How to decode a 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. The WMI is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), indicating where the vehicle was built, the manufacturer, and the vehicle type. Specifically, for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the WMI code “4JG” signifies that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) manufactured by Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. This designation is crucial for vehicle registration, identification, and tracking purposes. The WMI provides valuable information about the vehicle’s origin, ensuring its authenticity and helping in the categorization of vehicles across the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

WMI: 4JG

Model Years Covered: 1998-2011
Example VIN: 4JGBB86E08A297115
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 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class:

Known VDS for a 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
BB86E	BB22E	BB72E	BB77E

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 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

11th Character in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 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		4JGBB86E08A297115

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

The final 6 characters in a 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz M-Class, near the corner where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN can typically be seen from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb. You’ll often find a sticker or a plate with the VIN where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood of your Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the VIN may be stamped onto the engine block or on a plate attached to the firewall.
Examine the trunk area, specifically beneath the spare tire. Sometimes the VIN is located on the body of the car in that area.
Look at the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card, as this will always list the VIN of your Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

What info can a 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN reveal?

Model Year and Make: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 2008 and indicates it is a part of the M-Class series, specifically an ML550 model, offering insights into the vehicle’s age and model type.
Body Class and Size: This information points out that the vehicle is categorized as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a 4-door configuration, providing insights into its size and purpose.
Engine Specifications: The engine is characterized by a V-Shaped configuration with 6 cylinders, and a displacement of 3.5 liters (or 3500.0 CC/213.58310433156 CI), indicating its power and design.
Drive Type and Fuel Efficiency: It is equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), enhancing its maneuverability and safety in various driving conditions, and runs on gasoline, giving details on its fuel requirements. This can provide some understanding of the vehicle’s handling abilities and fuel consumption.
Safety Features: The vehicle is equipped with front airbags for the 1st-row occupants (driver and passenger) and side airbags for all rows, possibly indicating a strong focus on passenger safety.
Manufacturing Details: Manufactured in Vance, Alabama, United States, these details provide insights into the origin and quality standards of the vehicle, offering some indications of its manufacturing location and quality.
Additional Features: With a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating in the Class 2E range (6,001 - 7,000 lb or 2,722 - 3,175 kg) and a manual seat belt type, this provides further understanding of the vehicle’s capabilities and safety standards, possibly offering insights into its weight capacity and safety features.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	5500.0
Displacement (CI)	335.63059252102
Displacement (L)	5.5
Doors	4
Drive Type	AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
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	2008
Plant City	Vance
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Alabama
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	ML550
Side Air Bag Locations	All Rows
Trim	4 MATIC
Vehicle Descriptor	4JGBB72E*8A
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	4JGBB72E08A323079