How to decode a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, indicating important details about where and by whom a vehicle was made. For instance, the WMI for a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380 indicates that it was manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The WMI forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles. For the 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380, the WMI code “WDB” signifies its German origin and specifies the manufacturer as Mercedes-Benz, providing a quick reference for decoding essential vehicle information. This system enables easier registration, theft prevention, and identification of vehicles on a global scale.
List of WMI Codes for a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380
WMI: WDB
- Model Years Covered: 1981-1985
- Example VIN: WDBCA32A1EA055087
- 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 1984 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 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380:
| Known VDS for a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380 | ||
|---|---|---|
| CA32A | CA32B | BA45A |
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 1984 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 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| E | 1984 |
11th Character in the 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Sindelfingen | Baden-Württemberg | Germany | WDBCA32A1EA055087 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380
The final 6 characters in a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of the Mercedes-Benz 380, usually near the windshield, for the VIN number which can be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Open the door on the driver’s side of the Mercedes-Benz 380 and check the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). It’s commonly found on a sticker or plate on the door jamb.
- Inspect under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz 380; the VIN may be found on the front of the engine block.
- Examine the trunk area of the Mercedes-Benz 380 for a sticker or plate that might contain the VIN, often it’s in the spare tire well or on the trunk lid.
- For the Mercedes-Benz 380, check the vehicle’s official documents, such as the title, registration, or insurance policy, which should all list the VIN.
- Lastly, for a Mercedes-Benz of this vintage, the VIN might also be found on the chassis near the windshield washer fluid container under the hood.
What info can a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1984, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Plant Location: The VIN discloses the manufacturing location, pinpointing it to Sindelfingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, which can be crucial for understanding the origin and potential quality standards of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: Basic specifications such as the Mercedes-Benz 380 model, series 380SL, and other specifics like it being a roadster with 2 doors are encoded within the VIN.
- Safety Features: Insights into the vehicle’s safety features, like the presence of a 3 Point Outer Seats and Lap Belt (Center Rear), indicating the types of restraint systems equipped, can be derived from the VIN, providing information on the safety measures of the vehicle.
- Seat Belt Type: The VIN indicates the type of seat belts used in the vehicle, with this example featuring manual seat belts, giving details about the safety equipment in the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: It can specify the vehicle type, in this case, a Passenger Car, and further detail on the body class as a Roadster, providing a clearer picture of the vehicle’s design and intended use.
- Vehicle Descriptor: A unique segment of the VIN, such as “WDBBA45A*EA” for this vehicle, gives detailed information related to the vehicle’s specifications and manufacturer data, offering specific details about the vehicle’s features and characteristics.
Don’t have your 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Model | 380 |
| Model Year | 1984 |
| Other Restraint System Info | 3 Point Outer Seats, Lap Belt (Center Rear) |
| Plant City | Sindelfingen |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Plant State | Baden-Württemberg |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 380SE |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WDBCA32A*EA |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | WDBCA32A1EA055087 |
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