies.
If your question also involves OEM part numbers or part compatibility, choose the corresponding separate service.
Questions about VIN identification
Is this an instant VIN decoder?
No. Your question is reviewed manually using available professional catalogue data. The result is a written expert response.
Can you identify the engine and transmission?
Where the manufacturer catalogue provides these details, they can be included. Coverage varies, and some codes or specifications may require a vehicle label or further information.
Does this include a full factory equipment list?
Factory equipment and options are a separate service in the request form, priced at €3 per request. Availability depends on the manufacturer and catalogue coverage.
Will this show accidents, mileage or service history?
No. VIN identification concerns vehicle specification. It does not retrieve accident records, mileage readings or past maintenance.
Is this the same as the free vehicle passport?
No. The free vehicle passport lets you record and share the maintenance and repairs you add yourself. VIN identification is a separate expert research request.
Can the VIN confirm what is fitted to the car today?
It can help establish the recorded factory specification. Later modifications or replacement components may need photos, labels or physical inspection.
Clarify your vehicle specification
Send the VIN and tell us which vehicle details you need. We will check the available catalogue information and explain the findings.
Request vehicle identification