When it comes to identifying a post-1980 USA Mercedes-Benz R107 SL, understanding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) becomes essential. By deciphering the VIN code, you can unveil a wealth of information about the specific model, body style, safety features, production year, and more. In this article, we will break down the components of a VIN for R107 Mercedes vehicles, providing you with the knowledge to decode and understand the intricate details of these classic cars.
Understanding the VIN Structure – post-1980 USA Mercedes-Benz R107 SL
The VIN code for post-1980 USA Mercedes-Benz R107 SL cars comprises several sections, each representing specific information about the vehicle. Let’s delve into the breakdown of each section:
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): The first three characters of the VIN, “WDB,” indicate the vehicle’s origin. “W” signifies Germany, “D” represents Daimler, and “B” stands for Benz.
Model Series: The fourth character of the VIN denotes the model series, with “B” always indicating an R107 Mercedes.
Production Location and Serial Number: The final characters, typically six digits, make up the production location and the vehicle’s unique serial number.
Full List: A: W123, B: W102 and C107 and SL, D: W201, C: W126 S-Class, E: W124 E-Class, F: R129 SL-Class, K: R170 SLK-Class, G: W140 S-Class, H: W202 C-Class, J: W210 E-Class, N: W220 S-Class, P: W215 CL-Class, R: W203 C-Class, S: R230 SL Class, U: W211 E-Class, W: R171 SLK-Class
Body Style: The fifth character represents the body style, with “A” signifying a Roadster for R107.
B: Long Body, F: Sedan, G: Sedan Long WB, H: Wagon, J: Coupe, K: Cabrio/Roadster, M: AMG (no longer in use), R: W463
Model Type: The sixth and seventh characters provide information about the specific model type within the R107 series. For example, “41” represents 300SL, “46” denotes 500SL, “47” signifies 420SL, and “48” indicates 560SL. SLC models use different codes, such as “38” for 380SLC and “50” for 500SLC.
Safety Feature: The eighth character is a letter that corresponds to the car’s safety features. For instance, “A” represents seatbelts only, “B” denotes seatbelts with an SRS driver’s airbag, “C” signifies seatbelts with pre-tensioners, “D” indicates seatbelts with pre-tensioners and a driver’s airbag, and “E” represents seatbelts with pre-tensioners and both driver and passenger airbags.
Check Digit: The ninth character is a check digit, either “X” or a number between 1 and 9, used for verifying the VIN’s authenticity.
Production Year: The tenth character is a letter that signifies the production year of the vehicle.
Example: “B” represents 1981, “C” denotes 1982, “D” signifies 1983, and so on.
Production Plant: The eleventh character is a letter and denotes a production plant:
A-E: Sindelfingen, F-H: Bremen, J: Rastatt, X: Graz, T: Karmann, M: Woking England (SLR)
Serial Number: the rest of the characters
Conclusion
Decoding the VIN of a post-1980 USA Mercedes-Benz R107 SL unlocks a wealth of information about the car’s model, body style, safety features, production year, and more. With this knowledge, enthusiasts, and owners can better understand their cherished R107 Mercedes and its unique characteristics. By unraveling the details encoded within the VIN, you can fully appreciate the rich history and timeless appeal of these classic vehicles.
