Free 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer. This code forms the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which helps in identifying key attributes of the motor vehicle, including its make, model, and place of manufacture. For instance, the WMI for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars made in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is “WDB”. This indicates that a vehicle bearing a VIN starting with WDB has been manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart. An example of this can be seen in the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380, showcasing its German heritage and manufacturing specifics.

List of WMI Codes for a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1985
• Example VIN: WDBCA32D4FA186719
• 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380:

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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380

The final 6 characters in a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1985, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN may provide the location where the vehicle was manufactured, indicating that this specific vehicle was possibly produced in Sindelfingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN encodes key specifications such as the body class as a Roadster, model 380, and series 380SL, offering valuable insights into the vehicle’s design and features.
• Safety Features: The VIN discloses detailed safety features equipped in the vehicle, including 3-Point Outer Seats with Emergency Tensioning Retractors, a 3-Point Belt in the Outer Rear Seat Position, Lap Belt (Center Rear), and Air Bags, enhancing the understanding of the vehicle’s safety equipment.
• Body Type and Size: Through the VIN, it might be possible to identify that the vehicle is designed as a Roadster with 2 doors, possibly indicating its body type and size.
• Seat Belt Type: Information regarding the type of seat belts fitted in the vehicle can be derived from the VIN, which in this case mentions possibly Manual seat belts.
• Vehicle Type: The VIN categorizes the vehicle as a Passenger Car, potentially providing insight into its classification and intended use.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380

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