Vehicle Identification Label

Unless it is obvious that the maintenance book has been replaced, I expect it is some lazy bu**er at the supplying OPC not doing his job properly. I believe replacement VILs can be ordered, but it would probably be best to talk to Customer Services at Reading. If you just want to know what the build options were, drop me an email with your VIN number and I'll look them up.

My car does not have a VIL. I bought it from a dealer, who had carried out thorough checks on the car and all of the different registration numbers that it has worn over the last 10 years, so I am not too worried that anything serious has happened, however this would suggest that the lid has been replaced at some point. Unfortunately there is no VIL in the handbook either, although it does have the dealer stamps etc. There is a sticker on the driver's door sill just below the catch, but it does not look like the VIL in Richard's article in the FAQ section. My question is - can replacement VIL's be obtained? If so, where from and at what cost? Thanks Doug

VILs are not easy to replace. An OPC would physically have to check the car to make sure it is the one you claim it to be (which they will charge you for - at least 1 hour's labour IIRC) even if it's on their books and you've had it serviced there for years. They would then need to order a replacement sticker from Germany.

I don't think that a Porsche Centre would be prepared/able to reproduce a sticker. I think there are only ever two printed, one goes under the front lid and the other into the service book. I was given the wrong service book with my car and they wouldn't give me a new sticker to put into the correct book (I could however photocopy the original and stick the photocopy into a new book).

Thanks all for your postings. It appears most likely that Richard's impression is correct - they probably forgot to stick them on. I might contact the supplying dealer on the off-chance that they still have the stickers lying around, although this would be a very long shot!!! Richard - the VIN is WP0ZZZ99ZWS603644, engine number 66W04230. Thanks again Doug

The one under the bonnet was half stuck on at the factory, and the second label complete with it's carrier backing is still attached to the 1st (via the backing). The supplying dealer is then supposed to retrieve the second label, stick that in the service book, and complete sticking the one under the bonnet down. All this changed with the 987/997 when the one under the bonnet was no longet fitted.

YHM

The VIL on the drivers door post/jam (or whatever) is often removed if the area around the door stay has been repainted due to the omission of the plastic shim which causes the paint to break. I was given the option and paid £115 for the bloody sticker! plus a few quid for the body shops labour to prove to Porsche I owned the car.

To conclude this post (I think!) Porsche Cars GB told me that VIL's can be ordered from any OPC. I got in touch with PC Leeds, who told me that no, VIL's were not available to order and could not be replaced (!). They can order the VIN sticker on the 'B' pillar, and the sticker from the windscreen, but not the VIL. It was worth a try!

I've learned from experience that what one OPC says, doesn't mean another will agree. In this case OPC Leeds Doesn't know what they are talking about. I spoke to OPC East London in January and they detailed exactly what needs to be done,the timeline and expense involved. The car needs to be inspected at a charge, then the sticker is ordered from Germany (2-3 weeks). Speak to another OPC that will do this for you.

It may be that for a 997 it can be re-ordered - I'm sure it can't for a 996/986 (as Mark said it has two stickers only, one under the lid and the other is meant to go into the service book that corresponds to the appropriate Model Year. My car was delivered in June 2003 but the chassis # says it's MY04 - I suspect they hadn't even printed the books at that stage because my sticker went into a MY03 book).

Hi All URGENT>URGENT Do not post vehicle ID on this site as you are giving away info that can be abused. Only email as requested to the Reg Sec. You cannot be too careful in this wonderful age[ ] Have fun Paul Kelley

I just called Porsche East London and they confirmed they can do it (I didn't specify for which car), but the car has to be inspected for a couple of hours, then the order put through to Germany, which could take a couple of weeks. He couldn't specify how much it would cost until Monday as I think some of their staff are away for the day. Call another OPC, I'm sure they would be happy to oblige.

Considering the ease with which the VIN can be read from the lower right of any modern car's windscreen, I suspect that posting it on here where it's members only is slightly more secure, if anything. A VIN on it's own isn't really much use anyway.