FIN / VIN: The Chassis Number

The original chassis number, replaced by the internationally standardized Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), is partially based on the codes found on the Mercedes-Benz type plate. The encryption scheme for these codes has been modified several times.

The modern VIN is a 17-character, standardized serial number that uniquely identifies a vehicle. There are two different standards for the VIN. Manufacturers in the European Union use the ISO 3779 standard, while North American manufacturers follow a stricter but ISO-compliant system. Only the following Arabic numerals and uppercase Latin letters are permitted:

1234567890 ABCDEFGH JKLM P RSTUVWXYZ

The letters I, O, and Q are excluded from VIN encoding due to their potential for confusion with the numerals 1 and 0.

Mercedes-Benz uses not only the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) WDB but also W1K, W1N, and WMX, as well as under DaimlerChrysler/Daimler AG, WDC, WDD, WDF, and WMX.

Example of a Mercedes-Benz Chassis Number

Below, we’ll break down the chassis number of my scrapped Mercedes 190 2.0L, encoded according to the 1983–1985 schema:

• WDB: World Manufacturer Identifier for Germany (W) and Daimler-Benz (DB).

• 201: Model series W201, our 190 model.

• 0: Indicates a petrol engine.

• 24: Model number, 2.0L sedan.

• 1: Left-hand drive vehicle.

• F: Production plant, in this case, Bremen.

• XXXXXX: The six-digit sequential production or build number.

Explanation

Now we can decode the chassis number from the example above. But what do the other codes mean? Below are some hints about other chassis numbers and their 17-character codes:

1-3 / 4-6 / 7 / 8-9 / 10 / 11 / 12-17

1-3 WDB:

The three-character code WDB is the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), consisting of the country and manufacturer. W stands for Germany, and DB for Daimler-Benz. Later, this code was changed or expanded; see modifications below.

4-6 Series:

These three digits indicate the model series, e.g., 201, 202, 124, 210, 126, 140, etc.

7 Fuel Type or Body Variant:

Initially, this digit encoded the fuel type: 0 for petrol and 1 for diesel. Later, it was used for the body variant:

• 0: Sedan

• 1: Long-wheelbase sedan

• 2: Station wagon (T-Model, also B-Class)

• 3: Coupe

• 4: Convertible/Roadster

• 6: Chassis for special uses, e.g., hearses/ambulances

• 8: Pullman/Stretch limousine

8-9 Model Number:

A two-digit number encodes the model. For example:

• 24: My 2.0L 190E.

• 44: My 500 SEC.

10 Left-/Right-Hand Drive:

• 1: Left-hand drive.

• 2: Right-hand drive.

11 Production Location:

A single letter indicates the production plant:

• A: Sindelfingen (or Tuscaloosa, USA, if VIN starts with WDC or W1N)

• B, C: Sindelfingen

• F, G: Bremen

• J: Rastatt

• N: Hungary

• R: South Africa

• T: Karmann

• W: Mexico

• X: Graz

12-17 Serial Number:

A six-digit sequential serial number.

Modifications & Exceptions

With DaimlerChrysler/Daimler AG rebranding to Mercedes-Benz AG in 2022, the chassis number for nearly all passenger cars was updated regarding the World Manufacturer Identifier.

• Vehicles that previously used WDD will now start with W1K.

• Other vehicles that would have used WDC or WDB will now be issued with VINs beginning with W1N.

Additionally, the “A” in the production location does not always indicate Sindelfingen. For vehicles with a VIN starting with WDC or W1N, “A” represents the Tuscaloosa plant in the USA.

Header Image: Mercedes-Benz AG

Illustration: MB-Baureihen.de