Mercedes E Class VIN Number Decoder and Chassis Number Lookup
Decode any E Class VIN below, find the chassis number on any W124 to W214, then decode the option codes from the Mercedes data card to get the full factory spec.
Try It Yourself. Copy/Paste This Mercedes E Class VIN Into Our Decoder Below: WDDZF4KB2JA123456
VIN Decoder & Build Sheet
Check VIN identity, factory spec, recalls, complaints, and ownership risks before you buy.
Pre Purchase VIN Check
Fuel Economy, Emissions & Running Cost
EPA fuel economy for the vehicle year and model profile.
Additional Vehicle Specs
Supplementary spec matching for output such as power, transmission, size, and weight.
Recalls, Complaints & Mechanical Failures
Model level safety and complaint data for the decoded year, make, and model.
Vehicle Ownership Insights
Platform specific reliability patterns, critical engine platform audits, and pre purchase inspection guidance.
Likely Factory Option Profile
Probability model for common package combinations around this production era.
The free scan verifies identity and surfaces early risk signals. The paid report goes deeper into what those signals mean for ownership, repairs, and buying confidence.
Unlock Full VIN ReportWhere Is the VIN Number on a Mercedes E Class?
Every E Class since the W124 has a 17 character VIN, also called the chassis number. Older W123s use a 14 digit chassis number instead. Both sit in the same places on most cars, so check the number on the car matches the V5C or title.
On the car
- Plate at the bottom of the windscreen, readable from outside
- Data plate on the door pillar, which also shows the paint code on many E Classes
- Stamped into the body, in the engine bay or under the front floor covering depending on the generation
- Chassis plate under the bonnet on older W123 and W124 cars
On the paperwork
- The V5C logbook in the UK, listed as VIN, chassis or frame number
- The title and registration in the US
- The service book and Mercedes service invoices
- Insurance documents and finance agreements
A US E Class has two numbers for the same car. The VIN on the title, and a Mercedes identification number, called the FIN, on the data card. Both end in the same six digit serial number.
How to Read a Mercedes E Class VIN
Mercedes uses two formats. US and Canadian cars use a VIN with a check digit and a model year. UK and European cars use the FIN, which puts the Mercedes model number straight into the number, so a W211 shows 211 in positions 4 to 6.
US and Canadian E Class VINs
Example US format: WDDZF4KB2JA123456, a 2018 W213 E 300 4MATIC built in Sindelfingen
- Positions 1 to 3: Manufacturer
- WDB on the W124, W210 and W211, WDD on the W212 and W213, and W1K from 2020.
- Positions 4 to 8: Model line, body and engine
- The first two letters are the model line and body, like UF for a W211 sedan or ZF for a W213 sedan. The next two show the engine and drive, and the last letter the restraint system.
- Position 9: Check digit
- Validates the VIN on US cars. It can be a number or the letter X, which stands for 10.
- Position 10: Model year
- J is 2018, C is 2012 and 3 is 2003. Letters repeat every 30 years.
- Position 11: Plant
- A is Sindelfingen and F is Bremen. X is Graz in Austria, where many W210 and W211 4MATIC cars were built.
- Positions 12 to 17: Serial number
- The production number. It matches the last six digits of the FIN on the data card.
On the W124 to the W211, positions 6 and 7 of a US VIN often match the end of the model number. WDBEA30D is a 124.030 300 E and WDBUF65J is a 211.065 E 320.
UK and European E Class VINs, the FIN
Example FIN: WDB2110651A123456, a W211 E 320 saloon. Model number 211.065. The same car in the US carries VIN WDBUF65J73A123456
- Positions 1 to 3: Manufacturer
- WDB, WDD or W1K, the same as US cars.
- Positions 4 to 6: Chassis code
- The E Class generation in plain numbers. 124, 210, 211, 212, 213 or 214.
- Positions 7 to 9: Model and engine
- Together with positions 4 to 6, this is the Mercedes model number, like 211.065 for a W211 E 320 saloon.
- Positions 10 and 11: Code and plant
- A Mercedes code, then the plant letter, like A for Sindelfingen.
- Positions 12 to 17: Serial number
- The production number for that car.
The FIN doesn't carry a model year or a check digit. Use the V5C first registration date or the data card for the year.
