If you're referring to the side moldings, here's the How To guide found in the other forum:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123669726
There are pictures of post-removal.
Try running your VIN through a VIN Decoder.
http://www.pronto-net.com/vin_app/vin.php
Unfortunately it doesn't answer the question re: your specific ms3 production #, but is still interesting to decode.
Also, if you've ever visited an assembly plant, you'll notice that they don't always build...