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Vehicle makers may group their body repair manuals (BRM) in several different ways. Sometimes the BRMs are grouped by a year range, some are listed as VIN specific, and others are arranged by a body code. Let’s take a look at Toyota/Lexus to see how they group their BRMs.
Toyota/Lexus uses a combination of letters and numbers to identify a BRM for a specific model year range. This code is found at the top of the BRM table of contents/menu. For example, the 2015-2018 Toyota Avalon has a BRM code of "BM26G0U," and the 2019-2022 Toyota Avalon has the code "BM34N0U." This indicates a possible body style change between the two model year groups.
Body codes are important when it comes to ordering parts, looking up repair procedures, and measuring the vehicle. This is especially true when a vehicle maker continues to build a previous generation model when the new generation model is still being produced. With different body codes comes differing procedures and precautions. Always make sure the correct BRM is selected before beginning repairs.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- Collision Information Website Access: Toyota/Lexus/Scion
- Step-By-Step: Accessing Toyota, Lexus, And Scion Repair Information