How to decode a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that is assigned to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe, forming the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code not only identifies the manufacturer but also provides specific information about the vehicle, such as its type, manufacturing location, and the years it was produced. For instance, Mercedes-Benz Cars, known for producing luxury vehicles, uses the WMI “WDC” for its line of multipurpose passenger vehicles, including models like the 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This particular vehicle, along with others produced from 2002 to 2008 and 2010 to 2020, hails from Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg in Germany, reflecting the brand’s heritage and manufacturing standards. The WMI thus serves as a vital tool for tracking the history, specifications, and origin of vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

WMI: WDC

Model Years Covered: 2002-2008, 2010-2020
Example VIN: WDCYR71E05X158956
Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Stuttgart
State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

Engine type
Transmission
Model or trim
Body style
Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class:

Known VDS for a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
YR71E	YR49E

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
5	2005

11th Character in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
X	Graz		Austria		WDCYR71E05X158956

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The final 6 characters in a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Mercedes-Benz G-Class’s VIN below:

How to find a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Examine the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz G-Class to find the VIN displayed on the dashboard.
Look inside the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz G-Class; there should be a label or plate with the VIN when the door is open.
Examine the vehicle registration documents or insurance papers for your Mercedes-Benz G-Class, as the VIN is typically noted there.
Check under the hood of your Mercedes-Benz G-Class; the VIN may also be stamped on the chassis or firewall.
Inspect the spare wheel well in the trunk area of your Mercedes-Benz G-Class, as the VIN might sometimes be found there.
If you cannot locate the VIN using the above methods, consult the owner’s manual of your Mercedes-Benz G-Class for specific instructions or additional common locations where the VIN can be found.

What info can a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that the vehicle was produced in 2005, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, offering insights into its design and functionality.
Engine Specifications: The engine is distinguished by its V-Shaped configuration, 8 cylinders, and a displacement of 5.0 liters or 305.11872047366 cubic inches, indicating a powerful performance capability.
Fuel Type: The vehicle runs on gasoline, which is a key detail for potential owners concerning fuel efficiency and environmental considerations.
Safety Features: The VIN reveals that the vehicle is equipped with front airbags for the first row (Driver and Passenger), and side airbags for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rows, offering comprehensive safety features.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN specifies that the vehicle was manufactured in Graz, Austria, offering a glimpse into its geographical production history.
Vehicle Identification: Lastly, the VIN includes a unique descriptor (WDCYR49E*5X) and a sample VIN (WDCYR49E05X160337), serving as the vehicle’s fingerprint for identification and verification purposes.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	5400.0
Displacement (CI)	329.52821811155
Displacement (L)	5.4
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	469
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	G-Class
Model Year	2005
Plant City	Graz
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Austria
Pretensioner	Yes
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	G55 AMG
Side Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd and 3rd Rows
Vehicle Descriptor	WDCYR71E*5X
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	WDCYR71E05X158956