| Does the VIN Plate numbers and letters mean anything? If it does, does anyone have a breakdown? (12/99) |
| The VIN is a coding system. I haven't found the decoding data for Mazda but www.vanagon.com/info/vin/ will show you the meaning of a VW VIN. Some of the information is common to all makes and some is manufacturer specific. (12/99) |
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I looked in a Mazda parts department 'bible' this morning - here it is: Typical number: JMZNA18B200100001 (17 digits): |
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My LHD mk2 has indeed NB1. 1.6 LHD mk2: 6 (Engine code) (3/00) |
| The only thing I have gleaned from Roadster VINs is that NA6CE denotes 1.6 and NA8C denotes 1.8. The number that follows it (six digits on mine) seems to be just a serial (i.e. lower number = built earlier). Maybe they do not encode any other data in the VIN, or (perhaps more likely) the data stored separately and is cross-referenced to the serial. There is a data plate inside the driver's side door shut that includes paint code, engine number, etc. (3/00) |
| I have a P For the engine code (1.8 Mk1 Berkeley)? So it's close but no cigar! (3/00) |
| I was looking at the number from a dealer's invoice, and in the service log book. I've just checked the vehicle registration document, and it's still a 'P'. I'll check the actual VIN on the car sometime. (3/00) |
| I think the last 6 -digits of the VIN numbers are consecutive serial numbers. But remember there's a whole lot of Miata's and Roadsters as well. And - re engine code "P" - that sure ain't in the Mazda "bible" ! Any other Berkeley owners confirm their engine code please? And Mk2's? Any other engine codes on Mk 1's? (3/00) |
| So - "P" is a later 1.8. With solid, rather than hydraulic tappets. Did Berkeleys, and presumably other late Mk 1's, get what we thought were just Mk 2 engines? (3/00) |
| I'm pretty sure my Berkeley has a normal Mk1 1.8 engine. I have adjusted the timing on my Berkeley (14 btdc) and fitted a JR CAI and didn't notice any differences from the instructions. How would I tell if it was a Mk2 engine? (3/00) |
| Ok - check your VIN number - on the bulkhead. It will start JMZNA18.. The next digit is the crucial one. Is it "P" or "D"? It looks as if "P" = Mk 2 engine, "D" = Mk 1. Question now is - do all Berkeleys have "P" engines, or just some? (3/00) |
| Ok, just checked (more questions will follow) - the vin-no on my car is: JMZNA18P200321*** so by your reckoning it is a Mk2 engine. I find it very hard to believe that I have a Mk2 engine though as my car suffers from the normal Mk1 cold engine tappet rattle which goes away after a service with hot flush & Mobil 1. I though Mk2s did not have hydraulic tappets. (3/00) |
| The VIN of my (LHD) 1.6 mk2 starts with JMZNB186, so it has a '6' as the engine code. (3/00) |
| Mike Haywards site: http://freespace.virgin.net/mx5.mike/specs.html then take the Vehicle Identification No link. (3/00) |
| Doesn't the letter only refer to the capacity, not fiddly things like lifters and suchlike? i.e. 'P' = 1.8 the 'BP' type engine - modified for the mk2 '5 but still the same block 'B' = 1.6 the 'B6' engine as used in early 115hp '5s this is how I understood it anyway! (3/00) |
| There is a '95 onwards 1.8 engine .. different cam cover (letters go in) .. non chrome cam bolts .. possibly a steel rather than cast iron crank .. and a 3 wire coil pack.. is this a 'P' .. .. now thinking further .. my second engine had the chrome cam cover bolts .. but a 3 wire coil pack .. so the non chrome cam cover bolts represents a '97??? onwards engine... (3/00) |