Free Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN Decoder

How to decode a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class VIN

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

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally. These codes, which form the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), help in identifying the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the WMI codes WDD and W1K are indicative of passenger cars produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The WDD code was used for models from 2006 to 2020 and in 2023, while W1K designates models from 2020 to 2023. These distinct identifiers ensure that each Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vehicle can be traced back to its origins, providing important information about the car’s manufacturing history.

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

WMI: WDD

• Model Years Covered: 2006-2020, 2023
• Example VIN: WDDDJ75X06A008069
• Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Stuttgart
• State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
• Country: Germany

WMI: W1K

• Model Years Covered: 2020-2023
• Example VIN: W1K2J5KB0LA051178
• 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 CLS-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 CLS-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 CLS-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 CLS-Class VIN — Year Code

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

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

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

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

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

• Model Year and Make: The VIN can provide details about the model year and make of a vehicle, potentially indicating vehicles manufactured in 2020, and identifying brands such as Mercedes-Benz, like the CLS-Class.
• Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information, including fuel type (e.g., Gasoline), engine configuration (e.g., In-Line), displacement (e.g., 3.0 L), and power output (e.g., 362 hp) can be revealed, offering insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: Safety equipment, such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB), can be verified as standard or unavailable, highlighting the vehicle’s safety provisions.
• Body Type and Dimensions: The VIN uncovers the body class, such as Coupe, and other physical attributes like the number of doors (e.g., 4 doors), seat rows, and wheelbase measurements, providing a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s size and structure.
• Advanced Technological Features: Innovative technologies like LED headlamp light sources, Keyless Ignition, and Direct Fuel Injection can be identified, showcasing the vehicle’s modern amenities and efficiency enhancements.
• Transmission and Performance: Details about the transmission type and style (e.g., Automatic with 9 speeds), along with the presence of a turbocharger and the vehicle’s traction control status, may indicate the level of sophistication and performance optimization present.

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