When it comes to buying a used car, it’s important to have as much information as possible about the vehicle’s history and specifications. One important component of a car’s documentation is the factory plate, which contains crucial information about the car’s manufacturing and specifications. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of the Smart factory plate and how it can be used to verify a car’s authenticity and history.
What is the Smart Factory Plate?
The Smart factory plate is a metal plate or sticker that is affixed to the vehicle during the manufacturing process. The plate contains important information about the car’s specifications, such as the engine type, transmission, and production date. The Smart factory plate is an essential component of the vehicle’s documentation and can be used to verify the car’s authenticity and specifications.
Location of the Smart Factory Plate
The Smart factory plate is typically located in one of two places on the vehicle: the driver’s side door jamb or the engine compartment. Here’s a closer look at where to find the factory plate:
- Driver’s side door jamb: The Smart factory plate is often located on the driver’s side door jamb, near the latch or hinges. Look for a metal plate or sticker that contains a series of numbers and letters.
- Engine compartment: In some cases, the Smart factory plate may be located in the engine compartment, typically near the firewall. Look for a metal plate or sticker that contains a series of numbers and letters.
Series 450:
Fortwo Coupe, Convertible, Crossblade
The adhesive Factory plate is located in the boot under the floor covering in front of the engine compartment cover.
Series 451 – Fortwo
The Smart Fortwo factory plate is also on the B-spar, on the driver’s side, underneath the lock catch.
Series 452:
Roadster, Roadster Coupe
The Smart factory plate is on the B-spar on the front passenger’s access
Series 454 – Forfour
The Smart type plate is on the B-spar on the front passenger’s access.
Form of the Smart Factory Plate
The Smart factory plate is a small, rectangular metal or plastic plate that is typically located on the driver’s side door jamb. It measures approximately 4 inches by 2 inches, and is attached to the body of the car using rivets or screws. The factory plate is designed to withstand the elements and remain legible throughout the life of the vehicle.
Appearance of the Smart Factory Plate
The Smart factory plate contains a variety of codes and numbers that provide important information about the vehicle. The following is a breakdown of the information typically found on the factory plate:
Manufacturer Information: The top section of the factory plate typically contains the manufacturer’s name, logo, and location. In the case of the Smart Roadster, the factory plate will contain the name “Smart” and the location of the manufacturing plant.
Smart VIN Number: The second section of the factory plate contains the VIN, which is a unique 17-digit code that identifies the specific vehicle. The Smart VIN Number contains information such as the country of origin, the manufacturer, the model year, and the production sequence number.
Technical Information: The third section of the factory plate contains a series of codes and numbers that represent the vehicle’s technical specifications. This includes information such as the engine size, transmission type, and other important details.
Paint Code: The fourth section of the Smart factory plate contains the paint code, which is used to identify the color and finish of the vehicle. The paint code is typically represented by a series of letters and numbers that correspond to a specific color and finish.
Options Code: This section of the Smart factory plate contains the options code, which represents the various features and accessories that are installed on the vehicle. This can include features such as air conditioning, power windows, and more.
The Smart Factory plates are not lasered but printed. The surface is smooth.
The following data appear on the type plate:
Manufacturer/Place of manufacture (Name and country)
Colour code for Tridion safety frame, e.g. EB1
Body panel colour codes, e.g. EA4
Model
VIN check number (Federal Office for Motor Traffic [Kraftfahrt Bundesamt (KBA)]
Approval number
VIN (also as barcode)
Maximum permissible weight and axle load
On variants for certain countries (e.g. for the US market) the month and year of production
are also indicated
until production period July 1999
from production period July 1999:
from MY 2003
Series 450
The 451 Series (Fortwo from 2007) with DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG indicated as the manufacturer
The 451 Series (Fortwo) with DAIMLER AG indicated as the manufacturer (from 01.01.2008)
Series 452
Series 453 Fortwo
Regarding to the type approval the model designation 451 is furthermore named on the left side at type.
Series 453 Forfour
The Factory plate 453 Forfour is manufactured in the Renault plant in Maribor/Slovenia. Therefore the type plate has the typical Renault transparent security foil. The 14 incisions on the transparent foil are a safety feature.
Regarding to the type approval the model designation 451 is furthermore named on the left side at type
Series 454
Smart Factory plate for vehicles intended for the US market (here the 451 Series)
What Information is on the Smart Factory Plate?
The Smart factory plate contains a wealth of information about the vehicle’s manufacturing and specifications. Here’s a closer look at the information you can find on the Smart factory plate:
- Manufacturer Information: The first section of the Smart factory plate contains information about the manufacturer of the vehicle, including the manufacturer’s name, address, and the country where the vehicle was built.
- Vehicle Type: The next section of the factory plate contains information about the vehicle type, including the model, body type, and the number of doors.
- Engine and Transmission Information: The factory plate also contains information about the engine and transmission, including the engine type, displacement, and the number of cylinders. The transmission type and number of gears are also listed.
- Production Information: The Smart factory plate contains information about the production date, which includes the month and year the vehicle was built. The vehicle’s production number is also listed, which can be used to track the vehicle’s history.
Overall, the Smart factory plate is an important component of the vehicle that provides crucial information about its identification and technical specifications. Car owners and mechanics should take care to ensure that the factory plate is legible and well-maintained, as it can be a valuable resource for repairs and maintenance.
