Model Variation Code
 

Thought this might be the right place to get some help with something. I live in the US, but my car was originally from Canada. I can’t find any of the window stickers from when I bought the car here in America, and need help determining if I have a sport model or not. Looking through the FSM in the GI section, there a “Model Variation Code” page which looks similar to a vin but can be used to determine which model I have. Does anyone know where to find this variation code on the vehicle, if it’s even on the vehicle?

Is it not on the sticker located on the driver side door sill?

I would have to check but a quick google search didn’t lead me to believe it is there. One thread on here people were saying all Canadian models were sport due to regulations but after certain years you could get non sport. 19s, Red Akebonos, S-Mode would believe me to think it is sport but being CDM I’m not sure if that would still apply.

The 'bono's, S mode, and a VLSD. It's a sport.

Canadian models are pretty much the same trim level wise. Like you said, you have rev-matching...its a sport. If you also have the factory nav screen in place of the upper cubby, then you have a Sport Touring.

There are some differences with Canadian models (pretty much all positive) that have nothing to do with trim level, even base Canadian models have these features:

1. Functional rear fog light from the factory controlled from your left steering stalk. All American models from all years, regardless of trim level lack this and just have a dummy reflector instead.

2. Extra anti-corrosion coating applied in the engine bay from the factory. This looks like a waxy coating on the sheet metal, especially noticeable in the areas around the strut towers. Be careful not to think its dirt or something and try to remove it. All American models lack this anti-corrosion coating.

3. All Canadian models come with an engine block heater. American models do not.

4. All American models come with front and rear mudguards. Canadian models do not, they have to be purchased as an accessory from the dealership. Highly recommend you get them.

5. And finally and most obvious, all the gauges are in metric units.


You will notice a common theme here. Nissan seems to think all of the US has the climate of Arizona and Nevada.

I love the rear fog. Both my Audis came with them, and I actually turn it on every time I drive at night. I just wish there was a dash light to let me know it’s on instead of me turning my lights off and back on again bc I couldn’t remember if I turned it on the first time lol
Glad I finally know what that gunk is in the engine bay bc I planned to clean it and wanted it gone but now I know it has a real purpose.
The only gauge that is metric is oil temp. Speedometer is MPH and outside temp is F but I believe that setting can be changed.
Lastly, the block heater…very foreign subject to me. Never heard of one before. I need to look for that.

Mine has a dash light on the speedo for when the fog is turned on.

Same here and mine is a 2010 model

Fog light same dash light as my Nissan Elgrand, but its fog lights are in the front , 370 its on the rear, same dash light

I think the rear fog lamp is law in Euro Land (UK etc)