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 3865

  • 32154491 1973 USA
    June 28, 2025
  • 12011396 1971 Canada, Alberta
    June 27, 2025
  • 32117760 1973 France
    June 26, 2025
  • 92107942 1979 Deutschland via München
    June 26, 2025
  • 72009498 1977 Deutschland via München
    June 23, 2025
  • 02161494 1970 France
    June 23, 2025
  • 62009498 1976 Deutschland via München
    June 22, 2025