Free Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN Decoder

How to decode a Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to each vehicle manufacturer to identify the make, model, and country of origin of a vehicle. For the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the WMI codes ‘WDC’ and ‘W1N’ specifically denote vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. These codes cover different model years, with ‘WDC’ representing G-Class vehicles from the years 2002-2008 and 2010-2020, marking them as Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs). On the other hand, ‘W1N’ is utilized for more recent G-Class models from 2020 to 2024, following the same categorization as MPVs. This system underscores the importance of WMIs in providing essential vehicle identification information, including the manufacturing location and vehicle type.

List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz G-Class

WMI: WDC

• Model Years Covered: 2002-2008, 2010-2020
• Example VIN: WDCYR49E02X128712
• Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Stuttgart
• State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
• Country: Germany

WMI: W1N

• Model Years Covered: 2020-2024
• Example VIN: W1NYC7HJ0LX340589
• Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Stuttgart
• State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
• Country: Germany

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1999
• Example VIN: WDBEG420XX7114559
• 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 G-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 Mercedes-Benz G-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 Mercedes-Benz G-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 Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN — Year Code

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

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

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class

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

What info can a Mercedes-Benz G-Class VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, indicating that it is a 2020 model, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN also provides the location where the vehicle was assembled, in this case, Graz, Austria, offering specific information about the production origin.
• Vehicle Type and Engine Specifications: The VIN can specify the vehicle type and engine configuration. In this case, it indicates that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle with a SUV/MPV body class, featuring a V-shaped engine with 8 cylinders, delivering 577 horsepower.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN can identify the fuel type and engine size, revealing that the vehicle runs on gasoline, equipped with a 4-liter engine, crucial for understanding potential fuel consumption and environmental impact.
• Safety Features and Airbag Locations: The VIN can provide details about safety features and airbag locations, potentially including Adaptive Cruise Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, front airbags in the 1st row, and side airbags in both 1st and 2nd rows, indicating a high level of occupant protection and vehicle safety mechanisms.
• Advanced Technology and Convenience Features: The VIN can indicate standard features such as Adaptive Driving Beam, Backup Camera, Blind Spot Warning, and Keyless Ignition, showcasing the vehicle’s emphasis on advanced technology and convenience for the driver.
• Transmission and Drivetrain: The VIN provides information about the transmission system and drivetrain, in this case, a 9-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive, highlighting advanced drivetrain technology designed for superior handling and performance.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz G-Class