Mercedes GLC VIN Decoder and Data Card Option Codes
Every GLC VIN tells you the generation, SUV or coupe, the engine and where it was built. Read yours below, then decode the option codes on the Mercedes data card.
Try It Yourself. Copy/Paste This Mercedes GLC VIN Into Our Decoder Below: W1NKM4HB2RF123456
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 GLC?
Every GLC has a 17 character VIN, also called the chassis number. It sits in the same places on the SUV and the coupe. Before you buy, check the number on the windshield, the door pillar and the paperwork all match.
On the car
- Plate at the bottom of the windshield on the driver side, readable from outside
- Label on the driver door pillar
- Stamped into the body, under a cover in the floor or the engine bay
On the paperwork
- The title and registration in the US
- The V5C logbook in the UK, listed as VIN, chassis or frame number
- Service invoices and the Mercedes me app
- Insurance documents and finance agreements
A US GLC 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 GLC VIN
Mercedes uses two formats. US and Canadian GLCs use a VIN with a check digit and a model year. UK and European GLCs use the FIN, which puts the Mercedes model number straight into the number, so an X253 shows 253 in positions 4 to 6.
US and Canadian GLC VINs
Example: W1NKM4HB2RF123456, a 2024 X254 GLC 300 4MATIC SUV built in Bremen
- Positions 1 to 3: Manufacturer
- WDC on earlier GLCs. Mercedes switched to W1N during the 2020 model year.
- Positions 4 and 5: Series and body
- 0 is the X253 and C253 generation and K the X254 and C254. Then G is the X253 SUV, M the X254 SUV, and J the coupe on both.
- Positions 6 to 8: Engine, drive and restraints
- 4 is the GLC 300 up to 2019 and on the X254, and 8 the GLC 300 from 2020. 6 is the AMG GLC 43 on the X253, and 8 with J or K the AMG GLC 63 or 63 S. On early cars J after the 4 means rear wheel drive and K means 4MATIC.
- 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
- G is 2016, M is 2021 and R is 2024.
- Position 11: Plant
- F and G are Bremen, the main GLC plant. V is Valmet Automotive in Finland, which also built the X253.
- Positions 12 to 17: Serial number
- The production number. It matches the last six digits of the FIN on the data card.
UK and European GLC VINs, the FIN
Example FIN: WDC2539491F123456, model number 253.949, an X253 GLC 300 4MATIC built in Bremen
- Positions 1 to 3: Manufacturer
- WDC or W1N, the same as US cars.
- Positions 4 to 6: Chassis code
- The GLC generation in plain numbers. 253 or 254, for both the SUV and the coupe.
- Positions 7 to 9: Model and engine
- Together with positions 4 to 6, this is the Mercedes model number, like 253.949 or 254.647 for a GLC 300 4MATIC.
- Positions 10 and 11: Code and plant
- A Mercedes code, then the plant letter, F for Bremen.
- 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.
What the start of a US GLC VIN means
These come from real US VINs. The characters after the manufacturer code tell you the generation, the body and the model.
| VIN starts | Model | Years |
|---|---|---|
| WDC0G4JB | X253 GLC 300, rear wheel drive | 2016 to 2019 |
| WDC0G4KB | X253 GLC 300 4MATIC | 2016 to 2019 |
| WDC0J4KB | C253 GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe | 2017 to 2019 |
| WDC0G6EB | X253 AMG GLC 43 | 2017 to 2020 |
| WDC0G8JB, WDC0J8JB | AMG GLC 63 SUV and coupe | 2018 to 2020 |
| WDC0J8KB | AMG GLC 63 S Coupe | 2018 to 2020 |
| W1N0G8EB | X253 GLC 300 4MATIC | 2020 to 2022 |
| W1N0J8EB | C253 GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe | 2020 to 2023 |
| W1N0G6EB, W1N0J6EB | AMG GLC 43 SUV and coupe | 2020 to 2023 |
| W1N0G8JB, W1N0J8KB | AMG GLC 63 SUV and GLC 63 S Coupe | 2020 to 2023 |
| W1NKM4HB | X254 GLC 300 4MATIC | 2023 on |
| W1NKJ4HB | C254 GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe | 2024 on |
| W1NKM8HB | X254 AMG GLC 43 | 2024 on |
| W1NKM8AB, W1NKJ8AB | AMG GLC 63 S E Performance SUV and coupe | 2025 on |
Mercedes GLC model year codes
Position 10 on US and Canadian VINs only. The GLC replaced the GLK for the 2016 model year, and the GLK ran from 2010.
