Mercedes S Class VIN Decoder and Data Card Option Codes
Every S Class from the 1981 W126 to the current W223 carries its model and generation in the VIN. Read yours below, then decode the option codes on the Mercedes data card.
Try It Yourself. Copy/Paste This Mercedes S Class VIN Into Our Decoder Below: W1K6G7GB4MA123456
VIN Decoder & Build Sheet
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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 S Class?
Every S Class since the W126 has a 17 character VIN, also called the chassis number. It sits in the same places on most cars. On a car this valuable, check the number on the windshield, the door pillar and the paperwork all match before anything else.
On the car
- Plate at the bottom of the windshield, readable from outside
- Data plate on the door pillar, which also shows the paint code on many S Classes
- Stamped into the body, in the engine bay or under the front floor covering depending on the generation
- Chassis plate under the hood on older W126 and W140 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 S 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 S 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 W222 shows 222 in positions 4 to 6. Every US S Class was built in Sindelfingen, so position 11 is almost always A.
US and Canadian S Class VINs
Example US format: W1K6G7GB4MA123456, a 2021 W223 S 580 4MATIC built in Sindelfingen
- Positions 1 to 3: Manufacturer
- WDB on the W126, W140 and W220, WDD on the W221 and W222, and W1K on the W223.
- Positions 4 to 8: Model line, body and engine
- The first two characters are the model line and body. C was the W126, G the W140, NG the W220 and W221, UG the W222 sedan and 6G the W223. 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
- M is 2021, F is 2015 and 4 is 2004. Letters repeat every 30 years.
- Position 11: Plant
- A for Sindelfingen, the home of the S Class.
- Positions 12 to 17: Serial number
- The production number. It matches the last six digits of the FIN on the data card.
On the W220, positions 6 and 7 of a US VIN match the end of the model number. WDBNG70J is a 220.170 S 430.
UK and European S Class VINs, the FIN
Example FIN: W1K2231761A123456, a W223 S 580 4MATIC long wheelbase. Model number 223.176. The same car in the US carries VIN W1K6G7GB4MA123456
- Positions 1 to 3: Manufacturer
- WDB, WDD or W1K, the same as US cars.
- Positions 4 to 6: Chassis code
- The S Class generation in plain numbers. 126, 140, 220, 221, 222 or 223.
- Positions 7 to 9: Model and engine
- Together with positions 4 to 6, this is the Mercedes model number, like 223.176 for an S 580 4MATIC long wheelbase.
- Positions 10 and 11: Code and plant
- A Mercedes code, then the plant letter, 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.
What the start of a US S Class VIN means
These come from real US VINs and Mercedes VIN filings. The characters after the manufacturer code tell you the generation, the body and on newer cars the exact model.
| VIN starts | Model | Years |
|---|---|---|
| WDBC | W126 S Class, like the 300 SD, 420 SEL and 560 SEL | 1981 to 1991 |
| WDBG | W140 S Class, like the S 320, S 420, S 500 and S 600 | 1992 to 1999 |
| WDBNG70J | W220 S 430 | 2000 to 2006 |
| WDDNG71X | W221 S 550 | 2007 to 2013 |
| WDDUG8GB | W222 S 560 4MATIC | 2018 to 2020 |
| WDDUG7D | W222 S 560e plug in hybrid | 2019 to 2020 |
| WDDUG8J | W222 AMG S 63 4MATIC | 2018 to 2020 |
| WDDUX8G, WDDUX8A | X222 Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC and S 650 | 2018 to 2020 |
| WDDXJ8J, WDDXJ7K | C217 AMG S 63 and S 65 coupe | 2018 to 2021 |
| W1K6G6DB | W223 S 500 4MATIC | 2021 on |
| W1K6G7GB | W223 S 580 4MATIC | 2021 on |
Mercedes S Class model year codes
Position 10 on US and Canadian VINs only. The 17 character VIN started with the 1981 model year, the same year the W126 arrived in the US.
- B1981
- C1982
- D1983
- E1984
- F1985
- 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 S Class built in summer 2020 can be a 2021 car.
Mercedes S Class Chassis Codes: W126, W140, W220, W221, W222 and W223
Every S Class generation has a W number, and the body styles get their own letter. W is the standard wheelbase sedan, V the long wheelbase, C the coupe and A the cabriolet. Mercedes-Maybach versions use X on the W222 and Z on the W223. US cars from the W221 on are long wheelbase.
