Free 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN Decoder

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

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

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that is critical in identifying the manufacturer of any given vehicle globally. For the 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the WMI “WDB” designates its origin, revealing that it was manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, within the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This particular code is exclusive to Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, indicating both the prestige of the brand and its specific manufacturing location. WMIs serve as the initial characters in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), playing a pivotal role in the identification, tracking, and registration processes for vehicles worldwide. Through this WMI, stakeholders can ascertain that the S-Class in question is a product of meticulous German engineering, symbolizing luxury and quality craftsmanship.

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

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2006
• Example VIN: WDBGA43E2TA285176
• 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 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 1996 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 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN — Year Code

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, which may be the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany, showcasing the geographical origin and potentially indicating the manufacturing standards and specifications.
• Engine Specifications: The engine of this Mercedes-Benz S-Class is described in detail, including a displacement of 3.2L or 3200cc, an inline configuration, and it being a six-cylinder, 228 horsepower engine made by Mercedes-Benz itself.
• Safety Features: The VIN details include safety measures like front and knee airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, and comprehensive restraint system information ensuring a high safety standard.
• Fuel Type: It specifies the primary fuel type as gasoline, which is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s environmental impact and fuel economy.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: Described as a passenger car with a sedan/saloon body class, indicating the vehicle’s general design and purpose.
• Additional Features: The VIN decode provides insights, such as the vehicle having four doors, a manual seat belt type, and a short wheelbase type, offering a more complete perspective on its design and functionality.

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

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