Free 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial sequence of characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), providing crucial information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, including the brand, vehicle type, and manufacturing location. Notably, Mercedes-Benz Cars, hailing from Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, uses the WMI “WDB” for its 1996 C-Class passenger cars. This identifier is not just a random collection of characters; it offers a gateway to understanding where a vehicle comes from and who made it, ensuring every car can be traced back to its origins. For the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the WMI confirms its prestigious lineage, embodying the renowned craftsmanship and engineering excellence connected with German automotive production. Through the WMI, owners and enthusiasts alike can verify that the vehicle is a genuine Mercedes-Benz product, crafted with the precision and care associated with the brand.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2007
• Example VIN: WDBHA28E0TF455748
• 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN decoding may suggest that the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 is a Sedan/Saloon with a certain number of doors, possibly offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Drive Type: The VIN may indicate the drive type of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280, which could help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN can reveal specific information about the engine, potentially including the displacement, power output, and fuel type, which may help in understanding the vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency.
• Safety Features: The VIN can provide insight into the safety features of the vehicle, including airbags and restraint systems, highlighting the vehicle’s commitment to safety.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN may provide details about the manufacturing location of the vehicle, potentially offering insights into the city and country of origin.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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