1979 to 1991
Sedan in two lengths plus the SEC coupe. The 560 SEL and 560 SEC are the collector cars, and the 300 SD diesel was common in the US.
1991 to 1998
The big, over engineered S Class, with the first V12 in the S 600. The coupe was later sold as the CL.
1998 to 2005
Smaller and lighter, with AIRMATIC as standard. The S 55 AMG and twin turbo S 600 sat on top. Sold in the US from 2000 to 2006.
2005 to 2013
The S 550 was the core US car. The S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG sat on top, with the S 400 Hybrid and S 350 BlueTEC later on.
2013 to 2020
Sedan, coupe, cabriolet and the return of Maybach as the X222. Facelifted for 2018 with the S 560 and new engines.
2020 on
Sedan only, with MBUX screens, rear axle steering as an option and the Maybach Z223. The S 500 and S 580 are the US cars.
| Chassis code | Body | How to confirm it |
|---|---|---|
| W126 to W223 | Sedan, standard wheelbase | The FIN shows the number in positions 4 to 6 |
| V140, V220, V221, V222, V223 | Sedan, long wheelbase | The model number on the data card, and an L in older badges like 560 SEL |
| C126, C140, C217 | Coupe | Two doors. A US C217 VIN shows XJ. |
| A217 | Cabriolet | Soft top. The model number on the data card proves it. |
| X222, Z223 | Mercedes-Maybach | A US X222 VIN shows UX. Check the data card for the Maybach model number. |
Mercedes S Class Paint Colors and Codes
Mercedes paint codes are three digits, and the data card often adds a letter, so Brilliant Silver shows as 744 or 744U. The code is on the data card and on the data plate in the door pillar or under the hood, so a resprayed S Class is easy to spot.
W126 S Class, 1981 to 1991
W140 and W220 S Class, 1992 to 2006
W221 S Class, 2007 to 2013
W222 S Class, 2014 to 2020
W223 S Class, 2021 on
Swatches are a guide only, and designo and Maybach offered many more colors and two tone paint to order. The code on your car is the proof.
Can You Get a Mercedes S 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, the suspension or the rear seat package.
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
Sit in the back, check the rear seat controls and screens, look up at the roof and check the suspension menu. They back up the paperwork.
Copy the codes from the data card and paste them into the decoder below to get your full S Class options list.
Mercedes S Class Data Card Decoder
Paste the option codes from your S Class data card and get a readable options list, grouped by system. Paint codes with a letter on the end, like 744U, 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 S Class Engines by Generation
The S Class has carried six, eight and twelve cylinder engines, diesels and hybrids. The badge doesn't always match the engine size, so the engine code on the data card is the one to trust.
| Generation | Common US models | Engines |
|---|---|---|
| W126 | 300 SD, 300 SE, 420 SEL, 560 SEL, 560 SEC | OM617 diesel, M103 straight six, M116 and M117 V8 |
| W140 | S 320, S 420, S 500, S 600 | M104 straight six, M119 V8, M120 V12 |
| W220 | S 430, S 500, S 55 AMG, S 600 | M113 V8, M113 supercharged, M137 then M275 V12 |
| W221 | S 550, S 600, S 63 AMG, S 65 AMG, S 400 Hybrid, S 350 BlueTEC | M273 V8, M275 V12, M156 then M157 V8, M272 V6 hybrid, OM642 diesel |
| W222 | S 450, S 550, S 560, S 560e, AMG S 63, S 600 | M276 V6, M278 then M176 V8, M157 then M177 V8, M279 V12 |
| W223 | S 500, S 580, AMG S 63 E Performance, Maybach S 680 | M256 straight six, M176 V8, M177 V8 hybrid, M279 V12 |
AIRMATIC or Active Body Control
Most S Classes ride on AIRMATIC air suspension, code 489. V12 and some V8 cars use hydraulic Active Body Control, code 487. Both are expensive to fix, so check which one the car has before you buy.
Maybach or S Class
A Mercedes-Maybach has its own model number and, on the W222, its own US VIN letters, UX instead of UG. Badges and wheels are easy to add, the data card isn't.
