Your car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique identifier for every Mercedes-Benz. You can check the Mercedes VIN number and use this number to learn a lot about your vehicle, including when it was built, who owned it before you, and whether it has ever been involved in any accidents or other incidents. But knowing how to decode your VIN using an MB VIN decoder isn't easy.
We've put together a handy guide to help you understand what each part of the number means.
What is a Mercedes VIN?
The Vehicle Identification Number is a unique code that identifies every Mercedes-Benz vehicle produced since 1985. The VIN is located on the dashboard near the steering wheel. This number consists of 17 digits separated into two groups of six numbers each, with one group representing the year of production and the second group containing the sequential order of the build. These numbers can only be decoded by a Mercedes VIN number decoder.
For example, if your car's VIN is "WDB 730 531 623 462", then the first group would be '730', which represents the year 1985; the second group would be '531', which indicates the fifth model year after 1985; and the last three digits are the sequential order of the build.
What does the Mercedes VIN contain?
Like many other vehicles, Mercedes VIN contains information such as the manufacturer, the model name, the engine type, and more. However, unlike most other cars, the VIN also includes information about the date of manufacture, the body style, and even the color of the vehicle.
How to Decode Your Mercedes VIN
To decode your Mercedes VIN, start by looking at the first group of numbers. These represent the year of production, beginning in 1985. For example, if your car's VIN begins with '7', then the year is 1985. If the first digit is '1', then the year is 1986; if the first digit is '2', then the year is 1987; and so on.
Next, look at the second group of numbers. These represent the sequential order of the build that can also be found on the Mercedes VIN decoder options list. For instance, if your car's VIN starts with 'WDB,' then the second group will contain the letters' D'and 'B.' If the second group begins with 'W,' then the letter 'W' stands for Wiesbaden, Germany, where the company headquarters is based. Similarly, if the subsequent two letters are 'E' and 'R,' they stand for Eisenach, Germany, where the R&D department is situated.
Finally, look at the last three digits in your Mercedes VIN check results. These represent the sequential order of the build. For example, if your car's VIN ends with '1234567', the last three digits indicate the seventh model year after 1985.
Now that we know what the different parts of the VIN mean, let's decode your Mercedes VIN.
How to Decode Mercedes VIN With VIN Sonar
After carrying out an MB VIN check, it's time to find out which part of your VIN means what, use our online decoder tool. To begin your Mercedes VIN decodes, enter your VIN into the box and hit search. Here is a detailed breakdown of what is involved in decoding a Mercedes VIN.
Step 1: Find your VIN
You can quickly locate your VIN using our Mercedes VIN decoder online tool. Just enter your vehicle's make, model, and year and click search. Once you have found your VIN, copy it down and save it somewhere safe for your Mercedes warranty VIN check.
Step 2: Identify the Year of Production
In your Mercedes VIN decoder options, look at the first group of numbers on your VIN. If these numbers begin with '8', then the year is 1988; if the numbers start with '9', then the year is 1989; and so on. If the first group of numbers begins with '0', then the year is 1990.
Step 3: Identify the Sequential Order of Build
Look at the second group of numbers on your VIN. If the second group begins with '6', then the sequential order of build is sixth; if the second group begins with '7', then the sequential order of appearance is seventh; and so on.
Step 4: Identify the Body Style
The fourth step in the Mercedes Benz VIN check online involves the body style. Look at the third group of numbers on your VIN. If this group begins with 'A,' then the body style is A-Class; if the group begins with 'B's, then the body style is B-Class; and so on.
Step 5: Identify the Color
Look at the fourth group of numbers on your Mercedes Benz VIN number lookup. If this group begins with'5', then the color is black; if the group starts with '4', then the color is silver, and so on.
Step 6: Check the Manufacturer
The fifth group of numbers represents the manufacturer. This number should be a single character followed by four or five characters. The manufacturer code is always in uppercase.
For example, if your VIN begins with 'MERCEDES,' then the manufacturer is Mercedes.
Step 7: Look at the Model
The sixth group of numbers represents the model. This number should be a single character followed by six or seven characters. The model code is always in lowercase.
For example, if your VIN begins with 'W112', then the model is W112. This will help you to search Mercedes Benz parts by VIN number.
Step 8: Look at the Engine Type
The final group of numbers represents the engine type. This number should be a single character followed by one or more characters. The engine type code is always in lowercase.
For example, if your VIN begins with 'M113', then the engine type is M113.
While VIN Sonar can be used to decode Mercedes VIN, it can also be used for Mercedes VIN number parts search.