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Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder

Throughout history, Mercedes-Benz, the German automaker, has earned a reputation for making luxurious and well-engineered vehicles that drivers can trust. Each vehicle of engineering genius from the automaker has its own Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that contains the car’s DNA.

This DNA or data is captured in a 17-character code made up of numbers and letters. These digits confirm details like model, trim, engine, year, and plant. With GoodCar’s Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder, you can decode your VIN in seconds and take it one step further with optional in-depth reports on recalls, accidents, and title brands.

How to Look Up a Mercedes-Benz VIN (Step-by-Step)

Looking up your Mercedes-Benz VIN is a straightforward task that takes only minutes to complete when using GoodCar’s Decoder. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Locate the 17-character VIN (the dashboard is the quickest location)
  • Enter the Mercedes-Benz VIN into GoodCar’s VIN Decoder
  • Review the instantly decoded information about your car
  • Access the optional in-depth report to uncover the accident history, title brands, and recalls

In just four steps, you’ll have a complete snapshot of your car’s identity!

What Is a Mercedes-Benz VIN?

The Mercedes-Benz VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric code that is standardized across vehicles built from 1981 onwards.

However, even before this, Mercedes-Benz VIN codes were already 14-character long, providing owners, potential buyers, and mechanics with a wealth of easily accessible information. Like most VINs, Mercedes provides a vast amount of information with the 17-character VIN, and each digit is responsible for holding specific information.

When decoded, each Mercedes VIN can reveal:

  • Country of manufacture (the automaker builds vehicles in more than 22 countries)
  • The Mercedes division (car, van, truck)
  • Model series and body type
  • Engine family and displacement
  • Transmission and drivetrain configuration
  • Safety and restraint system details
  • The assembly plant
  • The unique production sequence number

Because the German automaker builds so many vehicles in lots of different countries, two cars might look alike, but under the hood, that’s where the biggest differences lie. Decoding the VIN can help differentiate between models and avoid potential scams, providing you with a sense of security and protection.

What Information Does a Mercedes-Benz VIN Reveal?

Think of your Mercedes’s VIN as a complete snapshot of your history from the moment it rolled off the assembly line to you driving it out of the dealership. GoodCar’s VIN Decoder can instantly reveal a ton of information, like:

  • Model series and exact trim (C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class)
  • Engine type (gas, diesel, hybrid, electric) and displacement
  • Transmission type (automatic, manual, etc.)
  • Drivetrain (RWD, AWD / 4Matic)
  • Body style (sedan, coupe, SUV, wagon, convertible, van)
  • The model year
  • Assembly/plant location
  • Production sequence / serial number
  • Restraint and safety systems codes
  • The country of manufacture
  • Emissions codes, options, or variation codes (if available)

Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder Breakdown by Digit

The Mercedes-Benz VIN is more than just a jumble of letters and numbers. Each digit contains specific information. To make it easy to decode, the Mercedes VIN is broken down into three main categories: the manufacturer identifier, the vehicle descriptor section, and the vehicle identifier section.

  • Manufacturer identifier section: Contains information about the manufacturer and country
  • Vehicle descriptor section: Contains details on the model, engine, trim, body, and safety features
  • Vehicle identifier section: Reveals the year, serial number, and assembly plant
Manufacture Identifier
  • 1
origin
  • F
country
  • T
type of vehicle
Vehicle descriptor section
  • 8
  • B
Restraint systems
  • T
  • A
Engine size
  • B
body style
 
  • B
checksum
 
  • 8
model year
 
  • U
manufacturing plant
Vehicle identifier section
  • c
  • 3
  • 8
  • 8
  • 9
1st
This digit describes the geographic area or country where the specific Mercedes-Benz vehicle was built. Originally, the VINs started with "W" for Germany, but now, as the brand expands globally, there are multiple letters.
2nd
This digit is used to describe the automaker.
3rd
This reveals which brand division built the vehicle. For example, there’s a Central Division and a Commercial Division.
4th- 8th
This is where most of the vehicle’s details are stored, including model series, class, and generation. The meaning of these digits may vary depending on model years and markets.
5th
This digit describes the specific body type, such as a roadster, coupe, or wagon.
6th - 7th
These digits describe the model designation.
8th
This digit contains information about restraint systems.
9th
This is the checksum digit that uses a specific algorithm to verify the authenticity of the VIN.
10th
This gives the model year of the specific vehicle
11th
This is the exact assembly plant code and will vary as Mercedes builds in plants across multiple countries.
12th - 17th
The last few digits are known as the vehicle’s serial number or chassis number. These digits are sought after by collectors seeking rare and hard-to-find parts.

