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 4026

  • 02205253 1970 Chile
    June 15, 2026
  • 82019008 1978 USA via Houston/San Antonio
    June 14, 2026
  • 62137491 1976 Not specified
    June 14, 2026
  • 52108957 1975 United Kingdom via Ramsgate
    June 12, 2026
  • 12249113 1971 United Kingdom via Ramsgate
    June 7, 2026
  • 92038751 1979 USA via Los Angeles
    June 6, 2026
  • 12162366 1971 Germany via Bielefeld
    June 2, 2026