Have you ever encountered a situation where you needed to purchase a spare part, obtain insurance, or register with the traffic police? car body code, but you didn't know where to look for it? This set of letters and numbers is like a car passport: it is unique for each model and modification, and its absence can block a deal or repair. For example, when ordering an original part for Toyota Camry XV50 the seller will ask not just the model name, but the body code - ASV50 or GVV50to select the exact bumper mounting.
The problem is that manufacturers hide this information in different places: Volkswagen the code is stamped on a plate under the hood, BMW - in the trunk, and Kia it can only be found in the electronic catalogue. In this article we will look at all ways to determine the body code - from visual inspection to online checking using VIN, and we will also explain why it should not be confused with the chassis number or model index. You will learn how to avoid mistakes when decrypting and what to do if the code is erased or missing.
What is a car body code and why is it needed?
Body code (or body index) is a unique identifier that the manufacturer assigns to a specific car modification. It is different from VIN code (vehicle identification number) and chassis numbers, although all three concepts are often confused. For example, at Mercedes-Benz W213 body code is S213 for sedan and C238 for a coupe, whereas the VIN would look like WDD2130001A123456.
Why is this necessary in practice:
- 🔧 Selection of spare parts: Parts manufacturers (e.g. Bosch or Hella) indicate compatibility by body code, not model. Yes, the headlight for Audi A4 B9 (code
8W5) will not fit Audi A4 B8 (8K2), even if they look similar. - 📄 Paperwork: In PTS and STS, the body code may not be indicated, but it is required when registering with the traffic police for some brands (for example, Lexus or Infiniti).
- 💰 Insurance and Valuation: Insurance companies use a code to accurately determine the cost of repairs. For example, a bumper for BMW 5 Series G30 (
G30) 30% more expensive than for G38 (long version). - 🔍 History check: Using the body code, you can find out whether the car has been repainted or restored after an accident (through services like Autocode or CarVertical).
Important: body code does not always coincide with the model index. For example, Volkswagen Passat B8 has a model index 3G, but the body code is 3G2 for sedan and 3G5 for a station wagon. And Skoda Octavia third generation body code 5E, although the documents may simply indicate Octavia A7.
Where to look for the body code: 5 places on the car
Manufacturers place the body code in standard locations, but their location varies by make and model. Below - exact coordinates for most cars manufactured after 2000.
1. Plate on the body (the most reliable place)
On most cars, the code is stamped on a metal plate that is attached to the body. It cannot be removed without damage, so this is the most reliable source. Where to look:
- 🚗 Under the hood: On the A-pillar (at Toyota, Honda), radiator frame (at Ford, Volvo) or the engine compartment panel (at Renault).
- 🚘 In the trunk: On the back wall (at BMW, Mercedes) or under the spare wheel (at Kia, Hyundai).
- 🚙 On the driver's door: At the end of the door or threshold (at Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda).
Example: on Toyota RAV4 (body code XA40) the label is located on the center pillar on the driver's side. On BMW 3 Series G20 — in the trunk under the trim on the right.
2. Sticker on the windshield (VIN and body code)
On many modern cars (especially American and Korean) the body code is duplicated on a sticker in the lower corner of the windshield on the driver's side. It can be seen without opening the hood. For example, on Hyundai Tucson TL it will indicate: Model: TL - this is the body code.
Attention! On some machines (for example, Nissan Qashqai J11) only the VIN is indicated on the sticker, and the body code is hidden in its decoding (more on this below).
3. Under the driver or passenger seat
Rare, but found in Japanese and French auto. For example, on Peugeot 3008 first generation body code (98) may be knocked out on the floor under the front passenger seat. To see it, you need to move the mat and remove the plastic plug.
4. In the glove compartment or on its lid
Some Chinese brands (for example, Changan or Geely) the body code is indicated on a sticker inside the glove compartment or on its inside. There may also be a duplicate VIN plate.
5. On the frame or side member (for SUVs and pickups)
For vehicles with a frame structure (for example, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger) the body code is sometimes stamped on the side member or frame. To see it, you will need a lift or viewing hole.
