European vs. US Vin numbers: Help

The following vehicle ID plate is for a car for sale on Ebay. The most curious thing about it is the 8/00 build date. I thought they closed the factory during the month of August.
http://i5.yimg.com/5/13297a47/h/5cd74c53/Vehicle+SN+Plate.jpg

Second is the Vin number: It matches my number exactly with the exception of "0" before the "y" (this letter is the year 00, X would be for 99 and so forth) which must be the interior. The only difference between my car and this one is the interior; exclusive here and mine's extended. The last five numbers are the serial number.

This car was built 218 cars after my July build. My question is: What are the European vin numbers like? Could some of our overseas friends upload a picture of their plate? Are these serial numbers just for US production or consecutive in order for all M5 builds. Persons with July or August builds would be best.

Thanks

------------------
Jim
00 M5 Titanium over Red