Hello,

First post. I'm close to owning my first Z and I've been scouring various forums and FAQ's trying to figure out if one can determine the trim package of a 350Z based on the VIN or other info on the door sticker.

I've found a used 350Z I may purchase, but some of the options do not appear to correspond with the stated trim package.

I called the VIN into Nissan USA's 800 number and got the in-service date, but they said they can't determine trim package based on VIN.

I also located a website that is helpful at deconstructing the Nissan VIN, but also does not get down to the level of trim package.

http://www.etraxx.com/350z_vin.php


I know on some other vehicles there are codes on the door sticker which indicate trim packages. But I don't know what to look for on a Nissan. Any assistance would be appreciated.

 

Welcome. Please use the term Model not trim. The model is not indicated in the VIN.

 

Thanks for the correction on my terms. Too bad it isn't easier to determine model info.

Digging around in the archives, I found a very helpful thread:

How to tell if a Z has LSD from it's options?


It's easy to spot Brembo rotors but not so easy to spot LSD. If the cruise control => LSD rule is correct, that should be almost as good as knowing the model.

 

There is a metal plate attached to the left side of the firewall (in front of the battery compartment) that contains some of the information you seek. Unfortunately, I've never seen any documentation on how to decode it. Even the FSM doesn't include a key. Apparently, it's only intended for production use, not for dealers, etc.

 

no steering wheel controls? no cruise??? = no vlsd

 

350Z enthusiasts are pros at telling the different between models but only if we see the car. Wheels, brakes and seats can be replaced. They are poor indicators.

 

What was an option in one year may be standard in another year (i.e. TPMS) so sometimes it's hard to say that a particular car is one trim or another just by looking a feature differences without knowing the year.

 

Dave is exactly right. VINs alone only give basic options/manufacturing info and figuring out trim level from that can be tough. Here's Courtesy's VIN decoder:

 

Thanks. That's what I had in mind. I would assume that the "9 Axle Model" field is likely the best indicator of LSD. It would be interesting to try to figure out the codes.

 

I thought I had found a steal on an '06 Touring package with 9K at a Toyota dealer for $25K. The dealer had it listed as a Base model but showed it as having leather seats and cruise so I figured it was probably actually a Touring not a Base.

The PO had even installed Bose speaker covers so it looked like a Touring. However, I noticed the leather seats were not heated and there was no cruise control. So I said no thanks.

 

Non-Nissan dealers seem to have a hard time figuring out exactly what they are selling. If you don't know better and they don't either - you can get screwed or get a great deal. I recall somebody here buying a Track that was listed as a Base model and he paid significantly less than what a track should have gone for.

 

I've found a new candidate. The (non-Nissan) Dealer has it listed as a 2003 Track model. It's a few hundred miles away so I can't just pop over and look at it.

There is only one photo on the dealer website and it isn't very good. However, those do appear to be stock Brembo calipers peeking out from the front wheels. It is however listed as having tan leather seats which makes me wonder if it is truly a Track model.

Here's the only photo I have (click to enlarge):


Would any of the Z experts here care to speculate as to the model based on the photo?

I've called both Nissan USA and a Nissan dealer and they said they don't have access to any info other than in-service date and paint code.

 

The easy way to tell what model it is is to find the cars weight

3,188 lb (1,446 kg) (Base)
3,197 lb (1,450 kg) (Enth)
3,217 lb (1,459 kg) (Perf)
3,247 lb (1,473 kg) (Tour)
3,225 lb (1,463 kg) (Track)

You should be able to find this somewhere on the car.

 

It is not a 2003 track model. The 2003 track model came with Rays v1s. That car has the larger 350z non-rays wheels. It is possible they swapped the wheels, because it looks like the orange brembo calipers are there, but it is hard to tell. What is the VIN?

 

I doubt he can tell you, that was posted back in 2006!

 

el oh el

 

That is more of a bug in the forum system if it resurrects a thread from any age if there is a new post. Maybe the mods can date-limit it to 6 months or something.

 

the forum didn't bring it up,,, the newb did

 

^^ exactly - people search and get a hit on something so they go to the thread and reply or ask a question without first looking at the original thread date and last reply date.

 

The guy at the dealers parts counter was able to look up what options I had by my vin#. Helped me confirm my cars originality.