- A2010
- B2011
- C2012
- D2013
- E2014
- F2015
- G2016
- H2017
- J2018
- K2019
- L2020
- M2021
- N2022
- P2023
- R2024
- S2025
- T2026
Mercedes model years start mid year, so a GLC built in summer 2023 can be a 2024 car.
Mercedes GLC Chassis Codes: X253, C253, X254 and C254
Every GLC generation has a model series number. X is the SUV and C the coupe, so an X253 and a C253 share their engines and most parts. The GLK before it was the X204.
US 2010 to 2015
The boxy GLK 350 and later GLK 250 diesel. Its VIN shows G in position 4, and it's the car the GLC replaced.
US 2016 to 2023
The first GLC, with the coupe from 2017. The GLC 300 switched engines and got MBUX for 2020. The AMG GLC 43, GLC 63 and GLC 350e sat alongside.
US 2023 on
The second GLC, with a 48 volt mild hybrid as standard. The coupe arrived for 2024, and the AMG models moved to a four cylinder.
| Chassis code | Body | How to confirm it |
|---|---|---|
| X253, X254 | SUV | G or M in position 5 of a US VIN, and the FIN shows 253 or 254 |
| C253, C254 | Coupe, sloping roof | J in position 5 of a US VIN |
| X204 | GLK, the GLC's predecessor | G in position 4 of a US VIN |
Mercedes GLC Paint Colors and Codes
Mercedes paint codes are three digits, and the data card often adds a letter, so Obsidian Black shows as 197 or 197U. The code is on the data card, which is the quickest way to spot a resprayed GLC.
X253 and C253 GLC, 2016 to 2023
X254 and C254 GLC, 2023 on
Swatches are a guide only. MANUFAKTUR and designo paint was offered in more colors to order. The code on your car is the proof.
Can You Get a Mercedes GLC Data Card From the VIN?
Not from the 17 characters. The VIN gives you the generation, the body, the engine and the plant, but not the packages, the suspension or the sound system.
Mercedes keeps a data card for every car. It lists the FIN, the VIN on US cars, the engine and transmission numbers, 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 for a head up display, Burmester speaker grilles and the suspension settings. They back up the paperwork.
Copy the codes from the data card and paste them into the decoder below to get your full GLC options list.
Mercedes GLC Data Card Decoder
Paste the option codes from your GLC data card and get a readable options list, grouped by system. Paint codes with a letter on the end, like 197U, 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 GLC Engines by Generation
Most US GLCs have a 2.0 four cylinder, but the engine behind the badge changed twice. The AMG models went from a V6 and V8 to a four cylinder on the X254.
| Generation | Common US models | Engines |
|---|---|---|
| X253, C253 to 2019 | GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC, GLC 350e | M274 2.0 four cylinder turbo, plug in hybrid in the GLC 350e |
| X253, C253 from 2020 | GLC 300 4MATIC | M264 2.0 four cylinder turbo |
| X253, C253 AMG | AMG GLC 43, GLC 63, GLC 63 S | M276 3.0 twin turbo V6, M177 4.0 twin turbo V8 |
| X254, C254 | GLC 300 4MATIC | M254 2.0 four cylinder with 48 volt mild hybrid |
| X254, C254 AMG | AMG GLC 43, GLC 63 S E Performance | M139 AMG 2.0 four cylinder, plug in hybrid in the GLC 63 S |
UK diesels
UK GLCs were mostly diesel. The GLC 220 d and 250 d used the OM651, later replaced by the OM654 in the 220 d and 300 d. The FIN model number tells you which.
A real AMG or AMG Line
AMG Line, code DG3, is a styling package. A real AMG GLC 43 or 63 has its own model number and its own VIN characters. Badges are easy to add, the data card isn't.
