Chassis # ??

[Bruce Bonds]

Is the chassis # for a 123 the last six digits in the VIN? Also, what is meant by Federal and California in parts selection and how do I know which I have?

[Holson Adi]

The chassis number is not in the VIN number for US cars I think. You can find your chassis number in the information tag on the door's kickplate. (driver's side)

It should be 123.xxx 126.xxx 115.xxx
My 300CD-T is 123.153

You could even tell us what your car is and im sure somebody will know

I'm not sure how to tell apart a Federal/CA car. I've always been under the impression that the CA cars have the funkier air intake setup where you can clearly see the turbo. The air filter is right behind the passenger side headlight.

The Federal car has a large round air filter housing right on top of the turbo.

However I now recall reading that this is only on the 84+ cars or something like that.

[Gilly]

Your 81 300D is a 123.130.
Look on the emission label under the hood (on top of the radiator support bar, like where the hood latch attaches to) and read it, it should state if it meets "Federal" or "California" emission standards. There are various differences to to some engine control parts, which is why, when ordering parts, it will have different part numbers for various components

Gilly

[Bruce Bonds]

Thanks for the replies. The chassis # I am asking about is the one for which the parts stores ask. For example, a particular ACC part may be listed for cars with chassis number 153772 thru. 207386.
Are they referring to the last six digits in the VIN number?

Thanks

[mpnye]

The 2 MAIN numbers that relate to PARTS acquisition are the CHASSIS (VIN) and/or the ENGINE# . . .

It's always BEST to give a COMPLETE Chassis and/or Engine number when ordering parts, unless you are SPECIFICALLY asked for the LAST 6 numbers . . .

There are times when you will be asked for a PS PUMP, STARTER, ALTERNATOR, ELECTRICAL or A/C COMPONENT Manufacturer and TRANSMISSION or DIFFERENTIAL numbers, as well as PAINT and INTERIOR TRIM codes.

The LAST 6 numbers are the broken down into "up to" and "from", relating to their order of manufacture. In the EPC, you will see terms like (A = along with) meaning that the part has been superceeded and an ADDITIONAL part is required.

[Gilly]

For example, a particular ACC part may be listed for cars with chassis number 153772 thru. 207386.

Yes, in this case, that's what they are talking about, the last 6 digits of the serial number.

Gilly