How to decode a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an essential component of a vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving to identify the manufacturer, vehicle type, and production area. For the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the specific WMI “WDB” denotes that the vehicle was produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and it falls within the category of passenger cars. This distinct identifier not only marks the vehicle’s origins but also reflects the prestigious lineage of Mercedes-Benz manufacturing. Through the WMI, one can trace the vehicle’s global footprint back to its German roots, emphasizing the importance of location in the legacy of automotive quality. This system of identification aids in providing detailed information about the vehicle’s manufacturing specifics, enhancing its traceability and authentication.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

WMI: WDB

Model Years Covered: 1994-2009, 2011-2012
Example VIN: WDBFA76F0XF176368
Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Stuttgart
State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:

Known VDS for a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
FA76F	FA68F

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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
X	1999

11th Character in the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
F	Bremen		Germany		WDBFA76F0XF176368

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The final 6 characters in a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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

How to find a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, near where the windshield meets the dash. The VIN can generally be seen from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). Your 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class should have a VIN plate in this location.
Check the engine block of your Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, as the VIN is sometimes stamped on the engine.
Examine the trunk area under the spare tire. Sometimes, the VIN can be found in this location in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Review your vehicle’s insurance or title/registration documents, which will have the VIN listed for your Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

What info can a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year to be 1999, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Type: It may indicate that the vehicle is a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering specific details about its design and structure.
Engine Specifications: The report highlights a V-Shaped engine configuration with a displacement of 5,000 CC (or 305.1187204736 CI / 5 L), and it operates on Gasoline with an engine power starting from 302 hp. This information shows the vehicle’s potential performance capability.
Safety Features: It includes front and knee airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, alongside additional safety details such as a Type-2 belt with Emergency Tensioning Retractors, Knee Bolster, and Side Impact Air Bag located in the door, outlining the vehicle’s focus on passenger safety.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, providing important information for potential owners about fuel consumption and environmental impact.
Manufacturing Details: Manufactured in Bremen, Germany, these details provide insight into the vehicle’s origin and the manufacturer’s reputation.
Model and Series: This VIN specifies the vehicle as a part of the SL-Class, series SL500, which can help potential owners or enthusiasts identify the car’s market position, design, and performance characteristics.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Convertible/Cabriolet
Displacement (CC)	6000
Displacement (CI)	366.1424645683
Displacement (L)	6
Doors	2
Engine Brake (hp) From	389
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	MB
Engine Number of Cylinders	12
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Knee Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Model	SL-Class
Model Year	1999
Other Restraint System Info	Type-2 Belt with Emergency Tensioning Retractors, Air Bag, Knee Bolster, Side Impact Air Bag in Door
Plant City	Bremen
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Germany
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	SL600
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Vehicle Descriptor	WDBFA76F*XF
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	WDBFA76F0XF176368