Decode Mercedes-benz VIN Number - Lookup and History Check

Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder

Throughout its history, Mercedes-Benz has been considered one of the most luxurious and well-engineered brands. From its beginnings in 1926, Mercedes has been a company on the cutting edge of technology, innovation, and customer experience. Carl Benz patented his first car in 1930 and the company’s first auto race took place a scant eight years later.

Pre-1980, Mercedes-Benz VIN codes were already 14 characters long, providing the specific model and gearbox. Users could find whether the vehicle was made in Germany or elsewhere in the world and whether the specific model was left—or right-hand drive. 1981, and later, Mercedes adhered to the NHTSA 17-digit alphanumeric code.

Mercedes provides an extensive amount of information with itsVINs. The VIN codes on its cars and SUVs describe information such as the engine and transmission type, standard and optional equipment, entertainment, and technology options. VIN decoder services deliver an extensive list of safety equipment and current EPA ratings.

The GoodCar VIN Decoder tool can reveal a wealth of information about this venerable brand. It can unlock available equipment packages and specifications originally installed on any specific Mercedes model.

Deciphering a Mercedes-Benz VIN

Manufacture Identifier

region

automaker

division

Vehicle descriptor section

body style

model designation

restraint system

checksum digit

model year

manufacturing plant

production sequence number

VIN Digit

Meaning

1^st

Position one of every Mercedes VIN code details the region of the world where the vehicle was built. Mercedes VINs start with the letter W to represent Germany. Although the company builds its vehicles in over 22 countries, most Mercedes are built in Stuttgart.

2^nd

Position two describes the automaker, in this case, Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz.

3^rd

Position three offers the brand’s division where the vehicle was built. Codes A or B indicate the car belongs to the Central Division. If the letter F is in position three, this tells the user the vehicle is in the commercial division.

4^th - 8^th

Positions four through eight combine to make up the heart of the Mercedes VIN, offering the most information. Position four indicates the model series. Each class and generation of Mercedes gets its own letter. For example, G represents the S class, and W represents the SLK class.

5^th

Position five in the Mercedes VIN is the body style, such as roadster, coupe, or wagon.

6^th - 7^th

VIN characters in positions six and seven are the model designation.

8^th

The restraint system, such as seatbelt pre-tensioners, dual front airbags, or side curtains, is described in position eight.

9^th

In the ninth position is the checksum digit. A pre-determined algorithm, in combination with the checksum digit, calculates the validity of the VIN.

10^th

Character ten is the model year of a specific model. The tenth-digit indicator code cycles through letters and numbers and may be different than the actual production year of the model.

11^th

Position eleven provides the exact production or assembly plant. Mercedes builds the majority of its vehicles in Stuttgart, Germany, and 22 other countries.

12^th - 17^th

Characters twelve through seventeen are the serial or sequence numbers for a specific model. These are sometimes called chassis numbers, indicating when and where the vehicle rolled off the assembly line with specific equipment. Collectors value these numbers to be able to purchase hard-to-get OEM parts.

Popular Mercedes-Benz Models

When discussing popular Mercedes-Benz cars, it is always wise to categorize them into a series rather than a specific automobile. Mercedes has a long, legendary history of providing the world with cutting-edge technology and lasting innovation.

The Mercedes-Benz C Class has been in production since 1993 and has evolved into one of the brand's most recognizable models. It offers a combination of class, luxury, and serves as a status symbol. The C class is a compact executive car with a blend of style and performance. Mercedes has built on its model’s popularity by offering the AMG C-Class, which brings a few of the brand's legendary racing features to the sedan.

For 2023, the Mercedes GLC class of SUVs was the brand's top-selling model. This luxurious SUV offers a sleek exterior with leather and advanced electronics for the interior. The model is considered a mid-size SUV. Mercedes offers plenty of impactful options for the GLC, including the AMG performance package.

If you have an extremely thick wallet, check out the Mercedes-Benz G63. Starting at over $180,000, this SUV has every imaginable option, with more available for the asking. The G63 offers a twin-turbo V8, Nappa leather interior, and a 15-speaker sound system.

A Mercedes-Benz VIN code provides a wealth of information on the brand, series, model, and accessories. However, if a prospective owner, fleet manager, or business-class executive needs more data on a specific model, they turn to the industry standard GoodCar Vehicle History Search service.

Mercedes-Benz began selling vehicles in 1965, which is relatively short compared to other automakers. Use the GoodCar service to uncover everything about a specific model.

Mercedes-Benz VIN Lookup

History search services get their information from a wide variety of public and private databases, as well as state, local, and federal agencies. The NVMTIS, or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, is a primary resource, a growing database of titling agencies that provides instant and verifiable information.

The GoodCar service provides the latest title records, title brands, salvage, and total loss records. Any prior theft or vandalism on the vehicle model is searched within state and federal databases.

Odometer fraud is one of the fastest-growing automotive crimes in the country. Inspect the history reports to find any discrepancies between recorded sales and odometer readings. Search the recorded information and find any declines in mileage from one state to the next.

Look for specific pricing on any used Mercedes model, such as the trade-in or wholesale value. Compare the trade-in value to GoodCar’s retail number to get a good idea of a specific vehicle is worth. The service also provides reported private party, wholesale, and auction sales.

History reporting services ensure vital information about crash test ratings or current recalls affecting a specific automobile from the NHTSA is uncovered, plus any warranties that are still active. Every reported sales contract is on the report, detailing the transaction and the timeline.

Mercedes-Benz Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

On March 20, 2024, Mercedes-Benz and the NHTSA recalled 116,000 GLE and GLS SUVs due to an electrical issue under the passenger seat that may cause a fire. According to documents, the issue is a loose cable connection. No fires, injuries, or crashes have been reported to the NHTSA. Mercedes dealerships will inspect the cable and tighten the connection or replace the cable Free of Charge.
On February 20, 2024, Mercedes recalled over 250,000 cars worldwide. The recall affected several models from 2023 and later, and there were concerns that specific fuses were not up to specifications and may cause the engine to fail. A Mercedes spokesperson said the affected fuses would be replaced, which may take hours.
On March 1, 2024, Mercedes recalled another 137,000 vehicles of various models from 2020 to 2024. Three issues were involved: faulty fuse and transmission shifting issues, bad welds, and a faulty accelerator pedal. All the vehicles are late-model SUVs, S-Class, C-Class, and other models. Mercedes said there have been no reports of injuries from this latest recall, and lawsuits are piling up. Dealers will inspect and repair all issues Free of Charge.