Free 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, indicating aspects like the country of manufacture, the manufacturer name, and the vehicle type. For the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the WMI signifies a passenger car produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars, a prestigious automotive manufacturer based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The code helps track where and by whom a vehicle was made, providing key information for registration, service, and recall purposes. The sophisticated tracking accorded by WMIs is essential for ensuring that each vehicle can be accurately identified and traced back to its origins, ensuring accountability and quality standards are upheld in the global automotive market. This specific WMI example for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class underscores the vehicle’s European heritage and premium manufacturing lineage.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2007
• Example VIN: WDBHA33G2WF733892
• 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

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 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Model and Series: It offers detailed information regarding the model, for example, C-Class, and the specific series, such as C43, giving insights into the vehicle’s performance and design characteristics.
• Engine Specifications: Attributes like engine configuration being V-shaped, displacement ranging across CC (4300.0), CI (262.402), and liters (4.3), alongside the engine manufacturing marked as MB suggest the power and type of engine equipped in the vehicle.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type is specified as gasoline, indicating what kind of fuel the vehicle operates on, which is an important consideration for fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The VIN details various safety features including the locations of front air bags (1st Row - Driver and Passenger), knee air bags (1st Row - Driver and Passenger), and side air bags (1st Row - Driver and Passenger), alongside additional restraint system information like Type-2 belts with Emergency Tensioning Retractors, showcasing the vehicle’s commitment to safety.
• Plant Information: Manufacturing details such as the plant city (Bremen) and plant country (Germany) are disclosed, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s production origin, which can influence perceptions of craftsmanship and quality.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The type of vehicle is identified as a Passenger Car and the body class as Sedan/Saloon, providing a clear picture of the vehicle’s design and intended use.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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