BCNR33
Nissan Skyline GT‑R R33 import check
BCNR33 is the factory model code for the Nissan Skyline GT-R R33, built for the Japanese market from 1995 to 1998. Every genuine car has a chassis (frame) number that starts with BCNR33-. That number is the one thing that links its Japanese history to its UK records.
BCNR33 at a glance
- Model code
- BCNR33
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Skyline GT-R (R33)
- Body
- 2-door coupe
- Built
- 1995 to 1998
- Engine
- RB26DETT (2568 cc twin turbo petrol)
- Drivetrain
- AWD (ATTESA E-TS Pro on V-spec)
- Japanese trims
- GT-R, GT-R V-spec, GT-R V-spec N1, GT-R LM Limited
- Chassis number format
- BCNR33-nnnnnnn
From our own model library. UK records sometimes drop the hyphen or the leading zeros of the serial; our check allows for that.
Is it a genuine BCNR33?
Only the R33 GT-R carries BCNR33. Lookalikes are usually built from the ECR33 GTS25t, which has a single-turbo RB25 and rear-wheel drive.
If you paste the advert into the free check, we compare its wording with the chassis code. An advert that says “GT-R” on a car whose chassis code isn’t BNR32 or BCNR33 or BNR34 gets flagged.
Known problems to check on a BCNR33
- Rust in the rear arches and sills
- RB26 oil pump drive collar wear
- Active LSD and ATTESA faults on V-spec cars
These are common issues for the model, not facts about any particular car. Ask the seller about each one.
Kilometres, miles and the first UK MOT
A BCNR33 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.
Questions
What is the chassis code for the Nissan Skyline GT-R R33?
BCNR33. A Japanese-market Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 has a frame number that starts with BCNR33, 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 BCNR33 built?
From 1995 to 1998, with the RB26DETT (2568 cc twin turbo petrol) engine and four-wheel drive layout.
What should I check when buying a BCNR33?
Rust in the rear arches and sills. RB26 oil pump drive collar wear. Active LSD and ATTESA faults on V-spec cars. Also check that the Japanese auction mileage lines up with the first UK MOT, because km and miles are easily mixed up.