What are product plates? Product plates are plates (or stickers) which contain pertinent information about your car: where it was build, how much it weighs, what colors it came equipped with, etc.
Where are product plates? On P1 Volvos, the main product plate is locate on the right B-pillar, visible when you open the door. There is a second product plate mounted on the left B-pillar which may have additional and/or duplicate information recorded on it.
How are these of any use post-manufacturing? While the codes can give re-sellers clues as to what options the car came equipped with, the chassis code is a valuable tool for any mechanic or enthusiast. These codes tell you exactly which springs, shocks, struts, sway bares, and other key suspension components were originally equipped on the car.
Many people assume that their car has the exact same suspension parts as other similar make/model cars. This could not be further from the truth.
Of course, there are springs and shocks for comfort, sport, and dynamic packages, but product details are not limited to just those three categories. In fact, there are over 10 different front springs available for P1 Volvos. Ride height may not appear any different to the untrained eye. Ride quality may not feel any different to the untrained butt. However, there is a subtle difference.
Pair those different springs with the numerous other options for shocks, struts, and bushings, and brand new cars can easily be as unique and diverse as snow flakes.
That is not to say that parts from specific trim packages are not interchangeable; you can easily swap from comfort to sport or vise versa . Product fitment is entirely based upon makes and models.
For more information on these product plates and how to decipher the codes, please visit FPC Euro to read my latest article: Locating the Product Plate on a P1 Volvo (C30, S40, V50, C70)
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