Free 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class VIN Decoder

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

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

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, along with details such as the vehicle type and manufacturing location. For the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the WMI “WDB” denotes that Mercedes-Benz Cars is the manufacturer, specifically highlighting that this luxury passenger car originates from Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The WMI is crucial for vehicle identification, allowing for the precise tracking and recognition of vehicles globally. This system is part of the broader 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which offers detailed information about the vehicle’s specifics, including its model year and production sequence. The 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, marked by its WMI, exemplifies the rich heritage and precise manufacturing location associated with this iconic automobile brand.

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

WMI: WDB

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2009, 2011-2012
• Example VIN: WDBFA67F0WF152336
• 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 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class VIN — Year Code

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

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

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

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

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

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s 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 SL-Class, this may indicate a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: The V-Shaped engine configuration, 6000 CC displacement, and 389 horsepower mentioned in the VIN decode report give an indication of the car’s power capabilities.
• Safety Features: Information about front, knee, and side airbags in the 1st row provided in the VIN decode report offers critical insights into the vehicle’s safety arrangements.
• Fuel Type: The VIN decoding indicates that the vehicle primarily operates on gasoline, which assists in understanding the vehicle’s environmental footprint and fuel consumption.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN may provide details indicating that the vehicle was manufactured in Bremen, Germany, shedding light on its production origin.
• Restraint and Airbag Systems: The VIN decode report may offer an understanding of the SL600’s sophisticated safety systems, including manual seat belts and specific airbag locations.

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

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