Free 1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN Decoder

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

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

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish their brand, country of origin, and specific features. For the 1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the WMI “WDB” indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This code is the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the car, including its model year, production number, and specific attributes. The WMI is an essential tool for identifying vehicles and is recognized globally in the automotive industry. For vehicles like the 1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, it signifies a luxury passenger car built with German engineering precision.

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

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2006
• Example VIN: WDBGA70GXWA369161
• 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class VIN — Year Code

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

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

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

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

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

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 1998 MB S-Class S320, this may indicate a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. In the case of the 1998 MB S-Class S320, it is can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Engine Type: The VIN can disclose the engine type, such as an In-Line engine and a displacement of 3.2 L, highlighting the vehicle’s powerplant characteristics.
• Fuel Efficiency: The primary fuel type, in this case, Gasoline, is identified, offering clues about the vehicle’s fuel consumption and efficiency.
• Safety Features: Details about the presence of specific safety features, like front and knee airbags in the 1st row for Driver and Passenger, can be obtained from the VIN, showcasing the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
• Manufacturing Origin: The VIN can specify the vehicle’s manufacturing location, such as Sindelfingen, Germany, providing insights into the vehicle’s production origin.

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

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