What your level badge actually means, exactly how many points every action on the site is worth, and what it does (and doesn't) unlock.
Every account has a running points total, and your level is just a label for which bracket that total sits in - it's a reflection of how active you've been on the site, shown as a badge next to your name on your profile and in the members directory.
The ladder, from the start: Newcomer (0+ points), Enthusiast (250+ points), Builder (1,000+ points), Modifier (2,500+ points), Legend (10,000+ points). Your level updates automatically the moment your points total crosses into the next bracket - there's nothing to claim or activate.
Win Build of the Month: +500. Add a vehicle to your garage: +50. Get your trader business approved: +50. Leave a verified business review: +20. Personalise your @handle (first time): +15. Attend an event: +15. Log a modification: +10. Upload a photo: +5. Post a build goal update: +5. Every 10 reactions your posts receive: +1. Admins can also make a manual adjustment for exceptional cases, positive or negative.
Your level and point total are purely a reflection of your activity - they don't gate access to anything on the site. Every page and feature you can use is controlled by your account type (free, Pro, trader) and role, never by your points total or level. A Newcomer and a Legend have access to exactly the same pages.
Your profile page shows your exact point total, your current level, and how far you are from the next tier, alongside a short list of your most recent point-earning activity.