Afbau or Build number is not unique?

[W14]

Hi Group,

I think most of us are happy when we see that the 4 digit "Afbau" numbers stamped on the hood and hardtop match our data card.  However, if those numbers are not more 4 digits long, and there were approximately 50,000 W113's built, wouldn't there be 4 or 5 W113's that share the same afbau number?  A car could have a hood from one car, and a hardtop from another, and still have matching numbers?


Will W14
1965 230SL 4spd
Victoria,BC

[Tom]

Will,

Yes, this seems logical.  I guess one would be happy just to get a match on all the numbers and assume that they are original parts.  Some cars have just 3 numbers stamped on the hood, soft top cover, etc and some have 4.

Best,

Tom

[Naj ✝︎]

These numbers should be viewed in relation to the build date as well. I beleive they are only reference numbers for the assembly line so that the right panels got married to the right chassis at final assembly.

naj
hobel 65 230SL
jalopyno 68 280SL

[George Davis]

The Aufbau number is also listed on the data card.  In my case, it is a 9 followed by four digits.  These four digits are stamped into the hardtop and soft-top boot lid, without the 9.  (Hood appears to be a replacement, no numbers on it   ).

Anyway, I wonder if the Aufbau numbers are specific to the model year or year of construction?  My car is a 1969 model, built in calendar year 1969, so might the 9 indicate one of these?

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[W14]

Would anyone be interested in a poll, to see if there are any cars with identical afbau numbers?
(My data-card says 02598)

Will W14
1965 230SL 4spd
Victoria,BC