Free Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class VIN Decoder

How to decode a Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code composed of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving to identify the manufacturer of the vehicle globally. In the case of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, manufactured between 1998 and 2009, the WMI is WDB, which specifies vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars. This code is indicative of passenger cars originating from Stuttgart, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The WMI not only denotes the manufacturer but also provides specific information regarding the vehicle’s type and country of production. This system of identification ensures that each vehicle can be universally recognized and traced back to its origin.

List of WMI Codes for a Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2009
• Example VIN: WDBLJ65G0WF029733
• 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 CLK-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 Mercedes-Benz CLK-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 Mercedes-Benz CLK-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 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class VIN — Year Code

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

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

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

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

What info can a Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, such as the year 1999 for a CLK320, potentially offering insights into the age and historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: It can specify the body class of a vehicle, indicating it as a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s general size and style.
• Engine and Performance: Details on engine configuration, displacement, and horsepower are often encoded, for example, a CLK320 with a V-Shaped, 3.2L engine producing 215 hp, indicating the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Drive Type and Transmission: Information pertaining to the drive type and transmission, such as RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive with a 5-speed automatic transmission, can be discerned, shedding light on the vehicle’s operation and handling characteristics.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The primary fuel type, like Gasoline, is frequently specified, offering insight into the vehicle’s fuel usage and potential efficiency.
• Airbag and Safety Features: The VIN may indicate the presence and location of airbags (e.g., Front Air Bag Locations in the 1st Row for both Driver and Passenger), and additional safety features like knee airbags and side airbags, indicating the vehicle’s safety provisions.
• Manufacturing and Assembly Details: The VIN may include the manufacturing location, such as Osnabrueck, Germany, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s production origin and authenticity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class