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 2984

  • 12202424 1971 USA
    Jan. 19, 2022
  • 92021236 1979 Unknown (27)
    Jan. 19, 2022
  • 72129761 1977 Canada, New Brunswick via St. John
    Jan. 19, 2022
  • 32225198 1973 USA
    Jan. 17, 2022
  • 9113379 1969 Schweden, North
    Jan. 16, 2022
  • 9203523 1969 Unknown (16)
    Jan. 15, 2022
  • 12214627 1971 USA via Chicago
    Jan. 15, 2022