What does the WDB prefix mean on a Mercedes?

WDB designates a Mercedes-Benz AG passenger vehicle from a German factory. It is the historic WMI of the three-pointed star brand, used from the early W123 sedans through to recent models.

How do you spot an AMG just from the VIN?

Some AMG models show the WMX prefix, but many retain WDD or WDB. The real difference lies in the VDS code, which points to the M177 (V8) or M139 (4-cyl.) blocks. The '63' or '45' badge is directly reflected in this section.

Why does my GLE have a VIN starting with 4JG?

4JG identifies the Mercedes complex in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The entire global GLE, GLS and EQS SUV production comes from this site.

Where can I view the full DataCard for my Mercedes?

Platforms such as lastvin.com or datamb.com offer DataCard access via the VIN. You will find the full list of options, colour references and all packs installed at the factory.

Are Smart cars covered by the decoder?

Yes. Smart, a former Mercedes subsidiary, uses the WME WMI. The Smart Fortwo and Forfour are recognised by decoders that support the Mercedes ecosystem.

How do I check Mercedes recalls in France?

Enter your VIN at mercedes-benz.fr/rappels. The system displays open and completed recall campaigns for your vehicle.

Does the VIN differ between a US and an EU model?

The first three characters change: WDD/WDB for Europe, 4JG or 55S for the USA. Positions 4-8 may also vary due to different standard equipment depending on the market.

Are Mercedes commercial vehicles supported?

Yes. The Sprinter (W1N/55S), Vito (VSA) and Citan all use the same 17-character format, with VDS codes reserved for commercial vehicles.

Mercedes VIN Decoder

Decode your Mercedes-Benz VIN to learn its class, powertrain, options and production history.

Mercedes VIN Decoder

Decode your Mercedes-Benz VIN to learn its class, powertrain, options and production history.

We Check

Vehicle Specs
Engine Details
Manufacturing
Safety Features
Theft Check
100 extra items

Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder

What Is The Mercedes-Benz VIN Number?

Every Mercedes-Benz is associated with a 17-position alphanumeric sequence that captures its identity: lineage, powertrain, assembly site and model year. Our tool extracts this data instantly from the code.

Mercedes-Benz-Specific Identification Prefixes

Mercedes-Benz Group AG assigns distinct WMIs depending on the division (passenger cars, commercial vehicles, performance) and the geographic assembly zone. Here are the prefixes specific to the Mercedes universe:

WMI PREFIX	DIVISION / ENTITY	ORIGIN
WDB	Mercedes-Benz AG — Passenger Vehicles	Germany
WDC	Mercedes-Benz — Crossovers And SUVs	Germany
WDD	Mercedes-Benz — Sedans (since 2004)	Germany
WMX	Mercedes-AMG GmbH	Germany
4JG	Mercedes-Benz U.S. International	USA (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)
55S	Mercedes-Benz — Sprinter Vans	USA (Charleston)
VSA	Mercedes-Benz Spain	Spain (Vitoria-Gasteiz)
W1N	Mercedes-Benz — Vans Division	Germany
LB1	Beijing Benz Automotive	China

VDS Section: Decoding The Class, Engine And Transmission

Positions 4 to 8 contain the technical data. At Mercedes, they specify the Class (A, C, E, S, G, GLE, GLC…), body style (sedan, estate, coupé, cabriolet) and engine family. The internal nomenclature distinguishes M (petrol), OM (diesel) and EM (electric) blocks. The 4MATIC badge, indicating all-wheel drive, appears in the options linked to the VDS code.

Engine families follow Mercedes internal nomenclature:

M (petrol engines)

OM (diesel engines)

EM (electric motors)

Mercedes Industrial Sites And Factory Codes

The eleventh character points to the industrial complex where the vehicle was assembled. Mercedes operates over 30 sites worldwide.

