I am learning as I go...

The 10th position of VIN is model year
W - 1998
V - 1997
U - not used
T - 1996
S - 1995

The 6-7th position of VIN is engine designation
58 - 850 R with High Pressure Turbo at 240 HP
57 - 850 T5 with High Pressure Turbo 222 HP
56 - 850 GLT with Low Pressure Turbo 190 HP
55 - 850 basic or GLT with No Turbo

Is there code in the VIN to indicate that car has a 5-speed trans?

 

My understanding is that on cars other than US/Canada the 9th digit in the VIN specifies the transmission type where:

2=M56 L/H Transmission
6=AW 50-42 LE

On US/Canada cars the 9th digit is a check digit.

 

Ding Ding Ding we have a Winner!!

 

[sm=happy046.gif]

 

Learning as I go...

Positions 1-3
Manufacturer Code
YV1

Positions 4-5
Vehicle Type
LS

Positions 6-7
Engine Code
41 - B5202S
45 - B5204S
47 - B5204T
51 - B5252S
53 - ??????? MY98-?? S70 T5
54 - B5234S
55 - B5254S MY93-97 850, MY98-?? S70
56 - ??????? MY??-97 850 GLT
57 - B5234T MY93-97 850 Turbo
58 - B5234T5 MY93-97 850 T5R

Position 8
Emission
0

Position 9
US/Canada - Check Digit
Elsewhere - Transmission Code

Position 10
Model Year
M - 1991
N - 1992
P - 1993
R - 1994
S - 1995
T - 1996
V - 1997
W - 1998

Positions 11-12
Factory Code
1 - Sweden, VTM
2 - Belgium, VEC

All I have for now...

 

I have heard a rumour that it may be buried in the Emission Code.
0 - Emissions for Manual
1 - Emissions for Automatic
3 - Emissions for Automatic

I will test the theory and report back...

 

1998 black/black S70 T5 5-speed
YV1LS5377W2503000

1998 charcoal/beige S70 T5 Auto
YV1LS5379W2548000

1998 black/?? S70 ? 5-speed
YV1LS5371W2515000

1998 red/beige S70 ? Auto
YV1LS5347W1433000

I don't believe there is anything in 8th position to distinguish auto or 5-speed.