[bstark]

Ken: The value of the four digit number is in communications with factory, quoting those digits gets them to your file quicker with all of the info such as build date, listed options, paint codes, running gear, etc.,. In a perfect world, this would allow whoever calls back from the factory to know exactly what component you may be having a problem with and significantly shorten the phone discussions.

Again: That would be in a "perfect world"!