Mercedes S Class Common Problems by Generation
An S Class is full of complex systems, and an older one costs as much to run as a new one. The chassis code and the option codes tell you what to check.
| Generation or system | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| W126 V8 | Timing chain and guide wear, rattle on start up | A broken guide can wreck the engine. Ask when the chain and guides were done. |
| W140 from 1993 | Engine wiring harness insulation breaking down | Causes misfires and running faults. Ask if the harness was replaced. |
| AIRMATIC, code 489 | Car sitting low after parking, compressor running on | Air struts and compressors wear out. Check the ride height after the car has sat overnight. |
| Active Body Control, code 487 | Warning messages, leaks, a hard or bouncy ride | Hydraulic pumps, struts and lines are expensive. Get it checked by a specialist. |
| V12 engines | Ignition coil packs, oil leaks, high service costs | Everything costs more on a V12. Ask for the full service history. |
| W223 electronics | Screen and software faults | Make sure every software update and campaign was done. |
How to Check Mercedes S 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 S Class imported from another market may never have had recall work done. A Mercedes dealer can check the VIN against every open campaign.
On a W223, many campaigns are software updates. Ask for proof every recall and update was completed, not just booked.
Mercedes S 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 S Class package codes
- P07Chauffeur package
- 772AMG styling, front spoiler and side skirts. Not proof of a full AMG car
- M0054MATIC all wheel drive
- K34Route based speed adaptation
S Class packages changed a lot by year and market. Newer data cards also list engine and drive as codes, like M176 and M005.
Mercedes S Class engine codes
- OM617Five cylinder turbo diesel, W126 300 SD
- M1033.0 straight six, W126 300 SE and 300 SEL
- M117V8, W126 420 SEL, 560 SEL and 560 SEC
- M1043.2 straight six, W140 300 SE and S 320
- M119V8, W140 S 420 and S 500
- M120V12, W140 S 600
- M113V8, W220 S 430 and S 500, supercharged in the S 55 AMG
- M2735.5 V8, W221 S 550
- M275Twin turbo V12, W220 and W221 S 600 and S 65 AMG
- M1566.2 V8, W221 S 63 AMG early cars
- M1575.5 twin turbo V8, W221 and W222 S 63 AMG
- M2784.7 twin turbo V8, W222 S 550
- M1764.0 twin turbo V8, W222 S 560 and W223 S 580
- M1774.0 twin turbo V8, W222 AMG S 63 from 2018 and W223 AMG S 63 E Performance
- M2763.0 twin turbo V6, W222 S 450
- M2563.0 straight six with mild hybrid, W223 S 500
- M2796.0 twin turbo V12, W222 S 600, AMG S 65 and Maybach S 680
- OM6423.0 V6 diesel, US S 350 BlueTEC and UK S 350 d
Engine codes show on the data card and the engine itself. Newer data cards list the engine as a code too, like M176.
Mercedes S Class paint codes
- 040Black, solid, W126 to W223
- 147Arctic White, solid, W126 and W140
- 199Blue Black Metallic, W126 and W140
- 702Smoke Silver Metallic, W126
- 735Astral Silver Metallic, W126
- 904Midnight Blue, W126 and W140
- 929Nautical Blue Metallic, W126 and W140
- 587Cabernet Red Metallic, W126 and W140
- 568Signal Red, solid, W126 and W140
- 744Brilliant Silver Metallic, W140 and W220
- 189Black Opal Metallic, W140 and W220
- 723Pewter Silver Metallic, W220 and W221
- 693Desert Silver Metallic, W220
- 182Almandine Black Metallic, W220
- 197Obsidian Black Metallic, W220 to W223
- 775Iridium Silver Metallic, W221 and W222
- 370Andorite Grey Metallic, W221
- 368Flint Grey Metallic, W221
- 359Capri Blue Metallic, W221
- 544Barolo Red Metallic, W221
- 650Calcite White, solid, W221
- 755Tenorite Grey Metallic, W221
- 792Palladium Silver Metallic, W221 and W222
- 799Diamond White Metallic, W221 and W222
- 183Magnetite Black Metallic, W222
- 897Ruby Black Metallic, W222
- 998Anthracite Blue Metallic, W222
- 890Lunar Blue or Cavansite Blue Metallic, W222
- 988Diamond Silver Metallic, W222
- 474Verde Brook Metallic, W222
- 992Selenite Grey Metallic, W222 and W223
- 996Hyacinth Red Metallic, designo, W222
- 346Onyx Black Metallic, W223
- 595Nautical Blue Metallic, W223
- 660Rubellite Red Metallic, W223
- 831Graphite Grey Metallic, W223
- 859Mojave Silver Metallic, W223
- 922Cirrus Silver or High-tech Silver Metallic, W223
- 989Emerald Green Metallic, W223
- 885MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic, W223
- 802MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold Metallic, W223
Swatches are a guide only. Data cards often add a letter, so 744U is paint code 744. The decoder accepts both.
