Free 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing insights into where and by whom a vehicle was made. In the case of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the WMI indicates that this luxury passenger car was manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This code, the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serves as a global standard for classifying vehicles, ensuring that each car’s origin and manufacturer can be easily traced. For this particular Mercedes-Benz model, the WMI also denotes that it was produced between 1994 and 2009, marking it as part of a specific generation of E-Class vehicles known for their innovation and design. Understanding the WMI is essential for anyone looking to learn more about the heritage and specifics of their vehicle, including the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2009
• Example VIN: WDBJF55F0TJ004866
• 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s VIN below:

What info can a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, indicating that the vehicle may be from the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Details: It often includes comprehensive engine specifications such as a 3.2L In-Line 6-cylinder engine with a horsepower starting from 217, which could suggest performance capabilities and possible efficiency.
• Fuel Type: The type of fuel the vehicle uses, such as Gasoline, can be determined, which may be essential for understanding operational costs and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The presence of safety features like front, knee, and side airbags for both driver and passenger in the first row signals the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
• Manufacturing Information: Information on the vehicle’s assembly, such as being manufactured in Rastatt, Germany by Mercedes-Benz, provides insights into the production quality and origin.
• Body Class and Doors: Detailed information about the vehicle’s structure, including its classification as a Sedan/Saloon and the number of doors (4), offers a clear picture of its design and functionality.
• Airbag Locations and Other Safety Equipment: Specific locations for airbags (front, knee, and side) and additional safety equipment details, such as the type-2 belt with Emergency Tensioning Retractors, underline advanced safety measures beyond basic features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class