W123 and older 14 digit chassis numbers
Before the 17 character VIN arrived for the 1981 model year, Mercedes used a 14 digit chassis number. It reads in four parts, like 123 130 12 123456.
| Part | Example | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Digits 1 to 3 | 123 | The chassis code, so 123 is a W123 |
| Digits 4 to 6 | 130 | The model, so 123.130 is a 300 D saloon |
| Digits 7 and 8 | 12 | Steering side and gearbox, so 12 is left hand drive with an automatic |
| Digits 9 to 14 | 123456 | The serial number |
What the start of a US E Class VIN means
These come from real US VINs and Mercedes VIN filings. The two letters after the manufacturer code tell you the generation and body.
| VIN starts | Model | Years |
|---|---|---|
| WDBEA30D, WDBEA32E | W124 300 E and E 320, all bodies use EA | 1986 to 1995 |
| WDBEA34E, WDBEA66E | W124 400 E sedan and E 320 cabriolet | 1992 to 1995 |
| WDBJF | W210 sedan, like WDBJF65H for an E 320 | 1996 to 2002 |
| WDBJH | S210 wagon | 1998 to 2003 |
| WDBUF | W211 sedan, like WDBUF65J for an E 320 | 2003 to 2009 |
| WDBUH | S211 wagon | 2004 to 2009 |
| WDDHF5KB, WDDHF8JB | W212 E 350 and E 350 4MATIC sedan | 2010 to 2016 |
| WDDHH | S212 wagon | 2011 to 2016 |
| WDDKJ, WDDKK | C207 coupe and A207 cabriolet | 2010 to 2017 |
| WDDZF4JB, WDDZF4KB | W213 E 300 and E 300 4MATIC sedan | 2017 to 2020 |
| WDDZF6BB, WDDZF8KB | W213 AMG E 53 and AMG E 63 S sedan | 2018 to 2020 |
| WDDZH | S213 wagon, including the E 63 S wagon | 2017 to 2020 |
| WDD1J, WDD1K | C238 coupe and A238 cabriolet | 2018 to 2020 |
| W1KZF, W1K1J, W1K1K | W213 sedan, coupe and cabriolet with the newer manufacturer code | 2020 to 2023 |
| W1KLF | W214 sedan, like W1KLF4HB for an E 350 4MATIC | 2024 on |
Mercedes E Class model year codes
Position 10 on US and Canadian VINs only. The W124 arrived in the US for the 1986 model year.
- G1986
- H1987
- J1988
- K1989
- L1990
- M1991
- N1992
- P1993
- R1994
- S1995
- T1996
- V1997
- W1998
- X1999
- Y2000
- 12001
- 22002
- 32003
- 42004
- 52005
- 62006
- 72007
- 82008
- 92009
- A2010
- B2011
- C2012
- D2013
- E2014
- F2015
- G2016
- H2017
- J2018
- K2019
- L2020
- M2021
- N2022
- P2023
- R2024
- S2025
- T2026
Mercedes model years start mid year, so an E Class built in summer 2017 can be a 2018 car.
Mercedes E Class Chassis Codes: W124, W210, W211, W212, W213 and W214
Every E Class generation has a W number, and the body styles get their own letter. W is the saloon or sedan, S the estate, C the coupe and A the cabriolet. The W124 was the first to be called the E Class, from 1993. Before that, the W123 and W124 were sold by engine name, like 300 D and 300 E.
1976 to 1985
The car before the E Class. Famous for the 300 D diesel. Cars before the 1981 model year use the 14 digit chassis number.
1984 to 1995
Saloon, estate, coupe and cabriolet. Named E Class from 1993. The V8 500 E is the collector car.
1995 to 2003
The twin headlight E Class. Saloon and estate, with the E 55 AMG at the top. Rust is the big thing to check.
2002 to 2009
Saloon and estate, with AIRMATIC and SBC brakes on many cars. The E 55 AMG and later E 63 AMG sat on top.
2009 to 2016
Saloon and estate on the W212, with the coupe and cabriolet on the separate C207 and A207. Facelifted for 2014.
2016 on
The W213 added the C238 coupe and A238 cabriolet and the All Terrain estate. The W214 from 2023 is saloon and estate only.
| Chassis code | Body | How to confirm it |
|---|---|---|
| W124, W210, W211, W212, W213, W214 | Saloon or sedan | The FIN shows the number in positions 4 to 6. A US VIN shows EA, JF, UF, HF, ZF or LF. |
| S124, S210, S211, S212, S213, S214 | Estate or wagon | A US VIN shows JH, UH, HH or ZH from the W210 on |
| C124, C207, C238 | Coupe | Two doors. The C207 coupe shares its platform with the W204 C Class. US VIN shows KJ or 1J. |
| A124, A207, A238 | Cabriolet | Soft top. The model number on the data card proves it. |
Mercedes E Class Paint Colours and Codes
Mercedes paint codes are three digits, and the data card often adds a letter, so Indium Grey shows as 963 or 963U. The code is on the data card and on the data plate in the door pillar or under the bonnet, so a resprayed E Class is easy to spot.