☑️ Checking the body code on the car
How to determine the body code by VIN: step-by-step instructions
If physical inspection does not help (for example, the plate is erased or missing), the body code can be decrypt from VIN. This method works for 90% of cars made after 1980. The VIN consists of 17 characters, and the body code is usually hidden in 4–8 characters (positions depend on the manufacturer).
Algorithm of actions:
- Find your car's VIN (on the plate, in the title, or on the windshield).
- Use online decryptor (for example, ZR.VIN or VinDecoderz).
- Enter VIN in the field and get detailed information, where there will be a line
Body CodeorModel Code.
Decryption examples:
| Make and model | Example VIN | Body code (from VIN) | Where to look in VIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry XV70 | JTNBK3BKX0D123456 |
XV70 |
4–7 characters (BK3B) → XV70 in Toyota database |
| BMW 5 Series G30 | WBA5A5C50JD123456 |
G30 |
5–6 characters (5A) → G30 in the BMW catalog |
| Volkswagen Polo 6R | WVWZZZ6RZBW123456 |
6R |
9 character (Z) + VW base → 6R |
| Kia Sportage QL | U5YJN814BDL123456 |
QL |
8–9 characters (14) → QL in the Kia electronic catalog |
Attention! Some online services (for example, CarVertical) may not show the body code, but model index. For example, for Mazda CX-5 they will issue KE (index), while the real body code is KF (for restyling 2021). Always check the data with the manufacturer's official catalogs.
If the online decoder produces incomplete data, try entering the VIN on the website of the official dealer of the brand - they often have an accurate database of body codes.
Official sources: where to check the body code using documents
If you don't want to get under the hood or trust online services, you can find out the body code from official documents. However, there are nuances here: not all documents indicate it explicitly.
1. Vehicle Passport (PTS)
In the PTS, the body code can be indicated in the column "Model, body number" or "Vehicle type". For example:
- For Lada Vesta:
218070(where2180- model,70- body code). - For Ford Focus 3:
C346(full body code).
But in 30% of cases, the PTS only indicates model index (for example, E210 for Mercedes E-Class), not the body code. Then you will have to check the manufacturer's catalog.
2. Certificate of registration (CTC)
In STS, the body code is extremely rare - only if it coincides with the model index. For example, at Renault Duster the STS may indicate H4M (body code for the second generation), but more often it’s just Duster.
3. Service book
In the service book (especially for premium brands — Audi, Volvo, Lexus) the body code is indicated on the first page next to the VIN. For example, for Lexus RX 350 it will be AL10 (dorestayl) or AL20 (restyle).
4. Sales contract or customs declaration
If the car is imported, the body code may be indicated in customs declaration (column "HS Code" or "Product Description"). For example, for Toyota Land Cruiser 200 it will indicate: Model: URJ200 - where 200 and there is a body code.
What to do if there is an error in the documents?
If the PTS or STS contains an incorrect body code (for example, after replacing the body), this may cause problems when registering with the traffic police. In this case, you need to contact an expert organization to draw up an inspection report and submit an application to correct the documents through the MREO.
Online services for checking body code: pros and cons
If physical examination and documents do not help, you can use online databases. They are divided into three types:
- Official catalogs of manufacturers (the most accurate, but not always free).
- Spare parts aggregators (for example, Exist.ru, Autodoc).
- History checking services (for example, Autocode, CarVertical).
Comparison table of popular services:
| Service | Accuracy | Cost | Example data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford ETIS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Free | For Ford Focus will show C346 (body) and 1.5 EcoBoost (engine). |
| VW Group ErWin | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Paid (from 10€ per day) | For Audi A6 C7 will indicate 4G2 (body) + option codes. |
| Autodoc | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Free | When choosing Toyota Corolla E210 will offer a filter by body ZE210. |
| CarVertical | ⭐⭐⭐ | From 200 rub. | Will show Body Type: Sedan (VW Passat B8), but will not always indicate the exact code. |
Important: no online service guarantees 100% accuracy. For example, for Mitsubishi Outlander third generation services can issue code GF (dorestayl) or GG (restyle), although the sign under the hood will indicate GS for the hybrid version.
Recommendation: use at least two sources for checking. For example, check the data with Autodoc and the official catalog of the manufacturer.
