Hi guys,

I was offered a E350 CDI coupe, however, instead of the VIN on the windshield there is a blank spot. I've got a W204 and my VIN is visible there - the owner of the E-coupe stated that it was that way when he bought it (which I doubt) and he is the first owner. Do you know what the reason could be? Is there someone of you who doesn't have his VIN visible on the windshield? Thanks

Seems strange, if there is a place for it I'm thinking it should be there. If I'm not mistake the VIN is located in another place on the car. I would find it and run a carfax.

VIN on Windshield is an option code (code 989). It's required in North America, but not in some other countries.

While VIN numbers are placed all over the car, US Federal law requires the VIN to be visible through the windshield in the lower portion of the dash on the driver's side. The VIN must have anti-tamper devices in place.

A car without a VIN number on the dash (or with eidence of tampering) cannot be legally registered in the US.

This requirement started about 1968 although the current VIN numbering system was agreed upon in the early 1980's.

Here is an excerpt from the current regs:

Source: http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/Rulem...es/newManf.pdf


"The VIN for passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, low-speed vehicles, and trucks of 10,000 lbs. or less gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must be located inside the passenger compartment and readable, without moving any part of the vehicle, through the vehicle glazing (windshield) from outside the vehicle adjacent to the left windshield pillar.18 This is commonly called the “public VIN.” NHTSA regulations require that a motorcycle’s VIN need only appear on the label certifying compliance with all applicable FMVSS that the manufacturer must affix to a permanent member of the motorcycle as close as practicable to the intersection of the steering post with the handle bars in such a location that it can be easily readable without moving any part of the vehicle except for the steering mechanism.19 The VIN for a trailer must appear on the label certifying the vehicle’s compliance with all applicable FMVSS that the manufacturer must affix to a location on the forward half of the trailer’s left side, such that it is easily readable from outside the trailer without moving any part of the vehicle.

Thanks for your answers. I am not in the USA so it seems that it shouldn't bother me that the car lacks 989. By the way, I was wondering who would pay for that option if it was not obligatory...

It is not a "paid" option. It is a standard code in those countries where it is required by law (ie: USA/Canada).

The VIN codes were a cooperative agreement between many countries, so you'll need to check if that requirement applies to your country.

Even if it doesn't apply, and most MBs have a visible VIN, then you need to ask yourself why that car doesn't.

Just got back from germany, had a couple rental car changes and all but one where MBs, all of them B class CDI, and C CDI did not have vin plates on the windshield, but the german produced Focus diesel did have a vin plate.

Both cars (mine and the E) have been registered in Germany - mine has it, the other one doesn't... anyway it seems that it is not as fatal I thought.

Did the windshield have a VIN cutout?