A typical vin code can be broken down like this
Example VIN: YV1VS1219TF123456 must be 17 digits !
You can find out what the codes mean
HERE in detail (like if your car has a EGR)
If your feeling a bit lazy there is a Volvo VIN decoder for S40 / V40 / V50
HERE
The results will look like this when i used my VIN from my V50 (i have removed my serial/chassis No.)
This may come in handy for some one