Free Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN Decoder

How to decode a Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN

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

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter sequences provided to car manufacturers, pinpointing the vehicle’s make, location of manufacture, and type. In the context of the prestigious Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a lineage of luxury cars renowned for their advanced features and opulence, several WMIs such as ‘WDB’, ‘WDD’, and ‘W1K’ designate the car’s evolution over decades. The ‘WDB’ prefix was used from 1994 to 2006, marking vehicles produced during this period, before transitioning to ‘WDD’ from 2007 to 2020, reflecting updates in manufacturing or model variants. From 2020 to potentially 2024, ‘W1K’ has been adopted, indicating the latest generation of S-Class vehicles. These identifiers are vital for recognition and traceability, confirming the vehicle’s authenticity as a product of Mercedes-Benz Cars’ Stuttgart base in Germany.

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

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2006
• Example VIN: WDBGA51E0RA155480
• Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Stuttgart
• State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
• Country: Germany

WMI: WDD

• Model Years Covered: 2007-2020
• Example VIN: WDDNG86X07A098185
• Manufacturer Name: Mercedes-Benz Cars
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Stuttgart
• State or Province: Baden-Württemberg
• Country: Germany

WMI: W1K

• Model Years Covered: 2020-2024
• Example VIN: W1KUX8AB0LA559239
• 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 S-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 S-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 S-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 S-Class VIN — Year Code

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

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

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

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

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

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2020, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Make and Model: The VIN typically provides the make of the vehicle, like an S-Class from a notable manufacturer like Daimler, showcasing a high-end vehicle lineage with prestigious branding.
• Body Type: It can reveal the vehicle’s body class, such as Convertible/Cabriolet, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Type: Specific engine details like a 4.0L V8 engine with 603 horsepower might indicate a powerful and luxurious driving experience.
• Safety Features: The VIN details standard safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB), showcasing the vehicle’s commitment to safety and advanced driving assistance systems.
• Fuel Type: It specifies the primary fuel type, in this case, Gasoline, providing some insight into fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Engine and Transmission Details: Detailed engine information such as a V-Shaped engine configuration with Direct Fuel Injection and a 9-speed automatic transmission can offer insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities and smoothness of ride.
• Interior Features: Standard features like Keyless Ignition and Parking Assist underline the vehicle’s luxurious and convenience-oriented elements, suggesting a focus on comfort and ease of use.
• Production Location: The VIN can also reveal the manufacturing location, like Sindelfingen, Germany, for this specific model, which may indicate a certain level of craftsmanship and engineering prowess associated with the production facility.

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