Free 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class VIN Decoder

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

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

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a critical part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and are used to uniquely identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. These three-letter codes provide vital information such as the manufacturing company, country of production, and vehicle type. For the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the WMI indicates that the vehicle was produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This luxurious passenger car is part of a line known for its elegance and performance. The WMI is essential for registration, identification, and regulatory purposes, linking each vehicle unmistakably to its maker.

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

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2009, 2011-2012
• Example VIN: WDBFA63F0TF132217
• 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 SL-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 SL-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 SL-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 SL-Class VIN — Year Code

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Details: The engine characteristics could include a V-Shaped configuration with 12 cylinders, producing up to 389 horsepower from a 6L (6000 CC) engine, possibly catering to those curious about performance capabilities.
• Body Class and Size: The body class, such as Convertible/Cabriolet, and the number of doors, possibly 2 in this instance, could give insights into the vehicle’s design and functionality.
• Safety Features: Essential safety features, including front and side airbag locations (potentially 1st Row for both driver and passenger) and a sophisticated restraint system with Emergency Tensioning Retractors, might demonstrate the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
• Fuel Type: Information on the primary fuel type, possibly specified as Gasoline, could help in understanding the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Information: The plant’s location, such as the city of Bremen and the country Germany, may offer a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin, hinting at manufacturing standards and regional specifications.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): A sample VIN (e.g., WDBFA76F0TF130257) serves as a unique identifier for the vehicle, encoding significant details about the car’s specifications and history.

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