W124 E Class
W211 and W212 E Class
W213 and W214 E Class
Swatches are a guide only, and designo offered more colours to order. The code on your car is the proof.
Can You Get a Mercedes E Class Data Card From the VIN?
Not from the 17 characters. The VIN gives you the generation, the body, the engine on US cars and the plant, but not the options or the trim.
Mercedes keeps a data card for every car. It lists the FIN, the VIN on US cars, the engine number, the paint code, the upholstery code and every option code. Here's how to get it.
Mercedes dealer Easiest
Ask the service desk to print the vehicle data card from the VIN. It lists every factory option code with a description.
A Mercedes parts counter
Parts staff look up the data card to order the right parts, so they can often read out the option codes too.
Window sticker or order form
The original US window sticker or the UK order confirmation lists the packages and options by name. Match them to the codes below.
The car itself
Look up at the roof, check the seat heating and ventilation, press the suspension height button and look for AMG badges and bodywork.
Copy the codes from the data card and paste them into the decoder below to get your full E Class options list.
Mercedes E Class Data Card Decoder
Paste the option codes from your E Class data card and get a readable options list, grouped by system. Paint codes with a letter on the end, like 963U, work too.
Separate codes with spaces, commas or new lines.
Codes not in our list
Look up a single code
Search by code or keyword. Covers option codes, packages, paint and engine codes.
Type a code or keyword to see matches.
Tip: click any code to copy it. Some codes changed meaning between generations, so check anything important against the data card.
Mercedes E Class Engines by Generation
The E 350 badge has covered a V6, a four cylinder and a diesel over the years, so the badge alone doesn't tell you the engine. The engine code on the data card does. Here are the main engines in each generation.
| Generation | Common models | Engines |
|---|---|---|
| W124 | 300 D, 300 E, E 320, 400 E, 500 E | OM603 diesel, M103 and M104 straight six, M119 V8 |
| W210 | E 320, E 430, E 55 AMG | M104 then M112 V6, M113 V8 |
| W211 | E 320, E 350, E 500, E 55 AMG, E 63 AMG | M112 then M272 V6, M113 V8, M156 6.2 V8, OM642 diesel |
| W212 | E 350, E 63 AMG, E 350 BlueTEC | M272 then M276 V6, M156 then M157 V8, OM642 diesel |
| W213 | E 300, E 350, E 450, AMG E 53, AMG E 63 S | M274 and M264 four cylinder, M276 V6, M256 straight six, M177 V8 |
| W214 | E 350, E 450 | M254 four cylinder and M256 straight six, both with mild hybrid |
Diesels in the UK
Most UK E Classes are diesels. The E 220 CDI and E 250 CDI on the W212 use the OM651, and the E 220 d on the W213 and W214 uses the OM654. The data card shows the engine code.
AMG or AMG Line
AMG Line (950) and AMG styling (772) are styling packages. A full AMG E 63 or E 53 shows its AMG model number and engine code on the data card.
Mercedes E Class Common Problems by Generation
Most E Class problems are tied to one generation or one engine, so the chassis code and engine code tell you what to check.
| Generation or system | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| W124 from 1993 | Engine wiring harness insulation breaking down | Causes misfires and running faults. Ask if the harness was replaced. |
| W210 | Rust on the wings, doors, boot lid and jacking points | The biggest W210 issue. Check underneath before anything else. |
| W211 SBC brakes | Brake warning messages on cars with Sensotronic Brake Control | Mercedes ran campaigns on the SBC unit. Ask a dealer to check the VIN. |
| W211 and W212 AIRMATIC | Car sitting low after parking, compressor running on | Air struts and compressors wear out. Check code 489 and the ride height. |
| M272 V6, early engines | Balance shaft or idler gear wear, engine warning light | Affects some early W211 E 350s. A dealer can check the engine serial number. |
| 7G-TRONIC gearbox | Harsh or delayed shifts, warning messages | Often a valve body or conductor plate fault. Check the gearbox service history. |
How to Check Mercedes E Class Recalls
Recall campaigns differ by market and generation, so check through the channel that covers where the car was sold.
