Free 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer that clearly identifies the make of the vehicle. For the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300, the WMI ‘WDB’ denotes that it was manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, marking it as a luxury passenger car from one of the world’s most renowned automotive brands. This three-character code is an integral part of the vehicle’s 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its model year and place of manufacture. The WMI not only helps in verifying the authenticity of the vehicle but also in tracing its history, adding an extra layer of security and information for owners and buyers alike. Through the WMI, vehicles like the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 can be distinctly recognized and distinguished from others.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1993
• Example VIN: WDBEA90D4JF081253
• 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300:

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 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300

The final 6 characters in a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 VIN reveal?

• Model and Series: The VIN can reveal the specific model and series, such as the 300 and 300TE, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and market positioning.
• Model Year: The VIN may indicate the model year, possibly being the year 1988, providing an idea of the vehicle’s age and potentially its design generation.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN can provide information on the body class, in this case being a Wagon with 4 doors, offering a clear idea of the vehicle’s size and functionality.
• Engine Displacement: Engine specifications, including displacement, can be encoded within the VIN, possibly showing a 2.6 L engine, indicating the engine’s power and potential fuel efficiency.
• Safety Features: Safety equipment details, such as airbag locations like ‘Driver Seat Only’ for both front and knee airbags, can be ascertained from the VIN, helping to assess the vehicle’s safety standards.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN may provide manufacturing details, such as the plant city Bremen and country Germany, highlighting the vehicle’s production origin.
• Seat Belt Type: It can also specify the seat belt type, possibly being manual in this case, giving an insight into the vehicle’s safety features or the era of its production.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300

Source