- What you'll get from Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN check?
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN.
- 10th Character in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Mercedes-Benz G-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- How to find a Mercedes-Benz G-Class's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz G-Class
What you’ll get from Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN check?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, indicating that it is a 2020 model, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Details: The VIN also provides the location where the vehicle was assembled, in this case, Graz, Austria, offering specific information about the production origin.
- Vehicle Type and Engine Specifications: The VIN can specify the vehicle type and engine configuration. In this case, it indicates that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle with a SUV/MPV body class, featuring a V-shaped engine with 8 cylinders, delivering 577 horsepower.
- Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN can identify the fuel type and engine size, revealing that the vehicle runs on gasoline, equipped with a 4-liter engine, crucial for understanding potential fuel consumption and environmental impact.
- Safety Features and Airbag Locations: The VIN can provide details about safety features and airbag locations, potentially including Adaptive Cruise Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, front airbags in the 1st row, and side airbags in both 1st and 2nd rows, indicating a high level of occupant protection and vehicle safety mechanisms.
- Advanced Technology and Convenience Features: The VIN can indicate standard features such as Adaptive Driving Beam, Backup Camera, Blind Spot Warning, and Keyless Ignition, showcasing the vehicle’s emphasis on advanced technology and convenience for the driver.
- Transmission and Drivetrain: The VIN provides information about the transmission system and drivetrain, in this case, a 9-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive, highlighting advanced drivetrain technology designed for superior handling and performance.
Mercedes-Benz G-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 G-Class VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to each vehicle manufacturer to identify the make, model, and country of origin of a vehicle. For the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the WMI codes ‘WDC’ and ‘W1N’ specifically denote vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. These codes cover different model years, with ‘WDC’ representing G-Class vehicles from the years 2002-2008 and 2010-2020, marking them as Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs). On the other hand, ‘W1N’ is utilized for more recent G-Class models from 2020 to 2024, following the same categorization as MPVs. This system underscores the importance of WMIs in providing essential vehicle identification information, including the manufacturing location and vehicle type.
List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz G-Class
WMI: WDC
- Model Years Covered: 2002-2008, 2010-2020
- Example VIN: WDCYR49E02X128712
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
- Country: Germany
WMI: W1N
- Model Years Covered: 2020-2024
- Example VIN: W1NYC7HJ0LX340589
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
- Country: Germany
WMI: WDB
- Model Years Covered: 1999
- Example VIN: WDBEG420XX7114559
- 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 G-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 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 Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| R | 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| P | 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| N | 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| M | 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| L | 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| K | 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| J | 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| H | 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| G | 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| F | 2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| E | 2014 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| D | 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| C | 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| B | 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| A | 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| 8 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| 7 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| 6 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| 5 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| 4 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| 3 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| 2 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
| X | 1999 Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Mercedes-Benz G-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Graz | Austria | Mercedes-Benz | WDBEG420XX7114559 | |
| X | Graz | Austria | WDCYR49E02X128712 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The final 6 characters in a Mercedes-Benz G-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 G-Class’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Mercedes-Benz G-Class is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look on the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz G-Class; the VIN is usually displayed on a small metal plate visible from outside the vehicle.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb area where the door latches when closed. A VIN sticker is often located in this spot on your Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
- Check the vehicle registration documents or the insurance card. These documents always list the VIN along with other important information about your Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
- Inspect the engine block. The VIN can also be etched onto the engine of your Mercedes-Benz G-Class, providing a more permanent identifier.
- Look inside the glove box or the compartment on the passenger side. Some models of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class may have the VIN sticker placed inside this compartment.
Don’t have your Mercedes-Benz G-Class’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz G-Class
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Standard |
| Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) | Standard |
| 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 ($) | 156450.00 |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Standard |
| Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Cooling Type | Water |
| Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) | Not Available |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Displacement (CC) | 4000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 244.0949763789 |
| Displacement (L) | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Not Available |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 577 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Daimler |
| Engine Model | M177 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| 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 |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg) |
| Headlamp Light Source | LED |
| Keyless Ignition | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) | Not Available |
| Model | G-Class |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Other Engine Info | L-9 / DFI |
| Other Restraint System Info | Type 2 seat belts for all occupants. Seat belts on all outer seats are equipped with belt tensioners and load limiters. |
| Parking Assist | Standard |
| Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) | Standard |
| Plant City | Graz |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Austria |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Not Available |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Not Available |
| Series | AMG G63 |
| 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 | W1NYC7HJ*LX |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 113.80 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 19 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 19 |
| Sample VIN | W1NYC7HJ0LX340589 |
Specs tell you what it was built with. A VIN check tells you what's happened since.
Check any Mercedes-Benz G-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 G-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 G-Class's history for free?
Enter the Mercedes-Benz G-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 G-Class VIN numbers start with?
Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN's start with WDC, W1N, and WDB 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 G-Class.
Decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN
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