VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
A vehicle identification number, commonly abbreviated to VIN, is a unique code including a serial number, used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles, towed vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and mopeds as defined in ISO 3833.
Decoding VIN
The 14-digit VIN consists of the following elements:
- The first three letters of the VIN (WDB2200671A419444) designate the manufacturer - Mercedes-Benz.
- The next three numbers of the VIN will tell you what series/type the car is. For example a VIN WDB2200671A419444 denotes a W220 series vehicle.
- The next three digits (WDB2200671A419444) identify the model, where:
063 is the S280 163 is the S280 long 065 is the S320 165 is the S320 long 067 is the S350 087 is the S350 4Matic 167 is the S350 long 187 is the S450 4Matic long 070 is the S430 083 is the S430 4Matic 170 is the S430 long 183 is the S430 4Matic long 075 is the S500 084 is the S500 4Matic 175 is the S500 long 184 is the S500 4Matic long 178 is the S600 long 176 is the S600 long twin-turbocharged 073 is the S55 AMG 173 is the S55 AMG long 074 is the S55 AMG supercharged 175 is the S55 AMG long supercharged 179 is the S65 AMG twin-turbocharged 026 is the S320 CDI 126 is the S320 CDI long 028 is the S400 CDI 128 is the S400 CDI long
- The seventh digit (WDB2200671A419444) identifies (?):
1 - left-hand drive 2 - right-hand drive
- The eighth digit (WDB2200671A419444) identifies (?)
- The last six digits are sequential. With each model separate, they start at 000001 and end with the end of production
VIN can be used to look up vehicle specific Data Card describing vehicle equipment and other information.
How to find VIN
There are several places where you can look up VIN of your vehicle.
Sticker in driver's door frame
If in the U.S. there will be a sticker in the driver's door frame that gives the month and year of manufacture. In the photo below, 10/04 at the upper right of the sticker indicates my car was manufactured in October, 2004. It was sold in the U.S. as an '05 model, and went into service in November, '04.
Engrave next to rear fuse box
VIN is engraved next to fuse box under right side rear seat. Since here the VIN is engraved, this place is used by authorities to identify a vehicle without doubts.
VIN can be displayed by accessing instrument cluster hidden menu. First access the hidden menu using battery voltage check described in Charging system page. Then use steering wheel buttons to navigate through the menu.
Vehicle Technical Passport
Vehicle technical passport issued by government should have VIN printed on it.