PD8W · PE8W · PF8W · PD6W
Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear L400 import check
PD8W is the factory model code for the Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear L400, built for the Japanese market from 1994 to 2007. Other versions carry PE8W, PF8W and PD6W. Every genuine car has a chassis (frame) number that starts with its code, such as PD8W-. That number is the one thing that links its Japanese history to its UK records.
PD8W at a glance
- Model code
- PD8W
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Delica Space Gear (L400)
- Body
- MPV
- Built
- 1994 to 2007
- Engine
- 4M40 (2835 cc turbo diesel)
- Drivetrain
- 4WD
- Japanese trims
- Exceed, Super Exceed, Chamonix
- Chassis number format
- PD8W-nnnnnnn
From our own model library, compiled from public sources and not yet checked against a second source. UK records sometimes drop the hyphen or the leading zeros of the serial; our check allows for that.
Reading the PD8W chassis code
- PD8W is the 2.8 turbo-diesel 4M40 with four-wheel drive, and PD6W the 3.0 V6 petrol.
- The later Delica is the D:5 (CV5W).
| Code | What it is | Engine | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| PD8W | Delica Space Gear (L400) | 4M40 | 1994–2007 |
| PE8W | 2.8 diesel, long bodyNot yet confirmed | 4M40 | 1994–2007 |
| PF8W | 2.8 dieselNot yet confirmed | 4M40 | 1994–2007 |
| PD6W | 3.0 V6 petrol 6G72 | 6G72 | 1994–2007 |
Have a chassis number? The chassis decoder reads it for you.
Is it a genuine PD8W?
Mitsubishi keeps the W in its chassis numbers (PD8W-…), unlike Toyota.
Known problems to check on a PD8W
- Rust on the chassis rails, sills, wheel arches and under the sliding door: the biggest problem on these vans
- 4M40 timing-chain wear (listen for a rattle) and overheating
- Camper conversions: ask for the conversion paperwork, a gas safety certificate and an electrical check, and see whether the V5C body type has been changed
- Cars from snowy northern Japan can have more underbody rust than the auction grade suggests: look underneath before you buy
These are common issues for the model, not facts about any particular car. Ask the seller about each one.
Before you buy
- Get underneath: the chassis matters more than the paint
- Check the four-wheel drive engages and the transfer lever moves freely
The PD8W on a Japanese auction sheet
- The sheet names the van デリカ (Delica) or デリカスペースギア (Delica Space Gear). Rust codes S and C on the underside are worth taking seriously.
Most imports were bought at a Japanese auction, and the inspector’s sheet records the grade, mileage and every mark on the body. Ask the seller for it, then run it through our auction sheet translator to read it in English and check the chassis number and mileage against the UK record.
Recalls in Japan for the PD8W family
Japan publishes every recall with the chassis numbers it covers. Run a recall check with the car’s chassis number to see whether any apply to it.
MOT record in the UK
Mitsubishi Delica
- 40% of 2,613 first MOT tests failed in 2024 and 2025, 11% higher than the UK average for cars of the same age.
- Most common advisory: Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive (19% of tests).
- Most common failure: Rear fog lamp: not working (6.7% of tests).
From DVSA’s anonymised MOT data, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Kilometres, miles and the first UK MOT
A PD8W sold new in Japan has a speedometer in kilometres. When it is imported, the speedometer is either converted to miles or left in km, and the first UK MOT should record whichever the dial shows. Mistakes here are common, and they’re where mileage problems hide.
We put the Japanese auction mileage and every UK MOT reading on one timeline and check the crossing: whether the readings agree after converting, whether the km figure was written down as miles, and whether the first UK reading is lower than the car had already done in Japan. See an illustrative example.
What we haven’t confirmed yet
We only state what we’re confident of. We haven’t yet checked these points about the Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear L400 against a second source, so treat them with care:
- What separates PE8W and PF8W from PD8W. We list the PE8W as the long-body car from secondary sources.
Know the answer? Email [email protected].
Questions
What is the chassis code for the Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear L400?
PD8W, with PE8W, PF8W and PD6W for other engines or drive layouts. A Japanese-market Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear L400 has a frame number that starts with its code, then a hyphen and a serial number. You’ll find it on the V5C and on a plate in the engine bay.
Which years was the PD8W built?
From 1994 to 2007, with the 4M40 (2835 cc turbo diesel) engine and 4WD layout.
What should I check when buying a PD8W?
Rust on the chassis rails, sills, wheel arches and under the sliding door: the biggest problem on these vans. 4M40 timing-chain wear (listen for a rattle) and overheating. Camper conversions: ask for the conversion paperwork, a gas safety certificate and an electrical check, and see whether the V5C body type has been changed. Cars from snowy northern Japan can have more underbody rust than the auction grade suggests: look underneath before you buy. Get underneath: the chassis matters more than the paint. Check the four-wheel drive engages and the transfer lever moves freely. Also check that the Japanese auction mileage lines up with the first UK MOT, because km and miles are easily mixed up.