Free Mercedes VIN Decoder
Enter your Mercedes VIN to see your car’s history, specs, engine and more.
What Is a Free Mercedes VIN Decoder?
Our free Mercedes VIN decoder turns any 17-character Mercedes or Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number into simple info. Type your Mercedes VIN to see model, trim, engine, build year and registration status. For full peace of mind, upgrade to a full vehicle history report to check unpaid finance, write-offs and theft records.
Mercedes Specifications
See your Mercedes model, trim, body, gearbox and more.
Theft & Stolen Status
Run a quick stolen check using the Mercedes VIN before you buy.
Outstanding Finance & Accidents
Upgrade for write-off and unpaid finance checks.
Previous Owners & Mileage
Spot mileage issues and odd ownership changes with a full report.
How Do I Use the Mercedes VIN Decoder?
The Mercedes VIN decoder is quick, simple and free. Follow these steps to decode a Mercedes VIN.
Find Your Mercedes VIN / Chassis Number
Your VIN is a 17-character code on the car and in your papers (see spots below).
Enter the VIN
Type the VIN or chassis number into our decoder and tap “Decode VIN”.
Get Instant Mercedes Results
See specs, engine, model year and basic status in seconds.
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Common Warnings in a Mercedes VIN Decoder
If the Mercedes VIN decoder shows a warning, here is what it means and what to do.
Outstanding Finance on a Mercedes
This means money is still owed on the car. If you buy a Mercedes with unpaid finance, the lender could take it back. Get a full history report to confirm the finance status.
Mercedes Marked as Stolen
This means the car is listed as missing or stolen. Do not buy it. Check a full report to confirm the stolen status before you go any further.
Mileage Problems on a Mercedes
Sometimes mileage is rolled back to look lower. This can hide heavy use. A full history check compares past readings to spot mileage issues.
Why Decode a Mercedes VIN Before You Buy?
A Mercedes VIN check helps you make sure the car matches its papers. It can find problems early and save you money when buying a used Mercedes like the A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE and more.
Avoid Stolen Mercedes Cars
See if the car was reported stolen before you pay.
Check for Unpaid Loans
Make sure the car isn’t still on finance.
Find Hidden Damage
See if it was in a big crash or written off.
Use the Mercedes VIN Decoder Instantly
Fast, Simple, 100% Free
Run a Mercedes VIN decoder to see key details for any Mercedes. Decode the VIN to confirm build year, engine, trim and basic history—then upgrade for complete checks.
Instant Mercedes VIN Decoding
Enter any Mercedes VIN or chassis number to see live decoding and core data.
Unlimited Free Mercedes Decodes
Decode as many Mercedes VINs as you like at no cost.
Perform a Quick Mercedes VIN Decode
Our system makes Mercedes VIN decoding easy. Check details before you buy any used Mercedes.
How a Mercedes VIN Is Structured
Every 17-character Mercedes VIN has three parts that tell you where the car was built, what it is, and its unique serial number:
WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier)
Shows country and maker. Common Mercedes WMIs include WDB/WDD (Germany), WDC (SUVs), 4JG (USA) and WDF (vans).
VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section)
Characters 4–9 describe model/body/engine and safety systems. The 9th is the check digit.
VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section)
Characters 10–17 include model year, plant code and the serial number.
Check Digit (9th)
Checks that the VIN is valid. If it fails, the VIN may be typed wrong.
Where to Find the Mercedes VIN
Mercedes puts the VIN in several safe places. Check these common spots:
Dashboard / Windscreen
Look through the windscreen at the driver’s side lower dashboard for the VIN plate.
Driver’s Door Pillar
Open the driver’s door and check the inner B-pillar sticker.
Under the Bonnet
You may see the VIN stamped on the firewall or slam panel. It’s also on the V5C/logbook and insurance papers.
Free Mercedes VIN Decoder vs Full Mercedes History Report
The free Mercedes VIN decoder gives the basics. For a deeper check on a used Mercedes, choose the full history report.
Free Mercedes VIN Decoder
Instant basics: make, model, trim, body, gearbox, engine, build year and region. Great for a quick ID check.
Full Mercedes History Report
Adds theft checks, write-off status, mileage checks, plate changes, keeper timeline, outstanding finance and more.
Why Upgrade for a Used Mercedes?
Protect your money and resale value. Catch finance ties, salvage imports and water damage before you buy.
Mercedes VIN Questions & Answers
Popular Mercedes and Mercedes-Benz VIN questions, answered:
Do Mercedes cars always use 17-character VINs?
Yes—modern Mercedes cars use 17 characters with no I, O or Q. Older or imported cars may vary; enter what you have and we’ll decode what’s possible.
Which VIN prefixes are common on Mercedes?
You’ll often see WDB/WDD (Germany), WDC (SUVs), 4JG (USA) or WDF (vans). The rest of the VIN shows model year, plant and serial.
Can you decode Mercedes option codes?
Mercedes option codes (SA codes) list factory options like seats or brakes. They’re separate from the VIN; your full report may include decoded options where available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mercedes VINs
Where can I find the Mercedes VIN?
Common VIN spots include: driver’s side dashboard (seen through the windscreen), the driver’s door pillar/B-pillar sticker, under the bonnet on the slam panel or firewall, and papers like the V5C/logbook and insurance.
What do common Mercedes VIN prefixes mean (WMI)?
Mercedes WMIs often include WDB/WDD (Germany), WDC (SUVs), 4JG (USA) and WDF (vans). These three characters show the maker and country.
Which character shows the model year on a Mercedes VIN?
The 10th character shows the model year. Letters/numbers are used; I, O and Q are skipped to avoid confusion.
Can a Mercedes VIN tell me the engine and trim?
The VIN shows the line, body and engine family in the VDS. Exact trim/options are best confirmed via Mercedes SA option codes and a detailed report.
Are Mercedes option codes part of the VIN?
No. Mercedes SA codes list factory-fitted options. They are separate from the VIN and appear on data stickers or service records.
Is the chassis number the same as the VIN on a Mercedes?
For modern Mercedes cars, the 17-character VIN serves as the chassis number. Older/imported vehicles may differ, but we’ll decode whatever you enter.
Can I decode a pre-1981 or imported Mercedes VIN?
Yes. We try to parse legacy/import formats, though detail can vary. For full checks, run a complete Mercedes history report.
Will the Mercedes VIN decoder show theft, finance and write-off status?
The free decoder gives identity and build info. Upgrade for stolen checks, outstanding finance, write-off status (Cat S/N), mileage issues and more.
Does a Mercedes VIN include the plant code?
Yes. The VIS (characters 10–17) includes model year, assembly plant code and the unique serial.
Why does my Mercedes VIN come up as invalid?
Make sure it’s exactly 17 characters with no I, O or Q. Errors in the 9th character (check digit) can also flag invalid. If it keeps failing, send us a photo of the VIN plate/sticker.