In the UK
Use the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK with the make, model and year, then ask a Mercedes dealer to run the VIN.
In the US
Run the VIN through the decoder above for NHTSA recall records, or use the NHTSA recall lookup or Mercedes' own recall check.
Imported cars
An E Class imported from another market may never have had recall work done. A Mercedes dealer can check the VIN against every open campaign.
Ask for proof every recall was completed, not just booked. On an older E Class, airbag and brake campaigns are the ones to check first.
Mercedes E Class Option Codes List
The full list behind the data card decoder, grouped by system. Codes vary by generation, year and market, so verify anything important against your own data card.
Mercedes E Class package and line codes
- 950AMG Line
- P29AMG Line interior
- P31AMG Line exterior
- 772AMG styling, front spoiler and side skirts. Not proof of a full AMG car
- 776Wider wheel arches for AMG wheels
- U62Exterior light and sight package
- U59Seat comfort package
Packages changed by year and market. UK cars often show AMG Line as 950 with P29 and P31 for the interior and exterior parts.
Mercedes E Class engine codes
- OM617Five cylinder diesel, W123 300 D
- M1033.0 straight six, W124 300 E
- M1042.8 and 3.2 straight six, W124 E 320 and W210 early cars
- M119V8, W124 400 E and 500 E
- M112V6, W210 and W211 E 320
- M113V8, W210 and W211 E 430 and E 500, supercharged in the E 55 AMG
- M272V6, W211 E 350 from 2006 and early W212 E 350
- M276V6, W212 E 350 from 2012, W213 E 400 and E 450 early cars
- M1566.2 V8, W211 and early W212 E 63 AMG
- M1575.5 twin turbo V8, W212 E 63 AMG from 2012
- M1774.0 twin turbo V8, W213 AMG E 63 and E 63 S
- M2742.0 turbo four cylinder, W213 E 300
- M2642.0 turbo four cylinder, W213 E 350 from 2020
- M2563.0 straight six with mild hybrid, W213 AMG E 53 and E 450 from 2021
- M2542.0 turbo four cylinder with mild hybrid, W214 E 350
- OM6423.0 V6 diesel, US E 320 and E 350 BlueTEC
- OM6512.1 four cylinder diesel, W212 E 220 CDI and E 250 CDI
- OM6542.0 four cylinder diesel, W213 and W214 E 220 d
Engine codes show on the data card and the engine itself. The data card lists the full engine number, like 276952 for a W212 E 350.
Mercedes E Class paint codes
- 040Black, solid, most generations
- 147Arctic White, solid, W124
- 199Blue Black Metallic, W124
- 702Smoke Silver Metallic, W124
- 744Brilliant Silver Metallic, W210 and W211
- 197Obsidian Black Metallic, W211 to W214
- 650Calcite White, solid, W212
- 775Iridium Silver Metallic, W211 to W213
- 792Palladium Silver Metallic, W212 and W213
- 755Tenorite Grey Metallic, W212
- 963Indium Grey Metallic, W212
- 799Diamond White Metallic, W212 to W214
- 149Polar White, solid, W213 and W214
- 890Cavansite Blue Metallic, W212 to W214
- 896Brilliant Blue Metallic, W213
- 992Selenite Grey Metallic, W213 and W214
- 831Graphite Grey Metallic, W213 and W214
- 859Mojave Silver Metallic, W213 and W214
- 989Emerald Green Metallic, W213 and W214
- 996Hyacinth Red Metallic, designo, W213 and W214
Swatches are a guide only. Data cards often add a letter, so 963U is paint code 963. The decoder accepts both.
Mercedes E Class suspension and towing codes
- 489AIRMATIC or Air Body Control air suspension
- 550Trailer hitch
Air suspension adds comfort and cost, so check it on the data card before you buy.
Mercedes E Class seat and comfort codes
- 873Heated front seats
- 872Heated rear seats
- 401Ventilated front seats
- 275Memory package, seats and mirrors
- 581Automatic climate control, THERMOTRONIC
- 732Bird's eye maple wood trim
Seats and climate control are easy to check from the driver's seat.
Mercedes E Class roof, lights and exterior codes
- 413Panoramic sunroof
- 414Glass sliding sunroof
- 889KEYLESS-GO keyless entry and start
- 614Bi-xenon headlights
- 600Headlight cleaning system
- 840Dark tinted glass
Roof and light codes are easy to check by looking at the car.