Common Mercedes-Benz WMIs (Quick Reference)

Every Mercedes-Benz starts with three digits known as the WMI codes. These codes are used to quickly identify the country and vehicle type. It helps track vehicles while complying with international market regulations.

WMI Country/Region Vehicle Type (typical) Notes
WDB Germany Passenger car One of the most commonly used codes for most Mercedes sedans, coupes, and wagons.
WDC Germany SUV / 4Matic models This code is used on models like GLC, GLE, GLS
WDF Germany Van / Multipurpose Used for vans and MPV-type Mercedes vehicles
WDD Germany Passenger car/sport models This code is commonly found on convertible, coupe, and high-performance variants.
W1K United States Passenger car This code is used for Mercedes assembled in the U.S.

VIN Location on Mercedes-Benz Vehicles

Your Mercedes VIN can be found in a number of different places for added convenience, like:

  • The driver’s side door jamb
  • The driver’s side of the dashboard is visible through the windshield.
  • Stamped on the engine compartment or strut tower
  • On your official documents, like the title, registration, and insurance
  • Some older models sometimes had the VIN on the chassis plate or body tag

The dashboard is the first place people look because of how easy it is to spot.

Window Sticker / Build Sheet via VIN (Optional)

While all VINs will reveal information such as model, trim, engine, body style, production year, and assembly plant, some Mercedes models can also display information from the original window sticker or factory build sheet. Having this information will give you an accurate picture of how the vehicle left the factory, and includes:

  • Recommended or original MSRP
  • Factory-installed packages
  • Exterior and interior colors and trim
  • Equipment and features

For car collectors and mechanics, this information is incredibly useful.

Popular Mercedes-Benz Models

Since the carmaker’s first patented car in 1930, Mercedes has been creating models with a focus on technology and innovation. This means there are plenty of popular models for buyers to choose from. Here are popular Mercedes models that VINs are used for:

Model Class Notable Notes (for VIN context)
C-Class (C, C-Coupe, AMG variants) Compact / Midsize These are the most popular models and have been around since 1993. The VIN can be used to confirm the engine, AMG specs, and trims.
E-Class (E, E-All-Terrain, AMG) Midsize Luxury VIN reveals Hybrid variants and powertrains.
GLC / GLE / GLS / G-Class SUV / Off-road VIN is used to confirm the drivetrain options.
EQS / EQE / EQC / EQS SUV Electric The VIN can be used to reveal the electric drivetrain, motor configurations, and the battery variant.
Sprinter / Vito Commercial/Van The VIN can be used to reveal the chassis type, the load class, and the wheelbase.

Mercedes-Benz Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

GoodCar’s Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder enables car owners, potential buyers, and mechanics to delve deeper into the vehicle's history with reports on recalls and issues listed in Technical Service Bulletins. When you check for open recalls, you’ll be able to view any manufacturer-issued safety fixes that are still pending repairs. Each recall notice will have the recall status, IDs, description, safety risk, and the next steps to take, so you’re never left in the dark.

You can also take a look through the Technical Service Bulletins for must-know advisories about common issues with a specific model. Having this level of information can help you stay proactive about maintenance and overall driver safety. For example, a recall lookup would reveal that in June 2025, the carmaker recalled over 92,000 vehicles due to a structural issue that could increase the risk of injury if the car had to crash. The recall notice applied to the AMG GLC 63 S E, AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, GLC 300, and GLC 350e 4MATIC.

When it comes to purchasing a new or second-hand car, having a clear idea of what potential problems you might have to face can help buyers make an informed decision, especially if you’re in the market for a long-term car.

Why Use GoodCar’s Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder?

Whether you’re buying a new or used car, getting ready to service it, or needing to purchase OEM parts, GoodCar’s Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder offers industry-leading data for peace of mind. GoodCar’s decoder stands out from the competition by delivering instant results and in-depth reports for an accurate snapshot of your car’s history.

In seconds, you can have information like model, trim, engine, and plant data at your fingertips. There is also the option of full reports that include useful data on recalls, accidents, and title brands.

Being able to decode your car’s VIN means you have a better chance of avoiding scams and buying a nightmare of a vehicle. Odometer fraud is very common, but GoodCar can help you review recorded sales and odometer readings to identify any discrepancies.

Use the decoder to check title records, title brands, salvage, and total loss records to avoid purchasing a car with numerous costly problems. Did you know that a vehicle can have over 50 separate title brands! You can see why being able to access that history is so important.

Insurance is also something that GoodCar’s decoder can help with. By having official and reliable data, you’ll be able to file insurance claims and other actions hassle-free. GoodCar’s VIN Decoder is a must-have for owners, potential buyers, and mechanics who prioritize speed and reliability when it comes to their Mercedes-Benz.

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