- What you'll get from Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN check?
- Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN.
- 10th Character in the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
- How to find a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
What you’ll get from Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN check?
- Model Year and Make: The VIN can provide details about the model year and make of a vehicle, potentially indicating vehicles manufactured in 2020, and identifying brands such as Mercedes-Benz, like the CLS-Class.
- Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information, including fuel type (e.g., Gasoline), engine configuration (e.g., In-Line), displacement (e.g., 3.0 L), and power output (e.g., 362 hp) can be revealed, offering insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Safety Features: Safety equipment, such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB), can be verified as standard or unavailable, highlighting the vehicle’s safety provisions.
- Body Type and Dimensions: The VIN uncovers the body class, such as Coupe, and other physical attributes like the number of doors (e.g., 4 doors), seat rows, and wheelbase measurements, providing a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s size and structure.
- Advanced Technological Features: Innovative technologies like LED headlamp light sources, Keyless Ignition, and Direct Fuel Injection can be identified, showcasing the vehicle’s modern amenities and efficiency enhancements.
- Transmission and Performance: Details about the transmission type and style (e.g., Automatic with 9 speeds), along with the presence of a turbocharger and the vehicle’s traction control status, may indicate the level of sophistication and performance optimization present.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Vehicle History Risk Factors
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are sophisticated and expensive to maintain, and the used market includes a wide range of cars from meticulous single-owner buyers to high-mileage examples that have been through multiple owners and deferred maintenance. A Bumper history check on a used Mercedes addresses several high-frequency concerns.
Balance shaft and timing chain failures on M272/M273 V6 and V8 engines (2005–2011 C, E, S, ML, GL Class). Mercedes’ M272 V6 and M273 V8 engines had a documented balance shaft gear wear issue that, if left unaddressed, could cause catastrophic engine failure. Repair costs can exceed $5,000. Service records showing balance shaft replacement or inspection are critical on any Mercedes from this engine generation.
Air suspension failures on E, S, and GL Class. Mercedes’ AIRMATIC air suspension — standard on S-Class and optional on several other models — is expensive to repair when components fail ($1,500–$3,000 per corner). A sagging ride height in photos or listing descriptions is a warning sign that air suspension work is pending.
Transmission conductor plate issues on 7G-Tronic (722.9). Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic had a documented conductor plate failure mode that causes erratic shifting and transmission fault codes. Replacement conductor plates are a known maintenance item on high-mileage examples.
Salvage and rebuilt title AMG and S-Class vehicles. High-value Mercedes models — particularly AMG variants and S-Class sedans — are disproportionately represented in salvage title databases due to their high replacement values. Verify title history carefully on any Mercedes priced significantly below market value.
A Bumper VIN check shows accident history, title brands, flood damage, and odometer records for this specific vehicle.
How to decode a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally. These codes, which form the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), help in identifying the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the WMI codes WDD and W1K are indicative of passenger cars produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The WDD code was used for models from 2006 to 2020 and in 2023, while W1K designates models from 2020 to 2023. These distinct identifiers ensure that each Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vehicle can be traced back to its origins, providing important information about the car’s manufacturing history.
List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
WMI: WDD
- Model Years Covered: 2006-2020, 2023
- Example VIN: WDDDJ75X06A008069
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
- Country: Germany
WMI: W1K
- Model Years Covered: 2020-2023
- Example VIN: W1K2J5KB0LA051178
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
- Country: Germany
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Mercedes-Benz uses a structured VDS encoding system that reflects its vehicle class hierarchy — C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLE, GLC, and others each have distinct VDS patterns that encode body style, engine variant, and trim configuration. The engine character within the VDS is particularly meaningful on Mercedes vehicles, where the same model nameplate can house dramatically different powertrains — a C300 may have a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder while a C43 AMG has a biturbo V6 — with correspondingly different maintenance costs and reliability profiles. For AMG models, the VDS encodes performance variant designation separately from the base model, making it possible to confirm authenticity before a pre-purchase inspection.
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 Mercedes-Benz CLS-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 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| P | 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| N | 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| M | 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| L | 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| K | 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| J | 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| H | 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| G | 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| F | 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| E | 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| D | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| C | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| B | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| A | 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| 9 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| 8 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| 7 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
| 6 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Sindelfingen | Germany | WDDDJ75X06A008069 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
The final 6 characters in a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb area. The VIN is often located on a label or sticker where the door latches.
- Check your Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class’s vehicle registration documents. The VIN will be listed clearly on these papers.
- Examine the engine block of your Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. The VIN might also be stamped onto the engine itself.
- Refer to the vehicle’s insurance card or policy. The VIN of your Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class should be printed on these documents.
Don’t have your Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Standard |
| Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) | Not Available |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs | Not Available |
| Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) / Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) | Not Available |
| Automatic Pedestrian Alerting Sound (for Hybrid and EV only) | Not Available |
| Axles | 2 |
| Backup Camera | Standard |
| Base Price ($) | 69950.00 |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Standard |
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Cooling Type | Water |
| Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) | Not Available |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 183.07123228419 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.0 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Not Available |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 362 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | Daimler |
| Engine Model | M256 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Engine Stroke Cycles | 4 |
| Event Data Recorder (EDR) | Not Available |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Not Available |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Headlamp Light Source | LED |
| Keyless Ignition | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Not Available |
| Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) | Not Available |
| Model | CLS-Class |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Number of Seat Rows | 2 |
| Number of Seats | 5 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Other Engine Info | DIRECT FUEL INJECTION, AM-7, TC |
| Other Restraint System Info | Type 2 seat belts for all occupants. Seat belts on all outboard designated seating positions are equipped with load limiters and pretensioners. |
| Parking Assist | Not Available |
| Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) | Standard |
| Plant City | Sindelfingen |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Not Available |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Not Available |
| Series | CLS450 |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Traction Control | Standard |
| Transmission Speeds | 9 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Turbo | Yes |
| Valve Train Design | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WDD2J5JB*LA |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 115.70 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 19 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 19 |
| Sample VIN | WDD2J5JB0LA047844 |
Specs tell you what it was built with. A VIN check tells you what's happened since.
Check any Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class for accident history, flood damage, salvage title, and odometer fraud.
Run a free VIN check →Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the VIN on a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
On most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield from outside the car. It’s also on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb, and on your insurance card, title, and registration documents.
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class's history for free?
Enter the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class’s 17-digit VIN into Bumper’s free VIN check at bumper.com. The free check shows factory specs and open NHTSA recalls. For the full history including accident records, title brands, theft status, and ownership history, run a full Bumper report.
What do Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN numbers start with?
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN's start with WDD and W1K for vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Germany. The first three characters of any VIN identify the manufacturer. The full WMI table on this page lists all known codes for the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
Decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN
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