- What you'll get from Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN check?
- Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN.
- 10th Character in the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
- How to find a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
What you’ll get from Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN check?
- Model and Series: The VIN can disclose the specific model and series of the vehicle, like the AMG SLC43 from the SLC-Class, providing insights into the vehicle’s segment and potential market audience.
- Engine and Performance: A V-Shaped engine with a 3000 CC displacement and up to 385 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, may showcase the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Safety Features: Standard safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking, showcase the vehicle’s dedication to driver and pedestrian safety, along with the presence of front and side airbags.
- Fuel and Efficiency: The VIN can reveal the primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, offering an indication of the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance characteristics.
- Body Class and Design: The VIN may specify the body class, such as Convertible/Cabriolet with two doors, catering to consumers seeking sportiness and luxury, and potentially indicating the vehicle’s production location.
- Technology and Convenience: The VIN may not provide explicit details about certain modern conveniences like Keyless Ignition and Parking Assist, hinting at a potential focus on specific aspects of the driving experience.
- Price and Value: The VIN may not directly disclose the vehicle’s base price, but it can indirectly indicate the vehicle’s position within the luxury segment, balancing price with its luxury branding, performance features, and safety standards.
Mercedes-Benz SLC-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 SLC-Class VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of three characters at the beginning of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, the type of vehicle it is, and the country of manufacture. For the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class, the WMI codes WDD and W1K specifically denote vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, covering model years from 2017 to 2020. These codes are critical in recognizing the vehicle as a Passenger Car produced under the esteemed Mercedes-Benz marque, ensuring owners and service providers can accurately identify the make and model of the vehicle for various purposes, including registration, insurance, and maintenance.
List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
WMI: WDD
- Model Years Covered: 2017-2020
- Example VIN: WDDPK6GA0HF127310
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
- Country: Germany
WMI: W1K
- Model Years Covered: 2020
- Example VIN: W1KPK3JA0LF169377
- 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 Mercedes-Benz SLC-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 SLC-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 SLC-Class VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| L | 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class |
| K | 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class |
| J | 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class |
| H | 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class |
11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Bremen | Germany | WDDPK6GA0HF127310 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
The final 6 characters in a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look on the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class. You’ll typically find the VIN visible through the windshield on a metal or plastic plate.
- Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb area. The VIN can often be found on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Examine the engine block of your Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class. The VIN is sometimes stamped onto the engine itself for additional identification.
- Check your vehicle’s insurance or registration documents. They should list the VIN along with other important details about your Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class.
- Look in the rear wheel well directly above the tire. In some models, the VIN can be found in this unconventional spot.
- Inspect beneath the spare tire. Sometimes, the VIN is placed in the area where the spare tire is stored in the trunk of your Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class.
Don’t have your Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Standard |
| Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) | Standard |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs | Not Available |
| Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) / Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) | Not Available |
| Automatic Pedestrian Alerting Sound (for Hybrid and EV only) | Not Available |
| Axles | 2 |
| Backup Camera | Standard |
| Base Price ($) | 49950.00 |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Standard |
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Cooling Type | Water |
| Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) | Not Available |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Displacement (CC) | 2000.00 |
| Displacement (CI) | 122.047488189464 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.00 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Not Available |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 241 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | Daimler |
| Engine Model | M274 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Stroke Cycles | 4 |
| Event Data Recorder (EDR) | Not Available |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Not Available |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Headlamp Light Source | LED |
| Keyless Ignition | Not Available |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Not Available |
| Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) | Not Available |
| Model | SLC-Class |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Number of Seat Rows | 1 |
| Number of Seats | 2 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Other Engine Info | DIRECT FUEL INJECTION, L-9, TC |
| Other Restraint System Info | Type 2 seat belts with load limiters and pretensioners for driver and front passenger. |
| Parking Assist | Not Available |
| Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) | Standard |
| Plant City | Bremen |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Germany |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Not Available |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Not Available |
| Series | SLC300 |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Traction Control | Standard |
| Transmission Speeds | 9 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Turbo | Yes |
| Valve Train Design | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | W1KPK3JA*LF |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 95.70 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 17 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 17 |
| Sample VIN | W1KPK3JA0LF169377 |
Specs tell you what it was built with. A VIN check tells you what's happened since.
Check any Mercedes-Benz SLC-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 SLC-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 SLC-Class's history for free?
Enter the Mercedes-Benz SLC-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 SLC-Class VIN numbers start with?
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN's start with WDD and W1K for vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Germany. 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 SLC-Class.
Decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN
Look up a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class by license plate:
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