No Vin Code/Options label in service book - problem?

[uglysailor]

Getting closer to pulling the trigger on a nice 996 as a daily driver, having come round to the fact that it'll be more practical (if less soulfully thrilling and childishly fun) than a 964.

Anyway - found what appears to be a good one with receipts and decent service history, BUT it doesn't have the usual white label in the service book, i.e. the same as the label found under the front bonnet lid.

So, is this an issue? To me it could mean the service book is fake - am I being paranoid, or do I have reason to be careful?

Edited by uglysailor on Wednesday 5th March 12:40

[jkh112]

I bought my 996 with a full OPC service history with both receipts and stamps in the service book. This leads me to think my service book is the original, but it does not have the vin sticker in the front.

[smudger911]

I don't think any 996's had stickers under the bonnet. 993 was the last series Porsche did this, newer ones dont' have it.

[uglysailor]

Thanks. Maybe it's just the older cars (993s & pre-2000 996s) that have the label in the service book.

Anyone know whether this is the case?

[uglysailor]

smudger911 said:

I don't think any 996's had stickers under the bonnet. 993 was the last series Porsche did this, newer ones dont' have it.

This one (and a few others I've seen) has the sticker under the front bonnet lid.

[adbett]

I believe for 996s the sticker was under the bonnet up to MY 05 when this stopped.

My 996 also has FSH in log book but no white sticker - I've been told the sticker in the book was normally added by the dealer so could be missed during the sale.

I don't know if there are differences between orig and replacement log books but mine "felt" old - difficult to describe but slightly musty, creamy paper, not bright white and crisp.

Finally, simply ring up the garages that have stamps in the book and ask them to confirm the VIN and reg on their records.

Porsche UK can also confirm the build options when new.

[chiark]

My 996 (2002) had the sticker under the bonnet, and the sticker in the service book.

[Hilux2400]

So does my 2003 996

[jkh112]

As above my 996 has no sticker in the book, but to add to this it does have the sticker under the bonnet.

[SunDiver]

On 993s you sometimes see replacement books, obviously then with no options sticker.
Bottom line is books just get lost sometimes. It's no big deal IF you can verify history by other means. Under bonnet stickers, VIN plates, engine number on block, certificate of authenticity, all the MOTs, service invoices etc etc
But to be honest, whether the service book is original or not, I always call up the dealers to confirm each service stamp. Only takes a few mins and fake stamps are just as easy in an original book as a replacement.

[RAWENG]

Not a big issue you can contact the OPC that carried out the servicing and they will confirm what work has been done.

[RAWENG]

Not a big issue you can contact the OPC that carried out the servicing and they will confirm what work has been done.

[GC8]

jkh112 said:

I bought my 996 with a full OPC service history with both receipts and stamps in the service book. This leads me to think my service book is the original, but it does not have the vin sticker in the front.

Neither does one of mine. It should have, but it doesn't. Repacement books used to be stamped on page three where the build sticker should be placed, but Im not certain that this is the case now.

[Spy]

996s do have the sticker under the bonnet which I would say is more important as not having it may indicate accident damage.

As regards the sticker in the service book, I imagine this is more down to the thoroughness/competence of the sales/service person at the OPC when the car is PDI'd and delivered

[TonyB66]

smudger911 said:

I don't think any 996's had stickers under the bonnet. 993 was the last series Porsche did this, newer ones dont' have it.

They do, or at least my 996 C2 does have a sticker under the bonnet and in the front of the service book.

[darronwall]

Spy said:

996s do have the sticker under the bonnet which I would say is more important as not having it may indicate accident damage.

As regards the sticker in the service book, I imagine this is more down to the thoroughness/competence of the sales/service person at the OPC when the car is PDI'd and delivered

05 model cars gt3 and turbo s run out cars do not have the sticker under the bonnet,pretty sure all others should

[AndyT955]

My 99 996 has the Sticker in both the service book and it matches the sticker under the bonnet. Also the service book has a date printed on it, obviously it needs to pre-date the car manufacture.

[hungry_hog]

I have a sticker under the bonnet (2004 C4s). It's pretty faded though. Strange that "sunroof delete" is condsidered an option