chassis numbers

[Rob H]

Does anyone know what the suffix DLA on the chassis numbers means please?

[johnnydog]

All our cars irrespective of the model had DL as a suffix to the chassis no. - what these actual letters signify I'm not certain. The other suffix letters indicate factory options.
However, the 'A' part of it means it originally left the factory as an automatic. Earlier cars had the letters 'BW', but on very late models this changed to 'A'.
Other combinations off the suffix lettering could be for example - LDLOP.
The first L shows it was LHD (left hand drive), DL is the standard lettering of all the models, and then the O indicated it was a manual gearbox, but had overdrive fitted, and the P referred to it having PAS (power steering).
Models that had PAS as standard such the 2500S did not have a P suffix in the chassis (VIN) number.
The prefix letters of the VIN numbers are pretty straight forward, although they became more model specific later in production years MB - Mk1 2000, ME - Mk2 2000, MG - Mk2 PI, MM - 2500TC and MP - 2500S.
Export models generally had their own unique chassis numbers depending on their destination or country of assembly.

[Thorsten]

Hi John, Small addition: The DL suffix belongs to the saloon models as opposed to estates with SC. Best, Thorsten

[johnnydog]

Thanks for that bit of extra info Thorston! Good to see you at Hunstanton, and I hope you enjoyed your stay and got back to Germany safe and sound!

[Thorsten]

Yes, Thank you! No problems on the journey. Had an 1,800km round trip without any incident.
Hope you returned home safely too!
Best, Thorsten