VIN Tag Under License Plate
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 72
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From: Overland Park, KS
2013 SL550 Edition 1 and 2017 GLS 550
VIN Tag Under License Plate
Hello All,
I'm trying to determine when Mercedes Benz started putting the VIN Tag under the rear license plate. Google AI and Chat GPT says 1981.
Now specifically, when did they start putting the VIN Tag under the rear license plate for the 560 SEC's? Again, Google AI says;
"Mercedes-Benz began placing VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) identification in various locations, including behind the rear license plate, during the 1980s as part of increased security and anti-theft measures. For the 560SEC (part of the W126 chassis produced from 1985 to 1991), this practice was standard throughout its production run."
I've had four 560SEC's and my recollection is that they all had the VIN tag under the license plate, but my photos all show the actual license plate and I can't see under it.
Can anyone verify this or show photo of their SEC, preferrable 1986 to 1989?
I'm looking at purchasing a 1988 560 SEC without this VIN tag under the license plate and trying to determine if this vehicle had paint work or not.
Thanks!
I'm trying to determine when Mercedes Benz started putting the VIN Tag under the rear license plate. Google AI and Chat GPT says 1981.
Now specifically, when did they start putting the VIN Tag under the rear license plate for the 560 SEC's? Again, Google AI says;
"Mercedes-Benz began placing VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) identification in various locations, including behind the rear license plate, during the 1980s as part of increased security and anti-theft measures. For the 560SEC (part of the W126 chassis produced from 1985 to 1991), this practice was standard throughout its production run."
I've had four 560SEC's and my recollection is that they all had the VIN tag under the license plate, but my photos all show the actual license plate and I can't see under it.
Can anyone verify this or show photo of their SEC, preferrable 1986 to 1989?
I'm looking at purchasing a 1988 560 SEC without this VIN tag under the license plate and trying to determine if this vehicle had paint work or not.
Thanks!
Last edited by Stevieboy1; Feb 4, 2026 at 02:39 PM.