Mercedes GLC Common Problems by Generation
The GLC is one of the more dependable Mercedes models, but a few things come up often. The generation, the engine and the option codes tell you what to check.
| Generation or system | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| M274 2.0, 2016 to 2019 | Rattle on a cold start, oil leaks at the camshaft adjusters | Camshaft adjuster and timing chain work is labour heavy. Listen to a cold start. |
| 9G-TRONIC transmission | Harsh or delayed shifts, jerky low speed changes | Often fixed with a software update or a valve body repair. Ask what's been done. |
| AIR BODY CONTROL, code 489 | Car sitting low after parking, warning messages | Air struts and compressors wear out. Check the ride height after the car has sat overnight. |
| GLC 350e plug in hybrid | Reduced electric range, charging faults | The high voltage battery is expensive. Check the range on a full charge. |
| AMG GLC 63 | Overheating warnings, oil leaks, worn brakes and tires | Everything costs more on the V8. Ask for the full service history. |
| X254 electronics | Screen, camera and 48 volt system warnings | Make sure every software update and recall was done. |
How to Check Mercedes GLC Recalls
Recall campaigns differ by market and generation, so check through the channel that covers where the car was sold.
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.
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.
Imported cars
A GLC imported from another market may never have had recall work done. A Mercedes dealer can check the VIN against every open campaign.
On an X254, many campaigns are software updates. Ask for proof every recall and update was completed, not just booked.
Mercedes GLC 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 GLC package codes
- P01Premium 1 package, early X253
- P02Premium 2 package, early X253
- P03Premium 3 package, early X253
- DP1Premium package
- DX1Exclusive Trim, 2024 on
- DX2Pinnacle Trim, 2024 on
- DA2Driver Assistance package
- DA3Parking Assistance package
- DA5Multimedia package
- DG3AMG Line
- DC1Night package
- DF1AMG Night package Plus
- DE6AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package
- DC2AMG Performance Studio package
- PAVWinter package
- P17Hands free access package
- P31AMG Exterior Sport package
- P44Parking package with Surround View
- 318Leather Seating package
- 321Sport package
- 521Night package, AMG Night package on the AMG GLC 43
- 430Off-Road Engineering package
GLC packages changed a lot by year. From 2024 the Premium package became the Exclusive and Pinnacle trims. A package code is usually followed by the codes for every part inside it.
Mercedes GLC engine codes
- M2742.0 four cylinder turbo, GLC 300 from 2016 to 2019 and the GLC 350e
- M2642.0 four cylinder turbo, GLC 300 from 2020 to 2022
- M2542.0 four cylinder turbo with 48 volt mild hybrid, X254 GLC 300
- M2763.0 twin turbo V6, AMG GLC 43 from 2017 to 2023
- M1774.0 twin turbo V8, AMG GLC 63 and GLC 63 S
- M1392.0 AMG four cylinder, X254 AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance
- OM6512.1 four cylinder diesel, UK GLC 220 d and 250 d
- OM6542.0 four cylinder diesel, later UK GLC 220 d and 300 d
The engine family shows on the data card and the engine itself. The badge doesn't always tell you which one you have.
Mercedes GLC paint codes
- 040Black, solid
- 149Polar White, solid
- 197Obsidian Black Metallic
- 775Iridium Silver Metallic, X253
- 988Diamond Silver Metallic, X253
- 992Selenite Grey Metallic, X253
- 297Selenite Grey Magno, matte, X253
- 796Dakota Brown Metallic, X253
- 890Lunar Blue Metallic, X253
- 896Brilliant Blue Metallic, X253
- 996Cardinal Red Metallic, X253
- 799Diamond White Metallic, X253
- 859Mojave Silver Metallic
- 831Graphite Grey Metallic
- 922Cirrus Silver Metallic
- 970Starling Blue Metallic
- 595Nautical Blue Metallic, X254
- 993MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic, X254
- 885MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic, X254
- 818MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno, matte, X254
- 734MANUFAKTUR Cirrus Silver Magno, matte, X254
Swatches are a guide only. Data cards often add a letter, so 197U is paint code 197. The decoder accepts both.
