Free 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, detailing its make, model year, and country of origin among other attributes. In the case of the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560, the WMI reveals that it was manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, highlighting its prestige and origin from a region known for automotive excellence. This three-letter code forms the initial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), providing essential information about the vehicle at a glance. For enthusiasts and owners of the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560, the WMI not only confirms the vehicle’s luxurious lineage but also its assembly in one of the most renowned automotive cities in the world, ensuring its authenticity and heritage. Through the WMI, detailed insights into the vehicle’s background are immediately accessible, underscoring its significance within the automotive history.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1991
• Example VIN: WDBBA48D0JA076221
• 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 560 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 560:

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 560 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 560 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560

The final 6 characters in a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class as a Coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and style.
• Safety Features: The presence of front and knee airbags located at the driver’s seat only can be discerned, offering insights into the vehicle’s safety measures, although it may vary by model and trim level.
• Restraint Systems: The VIN may provide specific details on restraint systems, noting features like Type - 2 Belt with Emergency Tensioning Retractors for the driver and front passenger, alongside different types for rear occupants. It should be noted that the actual features may vary based on the specific vehicle configuration.
• Manufacturing Information: Thorough details on manufacturing, such as the plant city being Sindelfingen in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, highlight the location and potentially the manufacturing standards and quality associated with that specific facility, although variations may exist based on production time and models.
• Vehicle Type: The categorization as a Passenger Car is identified, helping users understand the intended use and general classification of the vehicle within the broader automotive market.
• Seat Belt Type: Knowing the seat belt type as manual offers a glimpse into the vehicle’s interior features, potentially indicating its design period or the level of technology embedded at the time of manufacture, although variations might exist based on optional features and trim levels.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560

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