Common mistakes when determining body code and how to avoid them
Errors in determining the body code can lead to the purchase of incompatible parts or problems with registration. Here top 5 misconceptions and how to avoid them:
1. Confusion with the model index
Many people confuse the body code with model index. For example:
- ❌ Error: For BMW X5 take the code
E70(third generation index), although the body code isE70only for diesel versions, and for petrol -E70N. - ✅ Solution: Check the catalog RealOEM or ETK for an accurate determination.
2. Ignoring restyling
After restyling, the body code may change, even if the car looks the same externally. For example:
- Hyundai Tucson until 2018 - code
TL, after -NX4. - Kia Sportage 4th generation: until 2021 -
QL, after -QL HEVfor hybrids.
3. Failure to take into account the regional market
The same vehicle may have different body codes for different markets. For example:
- Toyota Corolla for Europe -
E210, for the USA -ZE210, for Japan -ZWE210. - Nissan Qashqai for Russia -
J11, for Europe -J11E.
4. Trust only VIN decryptors
As mentioned earlier, not all services correctly decipher the body code. For example, Carfax for Mercedes-Benz GLE can show W166 (index), although the real body code is C292 for the coupe version.
5. They do not check the code for corrosion or counterfeiting.
On older machines (especially domestic or Japanese 90s) the plate with the body code may be rusty or broken. For example, on VAZ 2110 The body code is often falsified to hide the fact that it was replaced after an accident.
Attention! If the body code on the plate looks suspicious (uneven numbers, weld marks), this may be a sign interruptions. In this case, it is worth checking the car through traffic police or independent examination.
Always check the body code with at least two sources: the physical plate on the car and the official catalog of the manufacturer. This will save you from mistakes when purchasing spare parts or completing documents.
How to find out the body code if it is erased or missing
If the plate with the body code is missing (for example, after an accident or corrosion), there are several ways to restore the information:
1. Contact an authorized dealer
Dealers have access to the manufacturer's database, where you can find out the original body code using the VIN. The service is paid (from 500 to 2000 rubles), but reliable. For example, for Volvo XC60 the dealer will issue a code B6 (until 2017) or B6A (after restyling).
2. Order an examination from NIIAT
The Scientific Research Institute of Automobile Transport (NIIAT) can conduct identification examination and restore the body code based on design features. Cost - from 3000 rubles. This is true for rare or old cars (for example, GAZ-3110 or Moskvich 2141).
3. Use spare parts catalogs
On sites like Exist.ru or Emex.ru You can select a part based on the car’s parameters (year, model, engine), and the system itself will suggest possible body codes. For example, when choosing a front bumper for Mazda 6 2015 system will offer options for body styles GJ and GH.
4. Check using photographs of similar cars
If the car is rare (for example, Lada Vesta Sport), you can find photos of the same models on the Internet and look at the body code on the plates. For example, for Vesta Sport it will be 21808 (different from standard 21807).
Attention! If there is no body code and the car is owned, this may be a sign illegal body replacement (for example, after a serious accident). In this case, it is better to check the history through traffic police or Autocodeto avoid registration problems.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about body code
Is it possible to drive if the body code does not match the title?
Technically, yes, but the first time you contact the traffic police (for example, to replace your license or register), problems will arise. A discrepancy between the body code and documents may be a sign of alteration or forgery. In this case, you need to contact an expert organization to clarify the data and make changes to the PTS.
How to find out the body code from the license plate number?
You can’t directly use the license plate number, but you can first find out the VIN through services like Autocode or Public services, and then decipher the body code from the VIN. Free services (for example, traffic police.rf) show only basic information about the car, without detailing the body.
What is the difference between a body code and a body number?
The body code is model ID (for example, E60 for BMW 5 Series), and the body number is unique serial number (for example, 1234567), which is printed next to the code. The body number is used for registration with the traffic police, and the code is used for selecting spare parts.
Is it possible to change the body code in the documents?
Yes, but only through the official procedure at the traffic police. To do this, you need to provide an expert opinion confirming that the body was replaced legally (for example, after an accident with official restoration). Individual interruption of the body code is prosecuted under Article 326 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (forgery of documents).
Where can I look for the body code on electric vehicles?
For electric vehicles (for example, Tesla Model 3 or Nissan Leaf) The body code is often located on a plate under the front hood (if equipped) or on the B-pillar. You can also find it through the car menu: Settings → Vehicle information.