Mercedes GLC suspension, drive and towing codes
- 489AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension
- 550Trailer hitch, Class II
- 846Brushed aluminum running boards
- 690Emergency spare wheel
- B51TIREFIT sealant kit instead of a spare
- 256AMG TRACK PACE
Air suspension and towing codes are worth checking before you buy, as both add value and cost money to fix.
Mercedes GLC seat and comfort codes
- 873Heated front seats
- 401Heated and ventilated front seats
- 872Heated rear seats
- 443Heated steering wheel
- 242Passenger seat memory
- P21AIR BALANCE fragrance and air filter
- U09MB-Tex dashboard
- 313Rear door roller blinds
- 894Enhanced ambient lighting
- U17Black seat belts instead of red, AMG
- Y05Red seat belts
- L6HAMG Performance steering wheel in carbon fiber and microfiber
- L6JAMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather
Comfort codes are some of the most common on a GLC data card.
Mercedes GLC exterior and lighting codes
- 413Panorama sunroof
- 632LED headlamps
- 640LED Intelligent Light System
- 851Heat and noise insulating front side glass
- D03Illuminated star, port installed
- D07Wheel locks, port installed
- D11Body color roof spoiler, port installed
- D43All weather floor mats, port installed
Roof, light and glass codes. Codes starting with D are often accessories added at the port, not factory options.
Mercedes GLC multimedia and driver assistance codes
- 810Burmester surround sound system
- 463Head up display
- 46412.3 inch digital instrument cluster
- 536SiriusXM satellite radio
- PBGMBUX navigation
- 77BMBUX Interior Assistant
- 897Wireless charging and NFC pairing
- 72BAdvanced USB package
- P47Surround View camera system
- 234Blind Spot Assist
- 239Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
- 21UDashcam
- 293Rear side airbags
Multimedia and assistance codes changed with the 2020 update and again with the X254.
Mercedes GLC features, models 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.
- X253
- C253
- X254
- C254
- X204
- GLK
- GLC 300
- GLC 300 4MATIC
- GLC 350e
- AMG GLC 43
- AMG GLC 63
- AMG GLC 63 S
- AMG GLC 63 S E Performance
- GLC Coupe
- GLC 220 d
- GLC 300 d
- 4MATIC
- AIR BODY CONTROL
- DYNAMIC SELECT
- 9G-TRONIC
- 48 volt mild hybrid
- Premium package
- Exclusive Trim
- Pinnacle Trim
- AMG Line
- Night package
- Driver Assistance package
- Burmester
- Panorama sunroof
- MBUX
- Head up display
- Surround View
- KEYLESS-GO
- Off-Road Engineering package
- Data card
- FIN
- Bremen
Mercedes GLC VIN and Chassis Number FAQs
Where is the VIN number on a Mercedes GLC?
On a plate at the bottom of the windshield on the driver side, on the label in the driver door pillar, and stamped into the body. It's also on the title in the US and the V5C in the UK.
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 tell an X253 from an X254?
On a US VIN, 0 in position 4 is the X253 and K is the X254. On a FIN, positions 4 to 6 show 253 or 254.
Is my GLC an SUV or a coupe from the VIN?
Read position 5 of a US VIN. G is the X253 SUV, M the X254 SUV and J the coupe.
Can I tell if my GLC is a real AMG from the VIN?
Yes. A real AMG GLC 43 or 63 has different VIN characters from a GLC 300, like WDC0G6EB for an early AMG GLC 43. An AMG Line GLC 300 still reads as a GLC 300.
Does my GLC have air suspension?
Look for code 489 on the data card. It's AIR BODY CONTROL, an option on the GLC 300 and standard on some AMG models.
Where was my GLC built?
Read position 11 of a US VIN. F and G are Bremen in Germany. V is Valmet Automotive in Finland, which built some X253s.
Can I see the options on my GLC 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.
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 GLC Spec Worth?
AIR BODY CONTROL, the Pinnacle trim, Burmester sound, a panorama roof, a real AMG. Two GLCs can look the same in photos and be worth very different money. See what the options on yours are worth today.
Value my GLC optionsFree, instant valuations for your Mercedes options and spec.
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