- What you'll get from Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN check?
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN.
- 10th Character in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- How to find a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
What you’ll get from Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN check?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Type: The VIN can specify the body class, indicating the general shape and utility of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN provides detailed engine specifications, suggesting the vehicle’s power and performance level.
- Safety Features: The VIN indicates standard and optional safety features, highlighting the vehicle’s focus on driver and passenger safety.
- Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN provides insights into fuel delivery mechanisms, which could suggest the vehicle’s efficiency and performance capabilities.
- Drive Type and Transmission: It specifies the vehicle’s drive type and transmission, detailing the drivetrain and how the vehicle engages and navigates the road.
- Manufacturing Details: Information such as the manufacturing origin provides context on the vehicle’s origin and potential service needs.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 Sprinter VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, its country of origin, and other critical attributes. For instance, the WMI WD4 signifies Mercedes-Benz, AG multipurpose passenger vehicles produced between 2010-2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. Alternatively, 8BT points to Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Sprinter) multipurpose passenger vehicles made for the model years 2016-2017, emblematic of their assembly in Montvale, New Jersey, USA. These WMIs are pivotal in tracking, registering, and recalling vehicles ensuring that each one can be distinctly identified based on its origin and type. Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, known for their versatility and reliability, have several WMIs associated with them, illustrating the broad spectrum of models produced under the Sprinter range both in Germany and the United States.
List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
WMI: WD4
- Model Years Covered: 2010-2019
- Example VIN: WD4PE7CC2A5497206
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz, AG
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Wuerttemberg
- Country: Germany
WMI: 8BT
- Model Years Covered: 2016-2017
- Example VIN: 8BTPE8CD1GE122000
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Sprinter)
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Montvale
- State or Province: New Jersey
- Country: United States
WMI: WD3
- Model Years Covered: 2010-2019
- Example VIN: WD3PF3CC0A5458205
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz, AG
- Vehicle Type: Truck
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Wuerttemberg
- Country: Germany
WMI: W1W
- Model Years Covered: 2019-2024
- Example VIN: W1W4EBHY1KP192889
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz, AG
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Wuerttemberg
- Country: Germany
WMI: W1Y
- Model Years Covered: 2019-2024
- Example VIN: W1Y4EDHY3KT018865
- Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz, AG
- Vehicle Type: Truck
- City: Stuttgart
- State or Province: Baden-Wuerttemberg
- Country: Germany
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 Sprinter 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 Sprinter VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| R | 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| P | 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| N | 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| M | 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| L | 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| K | 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| J | 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| H | 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| G | 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| F | 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| E | 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| D | 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| C | 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| B | 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| A | 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Dusseldorf | Germany | WD4PE7CC2A5497206 | ||
| E | Buenos Aires | Argentina | 8BTPE8CD1GE122000 | ||
| P | Dusseldorf | Germany | WD4FE8CCXFP114688 | ||
| T | Charleston | South Carolina | United States | WD3PF3CD1KT005314 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The final 6 characters in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’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 Sprinter’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 Sprinter; the VIN can usually be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Open the door on the driver’s side and inspect the door jamb for a sticker or plate; the VIN of your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is often located here where the door closes against the body.
- Check the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance paperwork, as the VIN of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will be listed there.
- Look under the hood at the front engine block; sometimes, the VIN is stamped onto a plate in the engine compartment of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
- Examine the rear wheel well on the driver’s side; occasionally, the VIN can be found stamped on the body near the tire.
Don’t have your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Optional |
| Body Class | Van |
| Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) | Optional |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Destination Market | U.S. |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 183.0712322841 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | DAG |
| Engine Model | OM 642 with Brake Assist |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Optional |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel (CRDI) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Diesel |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 3: 10,001 - 14,000 lb (4,536 - 6,350 kg) |
| Keyless Ignition | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Optional |
| Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) | Optional |
| Model | Sprinter |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Other Restraint System Info | SA5 (airbag for driver) + SA6 (airbag for co-driver) + [SH1 (thorax side airbag driver) or SH2 (thorax side airbag for driver and co-driver)] + SH9 (driver and co-driver window airbags) + type 2 seat belts with load limiters and pretensioners. |
| Parking Assist | Not Available |
| Plant City | Charleston |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | South Carolina |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Standard |
| Series | C4500/C3500 |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Indirect |
| Traction Control | Standard |
| Transmission Speeds | 7 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Valve Train Design | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WD4PF4CD*KT |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 170 |
| Wheel Base (inches) To | 170.00 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 16 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 16 |
| Sample VIN | WD4PF4CD0KT005158 |
Specs tell you what it was built with. A VIN check tells you what's happened since.
Check any Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 Sprinter?
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 Sprinter's history for free?
Enter the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’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 Sprinter VIN numbers start with?
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIN's start with WD4, WD3, W1W, and W1Y for vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, AG in Germany, 8BT for vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Sprinter) 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 Sprinter.
Decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN
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