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Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder

Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to Karl Benz’s 1886 motor car and has built SUVs in Vance, Alabama since 1997.

Built before 1981?

Can I decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN from before 1981?

Not yet. A Mercedes-Benz built before 1981 used a shorter, manufacturer-specific number rather than the 17-character standard, and our classic decoder does not cover Mercedes-Benz so far. Every VIN searched there is recorded, and the makes people look up most are the ones we add next.

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Classic Mercedes-Benz VINs Not yet Every VIN searched is recorded, and the makes people look up most are added next.
Reading a Mercedes-Benz VIN

What do the first three characters of a Mercedes-Benz VIN mean?

Older Mercedes cars used WDB and WDD. Around 2020 the brand moved to W1K for many passenger cars. Alabama-built SUVs begin 4JG, so a US-built GLE starts with a 4.

What each of the 17 positions means

The 17 positionsWDB …
  • 1–3Manufacturer
  • 4–8Vehicle details
  • 9Check digit
  • 10Model year
  • 11Plant
  • 12–17Serial number
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