Free Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN Decoder

How to decode a Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of motor vehicles and trailers. The WMI is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its manufacturer, attributes, and year of production. For the Mercedes-Benz 280, the WMI indicates that the vehicle was produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Specifically, the WMI WDB not only pinpoints the country and company of origin but also reveals that the vehicle falls under the category of passenger cars. This systematic identification aids in the tracking, registration, and recall processes for vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz 280

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1981
• Example VIN: WDBAA33A5BB094597
• Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Stuttgart
• State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a Mercedes-Benz 280:

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 280 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 280 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Mercedes-Benz 280 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz 280

The final 6 characters in a Mercedes-Benz 280’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a Mercedes-Benz 280 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1981, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: There’s a chance that the VIN suggests the vehicle was assembled in Sindelfingen, Germany, potentially giving insights into the geographical origins of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN may provide basic information such as the make being Mercedes (implied by WDB in the VIN) and the model 280, specifically series 280E, along with engine details like the primary fuel type being Gasoline.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can unveil that the body class is a Sedan/Saloon and that it has 4 doors, giving a clear picture of the vehicle’s size and style.
• Safety Features: It may indicate the type of seat belt installed, in this case, manual, which could possibly point towards the standard safety features of the model at the time of manufacture.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can specify the vehicle’s primary fuel type as Gasoline, which is essential for understanding the vehicle’s performance and environmental impact.
• Vehicle Type: The VIN categorizes the vehicle as a Passenger Car, which might help in understanding the intended use and market segment of the model.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz 280