SA Beetle M-Code List

[Herbie]

So this question has been asked in the past, but largely around Buses, and some time has gone by since this question was asked initially. I have searched the forum from left to right, and none of the 409 hits gave a positive lead. I did check out the samba m-code list, it only goes to codes into the 700s. I also checked out the ACVWSA bible (which is quite good by the way) but nothing there either. It seems like VWSA has once again gone their own route in M-codes...

I am doing research specifically on SPs and will release an article in time. One are where I still need wisdom in, is the M-codes. I did speak to John Lemon and he doesn't have records on this. BTW, M-codes stands for "Optional extra or lesser equipment codes. Comes from German term “Mehr-und Minderausstattung". I have identified the following M codes on SP beetles:
- 1976 SP M7303 /Early 1977 it changed to M7304
- Later 1977 and 1978 the codes are M7321, M1978
- The Black SP also has, in addition to the other two M codes, M7000 and L51/77N3 which must have something to do with the special edition.
Any idea what this means? I don't think it speaks to the special tartan seats as there are codes on the plate for that. I thought it may be the special dual carbs, but then the code should have stayed the same (gross assumption).

I do hope that this info was revealed to someone in a dream and they have been waiting to reveal

Neels

[Dawie]

From memory, at the time it was mentioned that SP's could be optionally ordered without the SP stripe. For those who felt the stripe gave it a common Fordish look.

[Pine]

These are some international M-Options from Simon Glen's book 'Volkswagens of the World' - suppose not any help for your, yet still interesting

M.jpg

[Herbie]

Thanks Pine, thanks Dawie. Each mm we are getting closer

[Herbie]

Bumping this post hoping someone miraculously received the gift of M-Codes since I posted . Since I last asked the question on M-codes, I learnt the following:
1. South African Beetle M-codes are not the same as other countries (so surprise I guess)
2. South African Beetle M-codes are not the same as Type 2s, Type 3s or Type 4s

I have found a few M-codes...maybe someone with half a puzzle piece can get us closer...

The only M-Code I know for sure what it means is the M7128. This was used for vehicles normally fitted with vinyl seat trim to be special ordered with cloth trim instead. Others include...help me build this puzzle

These codes I have no idea what they mean:
- M7000 was only found on the midnight black SP1600
- M7001 was seen on a 1973 1300
- M7003 was seen on a 1975 1300
- M1978 was found on SP1600s from 1978 and also on the last one...another but similar code was found on SP1600s from 1977 M7978
- M7128 as said above was for vinyl seats ordered as cloth seats
- M7184 found on the Silver Anniversary Edition
- M7172 was found on the last one
- M7301 was found on 1977 SP1600s - only on Sunburst Yellow cars
- M7303 was found on 1977 SP1600s - only on Calypso Coral Cars
- M7304 was found on 1977 SP1600s - only on Silver Cloud
- M7321 was found on all 1978 SP1600s irrespective of colour
- M7323 was found on the last one (The Bronze 1300)
- M7978 was found on the first 1978 SP1600s, those with a VIN number starting 1172.... and ending on /8 indicating it was manufactured in 1977 for 1978

Then curiously enough the only three cars I have observed thus far with other codes were the Black SP which had a L51/77N3 code extra on the VIN plate, the Snug Bug had L100/77 and the last one which had a L385/78...I guess there may be more.

Any more wisdom from anyone?

[Dawie]

Seeing that they got their stamping/printed digits mixed up before... (Think around 1964 with type 2 model/version i think).

What is the chance that "M1978" was supposed to be "M7978" All other numbers from the 70's seem to start with M7. As it was only an internal reference, it still did the trick for them at the time?

[Herbie]

So still looking for answers...this is what I have found since I last posted here...Areas where I have put ??? is hypothesis and not confirmed yet.

- M7000 was only found on the midnight black SP1600 - Still no idea
- M7001 was seen on a 1973 1300 - Still no idea
- M7003 was seen on a 1975 1300 - Still no idea
- M7128 as said above was for vinyl seats ordered as cloth seats - Confirmed
- M7184 found on the Silver Anniversary Edition, the Lux Bug and the 1600S. The dots I connect is that this code is for "Deluxe Trim and accessory set"???
- M7172 was found on the last one (It had the same steering wheel as the SP, the fancy corduroy seats, Rostyles, all the Deluxe Trim, etc) - Still no idea
- M7301 was found on 1977 SP1600s - Looks like this was the Yellow Tartan Inserts on the Seats, on models 1976 and 1977 SP1600
- M7303 was found on 1977 SP1600s - Looks like this was the Red Tartan Inserts on the Seats, on models 1976 and 1977 SP1600
- M7304 was found on 1977 SP1600s - Looks like this was the Blue Tartan Inserts on the Seats, on models 1976 and 1977 SP1600
- M7321 was found on all 1978 SP1600s from May 1977 onwards as well as the Snug Bug. The dots connecting here is the second Gen Tartan seat inserts
- M7323 was found on the last one (The Bronze 1300) - Looking at the 7321 this may be a special code on the corduroy seats???
- M1978 / M7978 was found on SP1600s from 1978 onwards, 1600L, the Snug Bug and 1300 Deluxe spec models. The only thing that connect these models is the padded dash???

We are cracking this nut slowly... Please share VIN plates with me as it helps to build the puzzle piece
oh eight three 44 999 two one

[Herbie]

Seeing that they got their stamping/printed digits mixed up before... (Think around 1964 with type 2 model/version i think).

What is the chance that "M1978" was supposed to be "M7978" All other numbers from the 70's seem to start with M7. As it was only an internal reference, it still did the trick for them at the time?

Dawie, I think you may have a point there...the 1 may have been a 7...could be!

[jacquesbotha]

Where do I get the M-code on my Beetle?

[Herbie]

Jacques, on the late models the VIN tag is situated in front of the spare wheel to the left of the bonnet catch release mechanism. If your car has such a plate, and depending on the model, there will be one or more M-codes on the plate...e.g. M1978. Always M and four digits.
N

[rsmack]

Trying to establish her bloodline. Was led to believe she is a '76 1600L. Any way to confirm from this?