Mercedes E Class driver assistance and audio codes
- 218Reversing camera
- 220PARKTRONIC parking sensors
- 233DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control
- 234Blind Spot Assist
- 810Premium sound system. Harman Kardon on the W211 and W212, Burmester on the W213
- U36COMAND pre-installation
Assistance systems are mostly software and sensors, so check the code, then check the menus.
Mercedes E Class market and model year codes
- 494US version
- 801Model year code. Mercedes uses codes in the 800s to mark the model year change
These codes don't add equipment, but they explain where and when a car was built for.
Mercedes E Class features, trims and package names
The names you'll see in listings, on order forms and in the menus. Search any of them in the decoder above to find the code behind it.
- W123
- W124
- W210
- W211
- W212
- W213
- W214
- S124
- S210
- S211
- S212
- S213
- S214
- C124
- A124
- C207
- A207
- C238
- A238
- Saloon
- Sedan
- Estate
- Wagon
- Coupe
- Cabriolet
- All Terrain
- 300 D
- 300 E
- 400 E
- 500 E
- E 320
- E 350
- E 400
- E 450
- E 500
- E 550
- E 220 d
- E 300
- E 300 de
- BlueTEC
- BlueEFFICIENCY
- E 55 AMG
- E 63 AMG
- AMG E 43
- AMG E 53
- AMG E 63 S
- 4MATIC
- AMG Line
- Avantgarde
- Elegance
- Exclusive
- Sport
- AIRMATIC
- Air Body Control
- SBC brakes
- 7G-TRONIC
- 9G-TRONIC
- COMAND
- MBUX
- Burmester
- Harman Kardon
- KEYLESS-GO
- DISTRONIC
- PARKTRONIC
- Panoramic sunroof
- Multibeam LED
- Data card
- FIN
- Chassis number
- 14 digit chassis number
- Sindelfingen
- Bremen
- Graz
Mercedes E Class VIN and Chassis Number FAQs
Where is the VIN number on a Mercedes E Class?
On a plate at the bottom of the windscreen, on the data plate in the door pillar, and stamped into the body. It's also on the V5C in the UK and the title in the US.
What is the difference between the VIN and the FIN?
The FIN is the Mercedes identification number, with the model number built in. UK and European cars use the FIN as their VIN. US cars have a separate VIN on the title, and both numbers end in the same six digit serial.
How do I find the chassis code from my E Class VIN?
On a UK or European car, read positions 4 to 6. WDB211 is a W211 and WDD212 is a W212. On a US car, the two letters after the manufacturer code show it, like UF for a W211 sedan and ZF for a W213 sedan.
How do I decode a W123 or other 14 digit chassis number?
Read it in four parts. The first three digits are the chassis code, the next three the model, then two digits for steering side and gearbox, then the six digit serial. 123 130 12 is a left hand drive W123 300 D with an automatic.
What are the E Class chassis codes?
W124, W210, W211, W212, W213 and W214 for the saloon. S for the estate, and C and A for the coupe and cabriolet, which were the C124 and A124, C207 and A207, and C238 and A238.
Was the W124 an E Class?
Yes, from 1993. Before that it was sold by engine name, like 300 E and 300 D. The W123 before it was never called the E Class.
Can I see the options on my E Class from the VIN?
Not from the 17 characters alone. The options are on the Mercedes data card, which a dealer can print from the VIN. Paste the option codes into the decoder above.
Does my E Class have air suspension?
Look for code 489 on the data card. It covers AIRMATIC on older cars and Air Body Control on the W213.
What does X mean in position 11 of a W211 VIN?
X is the plant code for Graz in Austria, where many W210 and W211 4MATIC cars were built.
Dale Ogden
Dale has spent more than 20 years in vehicle valuations, forecasting and asset management. He was a Forecast Manager at CAP HPI, the UK's leading vehicle valuation authority and a counterpart to Kelley Blue Book.
He helped pioneer early electric vehicle depreciation models adopted by major manufacturers, and his residual value forecasts cover more than 10,000 vehicles. Today his data led insights help buyers, enthusiasts and automotive professionals around the world.
What Is Your Mercedes E Class Spec Worth?
AIRMATIC, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, Burmester sound, a real AMG engine. Two E Classes can look the same in photos and be worth very different money. See what the options on yours are worth today.
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Comparing the E Class with another model? Each guide covers the VIN, the build sheet codes and the common options for that model.
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