A / B

Sindelfingen (Germany)

S-Class, E-Class, AMG GT, EQS

C / D

Bremen (Germany)

C-Class, E-Class Coupé/Cabriolet, GLC

Rastatt (Germany)

A-Class, B-Class, GLA, CLA

Tuscaloosa (Alabama, USA)

GLE, GLS, GLE Coupé, EQS SUV

Kecskemét (Hungary)

CLA, A-Class sedan

Beijing (China)

C-Class LWB, E-Class LWB, GLC

Reading A Mercedes VIN — A Concrete Example

WDD 2050 1 2 F 123456

WDD

Mercedes-Benz sedan, Germany

2050

C-Class (W205), C200 engine

4 doors

Check digit

2015 Model Year

123456

Production sequence number

Overview By Mercedes Class

Each Mercedes range has its own VDS codes, dedicated factories and successive generations.

Manufacturing Sites And Factory Codes

FACTORY CODE	PRIMARY PRODUCTION LINES	MANUFACTURING SITE
A / B	S-Class, E-Class, AMG GT, EQS	Sindelfingen (Germany)
C / D	C-Class, E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet, GLC	Bremen (Germany)
F	A-Class, B-Class, GLA, CLA	Rastatt (Germany)
J	GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe, EQS SUV	Tuscaloosa (Alabama, USA)
N	CLA, A-Class Sedan	Kecskemét (Hungary)
H	C-Class LWB, E-Class LWB, GLC	Beijing (China)

Entry Level: A-Class, B-Class, CLA, GLA

Rastatt (Germany) and Kecskemét (Hungary) supply the majority of compact production. The A-Class (W177/W178) and CLA (C118) are built on the MFA2 architecture. VINs generally carry the WDB or WDD prefix.

Executive: C-Class, E-Class, S-Class

The C-Class (W206) is assembled in Bremen, the E-Class (W214) is shared between Sindelfingen and Bremen, while the S-Class (W223) remains exclusive to Sindelfingen. LWB variants assembled in Beijing carry a different WMI (LB1).

SUVs: GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, G-Class

The GLC comes from Bremen (WDD/WDC). The GLE and GLS are from Tuscaloosa (4JG). The iconic G-Class is entrusted exclusively to Magna Steyr in Graz, despite carrying a WDB WMI. American SUVs are identified by the 4JG prefix.

Mercedes-AMG: The High-Performance Division

AMG models sometimes carry the WMX prefix, but often remain under WDD/WDB with a dedicated VDS code. The twin-turbo V8 M177/M178 blocks ('63' badges) and the four-cylinder M139 ('45' badges) are readable in the VDS section. Vehicles finished in Affalterbach carry a recognisable factory code.

EQ Range: EQA, EQB, EQC, EQE, EQS

EQ electric models retain the standard WMIs but introduce VDS codes dedicated to zero-emission drivetrains. The EQS (V297) is manufactured in Sindelfingen on the exclusive EVA2 platform.

DataCard And SA Codes: Options In Detail

Beyond the VIN, Mercedes uses specific systems for factory options:

DataCard

This is the complete technical identity card of a Mercedes, accessible from the VIN. It lists every option, the body colour code, the upholstery colour and the packs ordered at the factory.

SA Code (Sonderausstattung)

Alphanumeric identifier assigned to each piece of equipment. Examples: SA U10 = AMG Line Pack, SA 580 = dual-zone automatic climate control, SA P49 = parking assist with 360° view.

FIN (Fahrzeug-Identifizierungs-Nummer)

Mercedes internal number, distinct from the public VIN. Technicians use it in the XENTRY environment to access the full DataCard at the dealership.

Mercedes Recall Campaigns: VIN Verification

The mercedes-benz.fr/rappels portal allows you to enter a VIN and view open or closed campaigns. For a vehicle imported from North America, the nhtsa.gov/recalls site provides the American history. In Europe, alerts are relayed through the RAPEX rapid alert system and the DGCCRF.

Free Mercedes VIN Decoder vs Paid History Report

A free VIN decoder reveals factory specifications. A paid history report goes further:

Feature	Free Decoder	Paid Report
Class, engine, body style	✅	✅
Factory options (DataCard)	✅ (preview)	✅ (full detail)
Recall alerts	✅	✅ (with descriptions)
Declared accidents	❌	✅
Mileage history	❌	✅
Number of previous owners	❌	✅
Title administrative status	❌	✅
Price	Free	From €1

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder

VIN Number

VIN