Free Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder

How to decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter codes allocated to car manufacturers around the globe to distinguish the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of production, and vehicle type. Mercedes-Benz, as a renowned global auto manufacturer, has been assigned several WMIs by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to cover a vast range of models and vehicle types, produced over different years. For instance, the WMI codes like WDB and WDD specifically identify Mercedes-Benz passenger cars manufactured in Stuttgart, Germany, across various model years, while 4JG denotes Mercedes-Benz multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs) produced in the United States. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz utilizes codes like WDC and WD4 primarily for MPVs, indicating a diversification in vehicle types across different regions. These WMIs not only establish the authenticity and origin of the vehicles but also provide essential data for registration, identification, and regulatory compliance purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz

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

These characters correspond to components like:

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

Below find the most popular vehicle descriptor codes for a Mercedes-Benz:

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 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 VIN — Year Code

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

Known Mercedes-Benz Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz

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

What info can a Mercedes-Benz VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year. In this case, the model year is not explicitly mentioned.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN can provide information about the body class and door configuration. For the GLC-Class/GLC 350 e-4M, this might indicate a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors and seating for 5 passengers across 2 rows, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and capacity.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN, but this information is not provided for the GLC-Class/GLC 350 e-4M.
• Engine Type and Fuel Efficiency: The VIN may disclose the engine type as well as fuel efficiency metrics. In this case, the primary fuel type is electric, with gasoline as a secondary source, and specifies the engine as a 2.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder engine by Daimler, indicating the vehicle’s powertrain characteristics.
• Safety Features: VIN decoding could potentially reveal details about safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) being standard, enhancing the value of the vehicle in terms of driver assistance technologies.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN may provide production specifics such as the manufacturing plant located in Bremen, Germany, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin, potentially affecting aspects like quality and cultural design influences.
• Transmission and Performance: The VIN may provide information about the transmission type and performance capabilities. In this case, the presence of a 9-speed automatic transmission coupled with turbocharging indicates the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities and driving dynamics.
• Electrification Level: The VIN can also reveal the electrification level of the vehicle. Being classified as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) highlights the vehicle’s environmental and efficiency characteristics, signaling its appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz