- What you'll get from Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN check?
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN.
- 10th Character in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Mercedes-Benz E-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- How to find a Mercedes-Benz E-Class's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class
What you’ll get from Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN check?
- Model Year and Make: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year and make, providing insights into the age and manufacturer of the car, such as an E-Class model.
- Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information, such as the engine type and horsepower, can be decoded from the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s performance metrics.
- Safety Features: Standard safety components, including adaptive cruise control, anti-lock braking system, and airbags, highlight the vehicle’s emphasis on safety and occupant protection.
- Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN can provide information about the vehicle’s primary fuel type, offering insights into its operational requirements and potential fuel efficiency.
- Transmission and Drive Details: The VIN can specify the transmission type and drive configuration, offering insights into the vehicle’s driving dynamics and potentially the target market.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): The presence or absence of advanced features, such as adaptive driving beam and automatic pedestrian alerting sound, and modern aids like backup camera and blind spot warning, shed light on the vehicle’s technological advancements.
- Plant Information: The vehicle’s assembly location provides an indication of its geographic origin of manufacture, which may be interesting for tracing quality and design.
Mercedes-Benz E-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 E-Class VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to identify the make and location of production. For Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles, the WMIs have evolved over the years to represent different production periods and specifications. From 1994 to 2009, the WMI WDB was used, signaling the era of classic Mercedes-Benz engineering from Stuttgart, Germany. This transitioned to WDD from 2010 to 2020, marking a new generation of E-Class models. Most recently, the W1K WMI has been in use from 2020 to 2024, continuing the legacy of Mercedes-Benz luxury and innovation from its Baden-Württemberg headquarters.
List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class
WMI: WDB
- Model Years Covered: 1994-2009
- Example VIN: WDBEA52E4RC079613
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
- Country: Germany
WMI: WDD
- Model Years Covered: 2010-2020
- Example VIN: WDDHF5GB0AA016531
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
- Country: Germany
WMI: W1K
- Model Years Covered: 2020-2024
- Example VIN: W1K1K6BB0LF132568
- 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 E-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 E-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 E-Class VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| R | 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| P | 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| N | 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| M | 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| L | 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| K | 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| J | 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| H | 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| G | 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| F | 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| E | 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| D | 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| C | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| B | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| A | 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 9 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 8 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 7 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 6 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 5 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 4 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 3 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 2 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 1 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| Y | 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| X | 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| W | 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| V | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| T | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| S | 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| R | 1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Mercedes-Benz E-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Sindelfingen | Baden-Württemberg | Germany | WDBJF20F1VA333939 | |
| B | Sindelfingen | Baden-Württemberg | Germany | WDBEA36E9RB993196 | |
| C | Sindelfingen | Baden-Württemberg | Germany | WDBEA52E4RC079613 | |
| F | Bremen | Bremen | Germany | WDBEA92E0RF285582 | |
| H | Bremen | Germany | WDDHF8HB9BH269906 | ||
| J | Rastatt | Baden-Württemberg | Germany | WDBJF55F0TJ004866 | |
| X | Graz | Austria | WDBJH82F3WX003485 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The final 6 characters in a Mercedes-Benz E-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 E-Class’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Mercedes-Benz E-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 E-Class; the VIN can typically be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Look at the driver’s side door pillar; open the door to find a sticker or plate with the VIN on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
- Check under the hood; the Mercedes-Benz E-Class may have the VIN located on the engine block or the firewall.
- Inspect your vehicle’s insurance or registration documents which should list the VIN of your Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Don’t have your Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz E-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 ($) | 66850 |
| 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 |
| Displacement (CI) | 183.0712322841 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Not Available |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 362 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Daimler |
| Engine Model | M276 |
| 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 | E-Class |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Number of Seat Rows | 2 |
| Number of Seats | 5 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Other Engine Info | DIRECT FUEL INJECTION, L-9, 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 | Bremen |
| 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 | E450-4M |
| 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 | W1K1J6JB*LF |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 113.10 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 18 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 18 |
| Sample VIN | W1K1J6JB0LF132199 |
Specs tell you what it was built with. A VIN check tells you what's happened since.
Check any Mercedes-Benz E-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 E-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 E-Class's history for free?
Enter the Mercedes-Benz E-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 E-Class VIN numbers start with?
Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN's start with WDB, 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 E-Class.
Decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN
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