Mercedes S Class suspension and drive codes
- 489AIRMATIC air suspension
- 487Active Body Control hydraulic suspension
- 4277 speed automatic transmission
Suspension is the most expensive thing to fix on an older S Class, so check which system the car has.
Mercedes S Class seat and comfort codes
- 873Heated front seats
- 872Heated rear seats
- 401Ventilated front seats
- 275Memory package, driver seat, steering column and mirrors
- 249Auto dimming inside and outside mirrors
- L2DWood and leather multifunction steering wheel
- 232Garage door opener
Rear seat equipment matters on an S Class, so check the back as well as the front.
Mercedes S Class roof, lights and exterior codes
- 413Panoramic sunroof
- 414Glass sliding sunroof
- 889KEYLESS-GO keyless entry and start
- 614Bi-xenon headlights
- 600Headlight cleaning system
Roof and light codes are easy to check by looking at the car.
Mercedes S 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 W221, Burmester on the W222
- 811Burmester High End 3D surround sound, W222
Assistance systems are mostly software and sensors, so check the code, then check the menus.
Mercedes S 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 S Class 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.
- W126
- W140
- W220
- W221
- W222
- W223
- V140
- V220
- V221
- V222
- V223
- C126
- C140
- C217
- A217
- X222
- Z223
- Long wheelbase
- Short wheelbase
- Coupe
- Cabriolet
- 300 SD
- 300 SE
- 420 SEL
- 560 SEL
- 560 SEC
- S 320
- S 420
- S 430
- S 500
- S 550
- S 560
- S 580
- S 600
- S 680
- S 350 BlueTEC
- S 400 Hybrid
- S 450
- S 560e
- S 55 AMG
- S 63 AMG
- S 65 AMG
- AMG S 63 E Performance
- Mercedes-Maybach
- Maybach S 650
- 4MATIC
- AIRMATIC
- Active Body Control
- E-Active Body Control
- MAGIC BODY CONTROL
- Rear axle steering
- Chauffeur package
- Executive rear seat
- Rear seat entertainment
- Night View Assist
- Burmester
- Harman Kardon
- KEYLESS-GO
- DISTRONIC
- PARKTRONIC
- Panoramic sunroof
- MBUX
- COMAND
- Data card
- FIN
- Chassis number
- Sindelfingen
Mercedes S Class VIN and Chassis Number FAQs
Where is the VIN number on a Mercedes S Class?
On a plate at the bottom of the windshield, 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 S Class VIN?
On a UK or European car, read positions 4 to 6. WDD222 is a W222 and W1K223 is a W223. On a US car, UG after the manufacturer code is a W222 and 6G is a W223.
What does WDDUG mean on a Mercedes VIN?
WDDUG is the start of a US W222 S Class sedan VIN, sold from 2014 to 2020. The next characters show the engine, like 8G for an S 560 4MATIC.
What are the S Class chassis codes?
W126, W140, W220, W221, W222 and W223. V marks the long wheelbase, C the coupe, A the cabriolet, and X222 and Z223 the Mercedes-Maybach.
Is my S Class long wheelbase?
Every US S Class from the W221 on is long wheelbase. On older cars, an L in the badge like 560 SEL means long. The model number on the data card proves it either way.
Can I see the options on my S 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 S Class have AIRMATIC or Active Body Control?
Look on the data card. Code 489 is AIRMATIC air suspension and code 487 is Active Body Control.
Where were S Classes built?
US S Classes were built in Sindelfingen, Germany, which shows as A in position 11 of the VIN.
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 S Class Spec Worth?
AIRMATIC or Active Body Control, the Chauffeur package, Burmester High End sound, a panoramic roof, a real AMG or Maybach. Two S 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 S Class with another model? Each guide covers the VIN, the build sheet codes and the common options for that model.
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