Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder
Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder reads a 17-character Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Identification Number to identify factory data such as model year, make, model, body style, engine, drivetrain, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) — for example, WDB identifies mercedes-benz built in germany.
What a Mercedes-Benz VIN can tell you
A Mercedes-Benz VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available.
Mercedes-Benz VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Mercedes-Benz VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Mercedes-Benz prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| WDB, WDD, WDC | Mercedes-Benz built in Germany |
| 4JG | Mercedes-Benz SUVs built in the USA (Alabama) |
Reading a Mercedes-Benz VIN
Country of build
A Mercedes VIN starting with W was built in Germany, while 4JG indicates the US SUV plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Position 10: model year
The 10th character encodes the Mercedes-Benz model year code.
Check digit
Mercedes vehicles sold in North America include the ISO 3779 check digit in position 9, which VinWhere can validate.
Sample Mercedes-Benz VIN decode
An example decode for a Mercedes-Benz VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2018
- Make
- MERCEDES-BENZ
- Model
- GLE-Class
- Body
- Sport Utility Vehicle
- Engine
- 3.50L 6-cyl
- Drive
- —
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Built in
- Vance, UNITED STATES (USA)
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Mercedes-Benz VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Mercedes-Benz VIN
Every 17-character Mercedes-Benz VIN follows the same position structure. The 10th character is the model year (see the VIN year chart) and the 11th is the assembly plant.
| Position(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Country or region of manufacture (WMI) |
| 2 | Manufacturer (WMI) |
| 3 | Vehicle type or manufacturing division (WMI) |
| 4–8 | Vehicle attributes: model, body, engine, restraints (VDS) |
| 9 | Check digit (validates the VIN) |
| 10 | Model year |
| 11 | Assembly plant |
| 12–17 | Production sequence / serial number |
Common Mercedes-Benz models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Mercedes-Benz lineup, including:
Mercedes-Benz build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Mercedes-Benz build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Mercedes-Benz build sheet is the factory record of how a specific vehicle was originally built — its installed options, packages, and paint and trim codes. VinWhere reconstructs this from the VIN: it decodes the factory specification, then checks the original Mercedes-Benz window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Mercedes-Benz window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Mercedes-Benz VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Mercedes-Benz VIN decoding is based on manufacturer-reported vehicle data from the official NHTSA vPIC database, plus brand-specific window sticker providers where available. Some fields — trim, options, or window sticker — may be unavailable depending on the model year, vehicle type, and source. A VIN decode shows factory specifications only, never owner names, addresses, or private DMV records.
Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character Mercedes VIN into VinWhere's free decoder to see the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, and assembly plant when available.
What does a Mercedes VIN starting with 4JG mean?+
A Mercedes-Benz VIN starting with 4JG identifies an SUV built in the United States at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant.
Where is the VIN on a Mercedes-Benz?+
Check the driver-side dashboard through the windshield, the driver door jamb, and the vehicle's documents.