Summary:
A VIN build sheet is the document that the automaker uses before assembling a car. It contains all of the equipment and options that the needs to be included.
On the other hand, a window sticker by VIN contains most information in the build sheet, plus additional information like order number, MSRP, safety ratings, etc.
There are multiple ways to get VIN build sheet. Some manufacturers charge between $30 – $40 for a build sheet. There are also third-party tools like our build sheet by VIN tool for half the price with precise accuracy.
Read the full article below.
Car manufacturers produce millions of cars every year, most of which will have unique specifications based on the options customers choose for their units.
Things like paint colors, entertainment unit options, upholstery, wheel design, and seat configuration will all factor into the uniqueness of each car.
To keep track of which options every car has, automakers use a VIN build sheet.
What is a VIN Build Sheet?
A car’s build sheet is a piece of document that the automaker use to spec out each individual car in the production line. It contains information about the standard and optional equipment that a specific unit will have.
When they receive a new order, automakers will prepare a build sheet before lining up the parts to the assembly line.
This build sheet becomes the reference for the different departments in the factory to assemble your car. While it may seem trivial, the build sheet may come in handy when you need to repair your car or find part replacements.
Some automakers build literally millions of cars per year, most of which will be unique from one another. However, they can keep track of the specific equipment that come with a particular car through the vehicle identification number (VIN).
More often than not, you will lose or misplace the build sheet for your car. If that is the case, you can use the VIN to look up the build sheet for your car.
However, there’s a common confusion among car owners about the difference between a window sticker or Monroney label and a build sheet.
Let’s clear that up right now.
What is the Difference Between a VIN Build Sheet and Window Sticker?
The manufacture of a vehicle usually come with a build sheet which is a list of factory-installed packages on a vehicle; they include every information about the vehicle’s plant.
It usually lists Regular Production Options (RPO) at the bottom part of the page in addition to RPO codes for the standard items and may sometimes contain order information.
On the other hand, a window sticker, which is also known as a Monroney sticker, usually contains as much information as found in a car build sheet, showing the engine and transmission type, the base or standard equipment, any optional packages or items ordered with the car, the color, the MSRP total price, and fuel economy information just to mention a few.
The differences between window stickers and VIN built sheets can be summed up below.
| Window sticker | Build sheet |
|---|---|
| Required by law | Not required by law |
| Does not contain order information | Contains order information |
| Includes manufacturers suggested retail price | Does not include manufacturers suggested retail price |
| Includes information on fuel economy | Does not include information on fuel economy |
| Transmission information included | Transmission information not included |
How to Get Car Build Sheet by VIN
Some manufacturers offer build sheet for a certain amount of money, typically between $30 – $40 per build sheet. All you need to do is provide them with your car’s VIN.
However, it may be difficult to find the exact place where you can request a build sheet. You might even have to call customer service for some manufacturers.
But fret not!
With our VIN build sheet lookup tool, you can get the build sheet for most car makes. No need to scramble across different websites to get your build sheet.
Here’s how you can get the VIN build sheet for any manufacturer:
- Go to our VIN build sheet lookup tool.
- Enter your Vehicle Identification Number into our form.
- Click on ‘Check VIN’ to generate your build sheet.
Sample VIN Build Sheet
EXTERIOR - OXFORD WHITE
INTERIOR - MEDIUM EARTH GRAY
Why Do You Need the VIN Build Sheet?
Arrangements were made by the government to help car buyers make wise choices when choosing a vehicle that they will buy, this led to the Automobile Information Disclosure Act of 1958, making the window sticker mandatory for all display vehicles. This has helped buyers in the following ways:
- The window sticker serves as an investigative tool for buyers to determine if the vehicle under consideration contains all the specifications they desire.
- The fuel economy metrics added by the Environmental Protection Agency in the mid-1970s have continued to provide consumption metrics, enabling buyers to choose more efficient vehicles
- The QR code on the windows sticker provides a means of accessing additional information about the vehicle online hence providing a handful of information required for a sound decision
