iankayem

i have tried the VIN decoder for both my new and old cars, and am told there is no record.

I also notice mine both start with "W" which indicates made in Germany, but I know they were built in Alabama. Usually US built cars begin with a "1" or "4".

Are your US sold cars also provided with "W" prefix?

VelociRaptor

Both are built in Vance. Ive never really asked but the I understand it the 4 is an American vin and the W is rest of world vin.

dougiebear

In the case of VW AUDI the vin is where the car was cleared not just built as is normal. Think its TT n Touareg built in Hungary sent to germany then us. MB may clear the Aussi cars in Germany before sending to the deep south so german vin? Guessing

iankayem

So just to clarify it Dougie, do the American ML's have a 1 or 4 prefix?

And Velociraptor, W is supposed to be for Germany only, as J for Japan, S for UK, 6 for Australia and most countries have their unique prefixes.

dougiebear

Mine starts with 4 not sure if thats for Canada or North America

4JGDA2EB5DA107724

iankayem

4 is for USA. If Canadian built, it would be 2, or Mexico it would be 3.

Your earlier guess might be right. The ML is shipped to Germany where they may wash them or fit floormats or whatever - without leaving the ship, so the VIN can start with a W.

My new one will be WDC1660242A118793
My old one is WDC1641222A534943

VelociRaptor

Every VIN Ive seen come down the line were either 4 or W.

frtdog

I just got the VIN for my 2013 ML350 and it starts with a 4.