Free Mercedes-Benz 420 VIN Decoder

How to decode a Mercedes-Benz 420 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz 420 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or -digit code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). It serves as the first section of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which helps in identifying key attributes of the vehicle, including its manufacturer, model year, and place of production. For instance, Mercedes-Benz cars manufactured in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, bear the WMI code WDB, indicating their prestigious origin. This code is particularly found on models like the Mercedes-Benz 420 produced between 1986 and 1991, signifying not just the make but also the specific region within Germany where these luxury passenger cars were crafted. Such a system ensures a standardized method for identifying vehicles worldwide, aiding in various services from registration to recalls.

List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz 420

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1991
• Example VIN: WDBCA35D0GA206199
• 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 420 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 420:

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 420 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 420 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Mercedes-Benz 420 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Mercedes-Benz 420 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz 420

The final 6 characters in a Mercedes-Benz 420’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a Mercedes-Benz 420 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as being the year 1989 and may fall within the year range of 1986 to 1991, giving insights into the vehicle’s potential historical value and era.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN details a 420 model with a series designation of 420SEL, categorized as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, possibly highlighting characteristic features of the vehicle’s design and segment.
• Manufacturing Details and Location: The production location of Sindelfingen, Germany, is identified, possibly suggesting a connection to a specific lineage of manufacturing excellence within the automotive industry.
• Safety Features and Restraint Systems: The VIN points to safety specifications, such as the presence of front and knee airbags located at the driver’s seat only, possibly indicating the vehicle’s safety equipment. Additional details on restraint systems, such as emergency tensioning retractors for the driver and front passenger, and different belt configurations for rear passengers, offer a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s safety mechanisms.
• Seat Belt Type: A manual seat belt type is specified, which may provide insight into the restraint systems installed in the vehicle for both driver and passengers.
• Plant Information: Specific details such as the plant in Sindelfingen, Baden-Württemberg in Germany are provided, shedding light on the vehicle’s production origin.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz 420