How to decode a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN

WMI stands for World Manufacturer Identifier, a distinctive code that identifies the maker of a vehicle, along with its country of production, and sometimes even the type of vehicle. Every car has a unique VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), with the first three characters forming the WMI, thereby indicating the vehicle’s manufacturer and region of assembly. For example, a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class has a WMI that signifies it was produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This indicates that the vehicle is a luxury Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), constructed with the renowned precision and quality associated with German engineering. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI can provide vital insights into its origins, manufacturing standards, and overall identity.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

WMI: WDC

Model Years Covered: 2010-2015
Example VIN: WDCGG5GB0CF726757
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class:

Known VDS for a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
GG5GB	GG8HB

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 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
C	2012

11th Character in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 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		WDCGG5GB0CF726757

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

The final 6 characters in a 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. The VIN can usually be found on a metal plate visible through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb for a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed, as this is another common area where the VIN is located on your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
Check beneath the hood. The VIN may also be found on the engine block or other components within the engine bay of your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
Peek under the spare tire in the trunk. Sometimes, the VIN is stamped in the area where the spare tire is stored in the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.
Examine the vehicle registration documents or insurance paperwork associated with your Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, as they will certainly list the vehicle’s VIN.

What info can a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For this GLK-Class, particularly the GLK350 4-MATIC trim, the VIN indicates it as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, offering insight into the vehicle’s design and potential space.
Engine Specifications: The VIN highlights a V-Shaped engine configuration with 6 cylinders and a displacement of 3.5 liters (or 3500.0 CC), shedding light on the vehicle’s powertrain capabilities.
Drive Type and Fuel Efficiency: It specifies the vehicle comes with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and uses Gasoline as its primary fuel type, providing information about potential fuel economy and performance characteristics.
Safety Features: Essential safety details like front airbags for the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), side airbags for the 1st and 2nd rows, and the presence of a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are indicated, highlighting the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN discloses the vehicle was assembled in Bremen, Germany, offering a glimpse into its manufacturing origin and build quality.
Vehicle Specifics: The VIN provides a wealth of specific details for this vehicle, painting a clear picture of its specifications and features.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	3500.0
Displacement (CI)	213.58310433156
Displacement (L)	3.5
Doors	4
Drive Type	AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	GLK-Class
Model Year	2012
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
Plant Country	Germany
Pretensioner	Yes
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	GLK350
Side Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd Rows
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	4-MATIC
Vehicle Descriptor	WDCGG8HB*CF
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	WDCGG8HB0CF716925