How to decode a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and provides specific information about the vehicle, including its country of origin, the manufacturer name, and the type of vehicle it is. For the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280, the WMI code “WDB” reveals that this passenger car was manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars. It points to Stuttgart in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, as the city and region of manufacturing. This coding system is crucial for accurately identifying vehicles globally and ensures consistency in vehicle information across the automotive industry.
List of WMI Codes for a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280
WMI: WDB
- Model Years Covered: 1981
- Example VIN: WDBAA33A5BB094597
- 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 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280:
| Known VDS for a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 |
|---|
| AA33A |
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 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| B | 1981 |
11th Character in the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Sindelfingen | Germany | WDBAA33A5BB094597 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280
The final 6 characters in a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz 280 where it meets the windshield. The VIN can typically be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Open the driver-side door and check the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). It’s common for the VIN to be located on a sticker or plate in this area.
- Check the front of the engine block. In many older models like the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280, the VIN can be stamped on the engine itself.
- Inspect the rear wheel well. Try looking over the tire. Sometimes, you can find the VIN on a plate located above the wheel.
- Take a look under the vehicle. The VIN might also be found on the chassis or the frame of the Mercedes-Benz 280 – though this may require some effort to locate and read.
- Consult your vehicle’s documentation, such as the title, registration, or insurance papers, as these will include the VIN for your Mercedes-Benz 280.
What info can a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1981, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Location: The VIN could possibly disclose the manufacturing location, including both the city and country, indicating this vehicle may have been produced in Sindelfingen, Germany, which might add to its market value or appeal.
- Vehicle Specifications: Basic vehicle information such as the make, model (280), and specific series (280E) are often encoded within the VIN, providing a possible quick reference to the vehicle’s identity and lineage.
- Body Class and Size: The VIN can possibly detail the body class, such as Sedan/Saloon, and the number of doors, which in this instance is 4, possibly describing the vehicle’s overall size and type which may influence its utility and aesthetic appeal.
- Fuel Type: The VIN typically includes information about the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, such as Gasoline, which might be crucial for understanding energy efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: Indications of the type of seat belts, for example, Manual in this case, can be discerned from the VIN, possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s safety features and compliance with historical safety standards.
Don’t have your 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 280 |
| Model Year | 1981 |
| Plant City | Sindelfingen |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 280E |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WDBAA33A*BB |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WDBAA33A5BB094597 |
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