- Characters 1-3 of a Smart VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Smart
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Smart VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Smart VIN.
- 10th Character in the Smart VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Smart VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Smart Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Smart
- How to find a Smart's VIN?
- What info can a Smart VIN reveal?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Smart
How to decode a Smart VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Smart VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designating the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. Each manufacturer is assigned a specific WMI by a designated global authority, enabling the identification of a vehicle’s make and manufacturing location merely by the WMI. For example, a WMI of WME signifies vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, typically encompassing passenger cars. Manufacturers use these identifiers within a comprehensive VIN to detail not just the manufacturing origins but also the vehicle’s unique attributes, model year, and serial number, ensuring every vehicle can be globally recognized and differentiated.
List of WMI Codes for a Smart
| WMI | Manufacturer Name | Vehicle Type | City | State or Province | Country | Model Years Covered | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WME | Mercedes-Benz Cars | Passenger Car | Stuttgart | Baden-Württemberg | Germany | 2005, 2008-2019 | WMEFK9BA0JK258895 |
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Smart 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 Smart:
| Known VDS for a Smart | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FK9BA | FJ9BA | AK00F | EJ31X | EK31X | EJ3BA | EK3BA | EJ9AA | FJ5DA | FK5DA |
| EK9AA | |||||||||
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 Smart 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 Smart VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| K | 2019 |
| J | 2018 |
| H | 2017 |
| G | 2016 |
| F | 2015 |
| E | 2014 |
| D | 2013 |
| C | 2012 |
| B | 2011 |
| A | 2010 |
| 9 | 2009 |
| 8 | 2008 |
| 5 | 2005 |
11th Character in the Smart VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Smart Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Hambach | France | WMEAK00F35J185019 | ||
| K | Hambach | France | WMEFK9BA0JK258895 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Smart
The final 6 characters in a Smart’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a Smart’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Smart is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Inspect the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your Smart car. The VIN is typically displayed on a small plate visible through the glass.
- Look inside the door frame on the driver’s side of your Smart vehicle. The VIN can often be found on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- Check the vehicle registration documents for your Smart car. The VIN should be clearly listed among the vehicle details.
- Examine the insurance card or policy for your Smart vehicle. Insurance documents usually list the VIN along with other important vehicle information.
What info can a Smart VIN reveal?
- Model and Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2017, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle. The model identified is Fortwo, indicating the specific style and release year of the vehicle.
- Engine Details: Detailed engine specifications are encoded within the VIN, including a 0.9L in-line 3-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection and Turbo technology from Renault. This may provide insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Safety Features: Standard safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and airbags located in the 1st row for both driver and passenger are indicated, suggesting a focus on passenger safety.
- Body and Design: The VIN specifies the vehicle’s designation as a Coupe with 2 doors and rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration. Additionally, it reflects the compact design featuring a total of 2 seat rows and accommodation for 2 passengers, emphasizing its city-friendly, compact nature.
- Transmission and Performance: Information such as a 5-speed manual/standard transmission and features like traction control may be included in the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s drivability and handling characteristics.
- Manufacturing Information: Details about the manufacturing, including the plant city being Hambach, France, contribute to shedding light on the origin and production quality of the vehicle.
- Fuel Type and Efficiency: The primary fuel type indicated by the VIN is Gasoline, possibly coupled with the engine’s turbocharged efficiency, underscoring the vehicle’s potential fuel economy and environmental footprint.
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Decode a Smart VIN
Don’t have your Smart’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Smart
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs | Standard |
| Axles | 2 |
| Backup Camera | Standard |
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Cooling Type | Water |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Displacement (CC) | 900.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 54.92136968525 |
| Displacement (L) | 0.9 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 89 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | Renault |
| Engine Model | M281 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 3 |
| Engine Stroke Cycles | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | Fortwo |
| Model Year | 2017 |
| Number of Seat Rows | 1 |
| Number of Seats | 2 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Other Engine Info | Direct Fuel Injection |
| Plant City | Hambach |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | France |
| Pretensioner | Yes |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Standard |
| Series | Fortwo Coupe |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Traction Control | Standard |
| Transmission Speeds | 5 |
| Transmission Style | Manual/Standard |
| Turbo | Yes |
| Valve Train Design | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | WMEFJ5DA*HK |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 73.70 |
| Sample_VIN | WMEFJ5DA0HK170626 |
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