Free Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN Decoder

How to decode a Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally, establishing a standardized method to identify a vehicle’s make and sometimes its type or country of origin within the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The WMI for Mercedes-Benz, for instance, includes the characters WDB, indicating Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This prefix is part of the VIN, which is a unique code for identifying individual vehicles. With this WMI, vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz 380 produced between 1981-1985 can be traced back to their manufacturer, further specifying details like the vehicle type as a passenger car. The VIN, incorporating the WMI, thus serves as a critical tool for tracking, registration, and identification purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz 380

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1985
• Example VIN: WDBBA25A1BB001067
• 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 380 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 Mercedes-Benz 380:

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 380 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 380 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Mercedes-Benz 380 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz 380

The final 6 characters in a Mercedes-Benz 380’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN reveal?

• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle is a Passenger Car designed with a Roadster body class, offering an open-air driving experience typical for models engineered for performance and aesthetic appeal.
• Manufacturing Details: It seems that the VIN reveals that the vehicle was manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, hinting at the vehicle’s European engineering and design pedigree.
• Model Year and Series: The VIN might specify the vehicle as a 1985 model year and part of the 380SL series, providing insight into the vehicle’s age and specific model designation, which can be crucial for historical valuation or restoration efforts.
• Safety Features and Restraint Systems: The VIN can provide insights into the vehicle’s safety equipment, which may include 3 Point Outer Seats with Emergency Tensioning Retractors, a 3-Point Belt in Outer Rear Seat Positions, Lap Belt (Center Rear), and Air Bags, offering insights into the safety standards and features that were available or standard at the time of manufacture.
• Seat Belt Type: The data suggests that the VIN reveals the use of manual seat belts, giving a glimpse into the vehicle’s safety mechanisms and the technological era of its production.
• Model Specifications: The VIN might identify the specific model as a 380 within the 380SL series, providing essential information for identification, parts sourcing, and understanding the vehicle’s position within its model lineup.
• Vehicle Identification Decoder (VIN): The VIN could be a detailed code that carries significant information about the vehicle’s specifications, production details, and unique identification, crucial for legal, sale, and historical records.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz 380