How to decode a 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an essential part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identifies the maker of the vehicle and provides significant details about it. For the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the WMI “4JG” serves as a unique code indicating that this vehicle was produced by Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. It signifies that the vehicle type is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), known for its versatility and ability to serve various passenger and cargo needs. Specifically, this identifier points to a manufacturing location in Montvale, New Jersey, United States, underlining the geographical origins of this model. This three-letter sequence plays a crucial role in vehicle tracking, identification, and recall processes, offering a precise snapshot of this vehicle’s production lineage.

List of WMI Codes for a 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

WMI: 4JG

Model Years Covered: 1998-2011
Example VIN: 4JGAB54E0YA145381
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 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-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 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class:

Known VDS for a 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
AB54E	AB74E	AB72E

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 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-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 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
Y	2000

11th Character in the 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
A	Vance	Alabama	United States		4JGAB54E0YA145381

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

The final 6 characters in a 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Mercedes-Benz M-Class’s VIN below:

How to find a 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Inspect the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The VIN plate should be visible from the outside.
Look on the door pillar of the driver’s side door jamb. When you open the door of your M-Class, you can find a sticker with the VIN.
Check under the hood of your Mercedes-Benz M-Class, specifically around the engine block, as the VIN may sometimes be stamped onto the metal there.
Examine the trunk area of your M-Class. The VIN may be found near the spare tire or on the trunk lid’s metal support.
Review your vehicle’s paperwork. Your Mercedes-Benz M-Class’s VIN will be listed on vehicle documents such as the title, registration, and insurance papers.

What info can a 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially being the year 2000, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Make and Model: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is part of the M-Class series, which may provide an indication of the vehicle’s classification within the manufacturer’s lineup.
Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, potentially indicating the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and intended use. Additionally, the VIN indicates it has 4 doors, contributing towards understanding its size and potentially its safety structuring.
Engine Specifications: Engine details such as a V-Shaped configuration, 3.2 liters displacement, and an engine power of 268 horsepower are encoded in the VIN, potentially highlighting the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The VIN provides information that the vehicle primarily uses gasoline as its fuel type, which is essential for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Manufacturing Information: Specific manufacturing details, such as the vehicle being assembled in Vance, Alabama, United States, are encoded in the VIN, providing clues about the production quality and origin.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN may classify the vehicle under Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), potentially helping users understand the vehicle’s capacity and usage limitations.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	3200.0
Displacement (CI)	195.27598110314
Displacement (L)	3.2
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	268
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	MB
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	M-Class
Model Year	2000
Plant City	Vance
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Alabama
Series	ML430
Vehicle Descriptor	4JGAB72E*YA
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	4JGAB72E0YA158694