J-spec Chassis Code Identification
This article is currently being revised - please note that some information may be out of date.

Ever wondered what the BFMR chassis code actually means?

This guide shows how to identify the different chassis codes and variations of Japanese domestic market (J-spec) Ford Lasers and Mazda Familias from the BE, BF and BG series. Other series are covered on a limited basis.

(click on any letter or number to jump to the relevant section)

The chassis code on J-spec Lasers and Familias is stamped on the driver's side of the firewall next to the manufacturer's build plate.

For other tips on how to identify Japanese domestic market Familias or Lasers, a dedicated guide is coming soon. In the meantime, please see the Further Info section at the end of this guide.

BFMRF - Main Chassis Type

B	Familia/323 (Laser)
F	Savanna RX7
G	Capella/626 (Telstar)
H	Luce/929

note: Only the B type chassis is covered in this guide.

BFMRF - Generation

E	5th Gen Familia 1st Gen Laser (KA/KB)
F	6th Gen Familia 2nd Gen Laser (KC/KE)
G	7th Gen Familia 3rd Gen Laser (KF/KH)
HA	8th Gen Familia 4th Gen Laser (KJ)
J	9th Gen Familia 5th Gen Laser (KN/KQ/KR)
W	6th Gen Familia Wagon 2nd Gen Laser Wagon (KE)

note: The W generation chassis is the same as the F generation chassis, except produced only in wagon form and only available after 1989.

BFMRF - Engine (for engine specs, click here)

3	E3
5	E5 E5S E5F E5T B5 DOHC (BG only)
6	B6 B6F B6-2E
7	PN
8	BP BP DOHC BPT BPD
M	B6 B6F B6D B6T
S	B5
T	B3

note: PN is the 1.7 diesel engine. Engines from the BHA and BJ series are not covered in this guide.

BFMRF - Drive or Body Type

M	4WD van
P	FWD wagon, sedan or hatch
R	4WD wagon, sedan or hatch 4WD sedan (BG only)
S	FWD cabriolet
W	FWD wagon
V	FWD van
Z	4WD hatch (BG only)

note: Van is the same body type as wagon.

BFMRF - If present, denotes Ford chassis equivalent

F	Ford chassis (Laser)

100001 - Build number

note: Build numbers for facelift models often begin at 300001 or 500001.

Further Info

Australian and New Zealand new Lasers and Familias have unique chassis codes which are completely different from the Japanese domestic market ones. Some examples of Aus/NZ codes include SAPJKA, SGPHMY, BF1052 etc.

The easiest way to check whether a particular car is J-spec or not is to look at the chassis code stamped on the firewall. However if you are unable to do this for whatever reason, other simple methods of identifying a J-spec chassis are as follows:

- Look for Japanese writing on the driver's sunvisor, on the stickers located on the underside of the bonnet, and on the tyre placard.
- Electric sunroofs were an option only on J-spec models.
- Glass will have 'Mazda Motor Corporation' etchings.
- Spacesaver instead of full-size spare (4WD models only).
- All KC turbo models are J-spec.
- J-spec TX3s have dark metallic grey bottom halves ("Raster Silver"), as opposed to light gloss grey on the NZ new models.

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