TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Feb 01, 2011 2:03 pm

Trying to figure out what year my bug is but cant find any clarification on the VIN 11M0031144...............any ideas??

Tue Feb 01, 2011 2:18 pm

Yep, that's not a Beetle Vin.

Where did that number come from? Pop up the back seat and look on top of the hump, it should be stamped into the chassis there. Let us know what that number is.

Dave

Tue Feb 01, 2011 2:20 pm

djkeev wrote: Yep, that's not a Beetle Vin.

well it is clearly stamped into the pan just where it should be........it's just a strange No.!!

Tue Feb 01, 2011 2:53 pm

Pictures will help,
what year does it claim to be on your paper work? (if you have paper work)

Explore around the vin stamping, is there evidence of grinding or welding either where the number is stamped or a few inches off to the sides?

IT isn't a VW Beetle VIN number. You've got something really strange, possibly illegal in your driveway.

Tue Feb 01, 2011 5:04 pm

My split has another number that goes from front to back next to the other vin? is your car old? also maybe restamped chp or dmv

Tue Feb 01, 2011 5:54 pm

no paperwork per sa but it is registered with the local Licence Dept and has been for more than 5 years.

Legend has it it is a Mex bug with a 68ish pan and a 71-75ish body however the PO thinks it is a 90ish something or other :roll:

VIN is stamped nice and clear just like my other VW's and there is no evidence of any cut & weld especially as the original colour is visible on the pan.

Sorry, how do I post some pics??

Tue Feb 01, 2011 6:17 pm

Here you go.
How to post pics.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6

Tue Feb 01, 2011 6:22 pm

thankz :D

what we thinking???

Tue Feb 01, 2011 6:38 pm

One thing it isn't is a '58-'67 :P

Tue Feb 01, 2011 6:48 pm

I'll try the 1968 and up forum

Wed Feb 02, 2011 2:50 am

Look around the body for clues as to country of manufacture. The glass is often a "locally" made product, look at the lenses, root around all of the door openings and inside the luggage area for "MADE IN XXXXXXX" tags or stickers.
Look behind the dash and see if the instruments have a manufacture country stamped on them as well as a date.

It does look like a factory serial number stamp!
I'm not familiar with other assembly points around the globe and how they marked cars for local use, not the mandated serial number sequences mandated by USDOT.

This will be an interesting one, please be sure to post the answer when it comes to light! (and it will with enough digging)

There are VW clubs and related web sites scattered around the globe, you might want to join some of these and start asking what they know about numbers such as these.

Good Luck
Dave

Wed Feb 02, 2011 6:41 am

djkeev wrote: Look around the body for clues as to country of manufacture. The glass is often a "locally" made product, look at the lenses, root around all of the door openings and inside the luggage area for "MADE IN XXXXXXX" tags or stickers.
Look behind the dash and see if the instruments have a manufacture country stamped on them as well as a date.

It does look like a factory serial number stamp!
I'm not familiar with other assembly points around the globe and how they marked cars for local use, not the mandated serial number sequences mandated by USDOT.

This will be an interesting one, please be sure to post the answer when it comes to light! (and it will with enough digging)

There are VW clubs and related web sites scattered around the globe, you might want to join some of these and start asking what they know about numbers such as these.

Good Luck
Dave

Cheers Dave

The car has been sprayed silver twice over the original red so no stickers in the door jambs or tag in the front under the hood. All the glass carries VW & Audi signs and is made in Mexico.

I will have to start digging around to see if I can find any other dates on the gauges etc. The engine has also been swapped out so no clue there either.

From what I have seen looking at VIN codes the 11 at the beginning may refer to a Beetle Sedan and if the M is a year code it would make it a 91ish??

All very strange but I shall keep you posted as I go.

Wed Feb 02, 2011 4:35 pm

mexi beetle?

Wed Feb 02, 2011 4:37 pm

yellowvduber wrote: mexi beetle? they made that style beetle in mexico thru the 90s... if that helps

Wed Feb 02, 2011 4:47 pm

I know this really doesnt confirm anything, but is the engine block Mexican?

Wed Feb 02, 2011 7:07 pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Beetle#Mexico

Wed Feb 02, 2011 10:00 pm

I bet it's a Mexican made car. "11" standing for beetle and "M" for Mexico. The later model forums may know this for sure.

Wed Feb 02, 2011 10:07 pm

PSScoots wrote: I bet it's a Mexican made car. "11" standing for beetle and "M" for Mexico. The later model forums may know this for sure.
yea.... it is i researched. hahha...

Thu Feb 03, 2011 8:05 am

magnus0328 wrote: I know this really doesnt confirm anything, but is the engine block Mexican?

Engine has been swapped out for a 2100CC

Thu Feb 03, 2011 8:07 am

well the consensus from the guys on the late bug forum is that it is a Mexi 91'.

check it out http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5111067#5111067