It's standard practice in Germany to use the WAUZZZxxxxx format. I wasn't sure if people were talking about the VIN as posted on the dash, or on the A-pillar, or under the hood... For those of you you are really bored, check your red maintenance book. On the sticker with all the options the VIN will probably be in the WAUZZZxxxxx format, US spec or not. Joe Yakubik