The M-plate is one of the identification plates found on VW busses. Short for Mehraustattung (optional extras in German), it contains production codes with information about equipment, manufacturing date, destination, specs and more.

Find it

Model years 68-76

Image modified from The Samba forum and album

Before model year 1977: the M-plate is located on the metal partition behind the driver's seat (passenger's seat for RHD vehicles).

Model years 77-79

Image modified from The Samba forum

Model year 1977 and after: the M-plate is located under the dashboard, on top of the metal fresh air pipe.

Decode it

M-plate decoder

image/svg+xml CC CCC CCC M01 M01 M01 M01 M01 PPPPII DD D M02 M02 M02 M02 UUUU TTTT AA E XX X

Use the automatic decoder to find out more about the original configuration, equipment and extras for a Type 2 bus. Simply choose the model year and fill in the M-plate fields.

Decode an M-plate»

M-plate submissions 3304

  • 32053489 1973 USA via Grand Rapids
    yesterday
  • 9217639 1969 Not specified
    Feb. 2, 2023
  • 92131420 1979 Unknown (EG)
    Jan. 29, 2023
  • 12082320 1971 USA via St. Louis
    Jan. 26, 2023
  • 12092320 1971 USA via St. Louis
    Jan. 26, 2023
  • 82039426 1978 Australia via Sydney
    Jan. 26, 2023
  • 12024608 1971 Not specified
    Jan. 25, 2023