VIN -- 2.3L Turbo Federal/Canada vs California

[gonerogue]

So I'm looking at the factory service manual for the MS3 and I was looking at how the VIN is broken down and comparing it to my VIN. Turns out that the 8th digit from the left represents the engine code and here are the following possibilities:

• F= 2.0 L (Federal/CANADA (LF))
• 3= 2.3 L (Federal/CANADA (L3))
• L= 2.3 L Turbo (Federal/CANADA (L3 WITH TC))
• G= 2.0 L (California (LF))
• 4= 2.3 L (California (L3))
• M= 2.3L Turbo (California (L3 WITH TC))

I took a look at my VIN expecting to see an L because I bought my car in MD and it's only ever been at an MD dealer. However, it turns out that my VIN has an 'M', which obviously means that my engine is California spec.

Was my expectation incorrect or does this seem a bit odd to anyone? I'm interested to see how other non-CA VINs work out.

 

[Dark]

Is there a difference with CA spec MS3's?

 

[boosted1]

So I'm looking at the factory service manual for the MS3 and I was looking at how the VIN is broken down and comparing it to my VIN. Turns out that the 8th digit from the left represents the engine code and here are the following possibilities:

• F= 2.0 L (Federal/CANADA (LF))
• 3= 2.3 L (Federal/CANADA (L3))
• L= 2.3 L Turbo (Federal/CANADA (L3 WITH TC))
• G= 2.0 L (California (LF))
• 4= 2.3 L (California (L3))
• M= 2.3L Turbo (California (L3 WITH TC))

I took a look at my VIN expecting to see an L because I bought my car in MD and it's only ever been at an MD dealer. However, it turns out that my VIN has an 'M', which obviously means that my engine is California spec.

Was my expectation incorrect or does this seem a bit odd to anyone? I'm interested to see how other non-CA VINs work out.

Since your car is in Maryland, your MS3 is certified to CA emission standards. It's for several NE states(NY/NJ/CT/MD) by law.

 

[gonerogue]

Since your car is in Maryland, your MS3 is certified to CA emission standards. It's for several NE states(NY/NJ/CT/MD) by law.

Interesting! Did not know that. Thanks.

 

[gonerogue]

If anyone is interested, here is the Maryland law that boosted1 mentioned:

http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/AirPrograms/Mobile_Sources/Clean Cars/index.asp

 

[oaklandopen]

MD blows...i also have an issue with their conceiled carry laws. they don't recognize any other state's and no other state recognizes theirs. i could get a florida one and be allowed to carry conceiled in damn'near every state except MD

 

[skallen]

MD blows...i also have an issue with their conceiled carry laws. they don't recognize any other state's and no other state recognizes theirs. i could get a florida one and be allowed to carry conceiled in damn'near every state except MD

Uhhhh............yeah

 

[MS3 GT]

my VIN starting with J and i bought the car in gaithersburg MD........

 

[Mi-TMS3]

my VIN starting with J and i bought the car in gaithersburg MD........

i believe thats country of manufacturer which would be japan

 

[gonerogue]

my VIN starting with J and i bought the car in gaithersburg MD........

So I'm looking at the factory service manual for the MS3 and I was looking at how the VIN is broken down and comparing it to my VIN. Turns out that the 8th digit from the left represents the engine code and here are the following possibilities:

Also, the "JM1" part of our VIN just means that it is a Mazda passenger car.