- What you'll get from Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN check?
- Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN.
- 10th Character in the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
- How to find a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
What you’ll get from Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN check?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, which may provide details about the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
- Engine Specifications: VINs can decode details about the engine, including its configuration, displacement, and the number of cylinders.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type the vehicle uses is often identifiable from the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: VINs can reveal critical safety features, such as the presence of airbags and their locations, indicating comprehensive occupant protection.
- Manufacturing Information: Details about the vehicle’s place of manufacture offer insights into the origin of the vehicle, potentially affecting its valuation and desirability.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): The VIN can indicate the type of TPMS installed, offering insights into the vehicle’s safety and maintenance features.
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Vehicle History Risk Factors
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are sophisticated and expensive to maintain, and the used market includes a wide range of cars from meticulous single-owner buyers to high-mileage examples that have been through multiple owners and deferred maintenance. A Bumper history check on a used Mercedes addresses several high-frequency concerns.
Balance shaft and timing chain failures on M272/M273 V6 and V8 engines (2005–2011 C, E, S, ML, GL Class). Mercedes’ M272 V6 and M273 V8 engines had a documented balance shaft gear wear issue that, if left unaddressed, could cause catastrophic engine failure. Repair costs can exceed $5,000. Service records showing balance shaft replacement or inspection are critical on any Mercedes from this engine generation.
Air suspension failures on E, S, and GL Class. Mercedes’ AIRMATIC air suspension — standard on S-Class and optional on several other models — is expensive to repair when components fail ($1,500–$3,000 per corner). A sagging ride height in photos or listing descriptions is a warning sign that air suspension work is pending.
Transmission conductor plate issues on 7G-Tronic (722.9). Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic had a documented conductor plate failure mode that causes erratic shifting and transmission fault codes. Replacement conductor plates are a known maintenance item on high-mileage examples.
Salvage and rebuilt title AMG and S-Class vehicles. High-value Mercedes models — particularly AMG variants and S-Class sedans — are disproportionately represented in salvage title databases due to their high replacement values. Verify title history carefully on any Mercedes priced significantly below market value.
A Bumper VIN check shows accident history, title brands, flood damage, and odometer records for this specific vehicle.
How to decode a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to each vehicle manufacturer to identify the location, name, and vehicle type produced by the company. For the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, manufactured between 2010 and 2015, the WMI indicates that these multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs) are produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This code serves as the initial portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), helping in the identification and registration of vehicles globally. Through this system, specifics such as the manufacturer’s identity and the vehicle’s place of origin are systematically cataloged for both regulatory and consumer informational purposes. Understanding the WMI is crucial for various stakeholders in the automotive industry, including manufacturers, regulators, and vehicle owners.
List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
WMI: WDC
- Model Years Covered: 2010-2015
- Example VIN: WDCGG8HB0AF256775
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
- Country: Germany
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Mercedes-Benz uses a structured VDS encoding system that reflects its vehicle class hierarchy — C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLE, GLC, and others each have distinct VDS patterns that encode body style, engine variant, and trim configuration. The engine character within the VDS is particularly meaningful on Mercedes vehicles, where the same model nameplate can house dramatically different powertrains — a C300 may have a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder while a C43 AMG has a biturbo V6 — with correspondingly different maintenance costs and reliability profiles. For AMG models, the VDS encodes performance variant designation separately from the base model, making it possible to confirm authenticity before a pre-purchase inspection.
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 GLK-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 GLK-Class VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| F | 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class |
| E | 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class |
| D | 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class |
| C | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class |
| B | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class |
| A | 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class |
11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Bremen | Germany | WDCGG8HB0AF256775 | ||
| G | Bremen | Germany | WDCGG5HB0DG000505 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
The final 6 characters in a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. The VIN is typically placed on a metal plate visible through the glass.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb area. Your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class may have the VIN listed on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Check your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class’s vehicle registration documents. The VIN is always listed on official documents related to the car.
- Examine the insurance card or insurance policy documents for your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. The VIN is usually printed here for reference.
- Look under the hood of your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. The VIN might also be found on a plaque or sticker placed somewhere in the engine compartment.
- Inspect the rear wheel well. Sometimes, the VIN can be found stamped above the tire on your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
Don’t have your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Destination Market | U.S., Canada |
| Displacement (CC) | 2100.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 128.14986259893 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.1 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Diesel |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) |
| Model | GLK-Class |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Type 2 seat belts for all occupants. Seat belts on all outboard designated seating positions are equipped with load limiters and pretensioners. |
| Plant City | Bremen |
| Plant Company Name | Mercedes-ben |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | GLK250 BLUETEC |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Trim | 4-MATIC |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WDCGG0EB*FG |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Sample VIN | WDCGG0EB0FG337623 |
Specs tell you what it was built with. A VIN check tells you what's happened since.
Check any Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class for accident history, flood damage, salvage title, and odometer fraud.
Run a free VIN check →Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the VIN on a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class?
On most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield from outside the car. It’s also on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb, and on your insurance card, title, and registration documents.
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class's history for free?
Enter the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class’s 17-digit VIN into Bumper’s free VIN check at bumper.com. The free check shows factory specs and open NHTSA recalls. For the full history including accident records, title brands, theft status, and ownership history, run a full Bumper report.
What do Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN numbers start with?
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN's start with WDC for vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Germany. The first three characters of any VIN identify the manufacturer. The full WMI table on this page lists all known codes for the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
Decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN
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