Free 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class VIN Decoder

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

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

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that forms the first section of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is utilized globally to identify the manufacturer of any given vehicle. For the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the WMI is “4JG,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. This particular code specifies that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), designed and assembled in the United States, specifically in Montvale, New Jersey. WMIs are crucial for vehicle identification, allowing for the tracking of safety recalls, registrations, and warranty claims. The WMI not only signifies the manufacturer but also gives insight into the vehicle type and production location.

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

WMI: 4JG

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2011
• Example VIN: 4JGAB54E0WA000645
• Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Montvale
• State or Province: New Jersey
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-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 M-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 M-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 M-Class VIN — Year Code

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that it may be from the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class: A VIN can provide information on the type of vehicle, indicating if it is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), for instance, giving detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Type: The VIN may specify engine configurations, such as a V-Shaped 6-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3.2 liters, possibly providing insights into performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, can be determined, which may be crucial for understanding the vehicle’s environmental impact and fuel efficiency.
• Vehicle Make and Model: Specific make and model information, such as the ML320, is typically encoded within the VIN, possibly enabling quick identification of the vehicle type.
• Manufacturing Information: A VIN can reveal where the vehicle was manufactured, including the plant city (Vance), country (United States), and state (Alabama), offering clues about the production origin.
• Safety and Weight Rating: Indications of the gross vehicle weight rating, for example, Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb, could possibly help gauge the vehicle’s size and safety features indirectly by its design and class classification.

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

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