- What you'll get from Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class VIN check?
- Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class VIN.
- 10th Character in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
- How to find a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
What you’ll get from Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class VIN check?
- Model Year and Make: The VIN can reveal the model year, for instance, 2018, and make of the vehicle, exemplified by the GLS-Class, providing essential information about the vehicle’s age and brand.
- Safety Features: Numerous safety features such as Adaptive Braking technology, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are typically included and can be identified through VIN decoding, outlining the vehicle’s commitment to passenger safety.
- Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information including the type (V-Shaped), displacement (3.00 liters or 183.07 cubic inches), and power output (362 hp) can be extracted, highlighting the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Drive Type and Transmission: VIN decoding can provide specifics about the vehicle’s drivetrain, such as All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and the transmission style being Automatic with 9 speeds, offering insights into its handling and efficiency.
- Fuel Efficiency and Type: The type of fuel the vehicle uses, in this case, Gasoline, and additional information about the fuel delivery system, like Stoichiometric Gasoline Direct Injection (SGDI), which may affect fuel efficiency and performance, can be derived from the VIN.
- Advanced Safety and Comfort Options: The presence of optional advanced safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), along with comfort features such as keyless ignition, indicate the level of luxury and security available.
- Vehicle Capacity and Structure: Specific details such as the body class being a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the number of seats (7), and other structural details that contribute to the vehicle’s design and passenger capacity can be revealed through VIN decoding.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-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 GLS-Class VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle globally. In the case of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class for the model years 2017-2024, the WMI is 4JG. This code signifies that the vehicles are manufactured by Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc., based in Montvale, New Jersey, United States. The designation is specifically used for Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles, encapsulating a broad category that includes SUVs like the GLS-Class. This WMI is integral to understanding the origin, vehicle type, and manufacturer specifics of this luxury SUV model.
List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
WMI: 4JG
- Model Years Covered: 2017-2024
- Example VIN: 4JGDF7DE0HA739465
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Montvale
- State or Province: New Jersey
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz GLS-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 GLS-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 GLS-Class VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| R | 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class |
| P | 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class |
| N | 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class |
| M | 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class |
| L | 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class |
| K | 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class |
| J | 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class |
| H | 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class |
11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Vance | United States | 4JGDF7DE0HA739465 | ||
| B | Sindelfingen | Germany | 4JGDF6EE0HB007307 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
The final 6 characters in a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Mercedes-Benz GLS-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 GLS-Class. The VIN can usually be seen from the outside, placed on a plaque on the dashboard.
- Open the driver’s side door and check the door pillar. The VIN for your Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class may be located on a sticker where the door latches.
- Inspect the vehicle registration documents or the insurance policy. The VIN of your Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class will be listed on all official documents associated with the vehicle.
- Look under the hood. The VIN might also be stamped on the engine block or chassis of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
- Check the rear wheel well. Sometimes, the VIN is placed inside the wheel well of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Don’t have your Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Safety System Note | Attention Assist, PRE-SAFE, Adaptive Braking technology: Predictive Brake Priming, Hill-Start Assist, Crosswind Assist, Trailer Stability Assist |
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Optional |
| Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) | Optional |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs | Standard |
| Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) / Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) | Standard |
| Axles | 2 |
| Backup Camera | Standard |
| Base Price ($) | 69550.00 |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Optional |
| Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Cooling Type | Water |
| Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) | Optional |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000.00 |
| Displacement (CI) | 183.071232284196 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.00 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 362 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Daimler |
| Engine Model | M276 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Engine Stroke Cycles | 4 |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Optional |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Stoichiometric Gasoline Direct Injection (SGDI) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg) |
| Keyless Ignition | Optional |
| Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) | Optional |
| Model | GLS-Class |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Number of Seat Rows | 3 |
| Number of Seats | 7 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| 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. |
| Parking Assist | Optional |
| Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) | Optional |
| Plant City | Vance |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Alabama |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Standard |
| Series | GLS450-4M |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd and 3rd Rows |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Top Speed (MPH) | 130 |
| Traction Control | Standard |
| Transmission Speeds | 9 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Turbo | Yes |
| Valve Train Design | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 4JGDF6EE*JB |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 121.10 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 19 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 19 |
| Sample VIN | 4JGDF6EE0JB004252 |
Specs tell you what it was built with. A VIN check tells you what's happened since.
Check any Mercedes-Benz GLS-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 GLS-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 GLS-Class's history for free?
Enter the Mercedes-Benz GLS-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 GLS-Class VIN numbers start with?
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class VIN's start with 4JG for vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. in United States. 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 GLS-Class.
Decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN
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