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Classic Mercedes chassis and Baumuster codes
Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder and Registry
Mercedes-Benz is unusually well suited to a classic decoder because the six-digit chassis or Baumuster code can identify a specific series and model. The 14-digit classic format can also encode steering and transmission information.
Classic 14-digit Mercedes chassis numbers Six-digit Baumuster model identification Steering and transmission codes where encoded Selected 1950s through early transition-era coverage
Model VIN decoder guides
Explore the models we can decode.
1953–1961 best-effort coverage
Mercedes-Benz Ponton W120 / W121 VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode selected Mercedes-Benz Ponton W120/W121 chassis families including 180, 180 D, 190 and 190 D model codes with conservative early-format handling.
Open decoder guide → 1955–1963Mercedes-Benz 190 SL VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode the Mercedes-Benz W121 190 SL chassis family from its 121.042 model code and preserve the individual roadster in the PetrolJunky registry.
Open decoder guide → 1954–1963Mercedes-Benz 300 SL VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode selected Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing and Roadster chassis/model codes with conservative pre-standard VIN handling.
Open decoder guide → 1959–1971Mercedes-Benz Fintail W110 / W111 / W112 VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode classic Mercedes-Benz Fintail chassis/model codes for W110, W111 and W112 sedans, coupés and cabriolets with 14-digit-era detail where available.
Open decoder guide → 1963–1971Mercedes-Benz W113 Pagoda VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode Mercedes-Benz W113 Pagoda chassis numbers for the 230 SL, 250 SL and 280 SL, including steering and transmission codes on supported 14-digit identifiers.
Open decoder guide → 1965–1973Mercedes-Benz W108 / W109 VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode classic Mercedes-Benz W108 and W109 chassis/model codes including 250 S/SE, 280 S/SE/SEL, 300 SEL and V8 or 6.3 variants.
Open decoder guide → 1968–1976Mercedes-Benz W114 / W115 VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode Mercedes-Benz W114 and W115 /8 chassis codes for gasoline, diesel, sedan and coupé variants, including 230.6, 250, 280, 280 E/CE and diesel models.
Open decoder guide → 1971–1989Mercedes-Benz R107 / C107 SL and SLC VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode classic Mercedes-Benz R107 SL and C107 SLC chassis/model codes from 280 through 560 variants, with NHTSA handling standard 17-character VINs.
Open decoder guide → 1972–1980Mercedes-Benz W116 VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode Mercedes-Benz W116 S-Class chassis/model codes including 280, 350, 450, 450 SEL 6.9 and 300 SD variants.
Open decoder guide → 1976–1985Mercedes-Benz W123 VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode classic Mercedes-Benz W123 sedan, coupé and wagon chassis codes including 280 E/CE, 240 D, 300 D/CD/TD and turbo variants.
Open decoder guide → 1979–1991 transition coverageMercedes-Benz W126 / C126 VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode selected Mercedes-Benz W126 and C126 chassis/model codes during the transition to standardized 17-character VINs, including SEC and diesel families.
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Decoder reference
What this decoder page is designed to answer.
The six-digit Baumuster is the key to many classic Mercedes
On the classic 14-digit Mercedes-Benz chassis format, the first six positions identify the chassis/model code. A number beginning 113044 identifies the W113 280 SL family, while codes such as 116036 and 107044 identify specific W116 and R107 models. PetrolJunky maps those codes directly rather than relying on a broad text guess.
Steering and transmission can also be encoded
On supported 14-digit cars, the seventh and eighth positions provide additional assembly, steering and transmission information. That makes the decoder useful even when the chassis number does not prove an exact year. PetrolJunky reports a model production span where appropriate and avoids turning that span into a false exact model year.
Earlier and later cars are handled conservatively
Selected Ponton, 190 SL and 300 SL chassis families are included as best-effort earlier coverage. Early W126 and late R107 references help bridge the transition period, while normal 17-character VINs remain routed to the modern VIN service. The result is one Mercedes search experience without pretending every decade used the same numbering system.
Common questions
Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder questions
What does the first six digits of a classic Mercedes chassis number mean?
For the supported classic 14-digit system, the first six positions form the chassis or Baumuster code and can identify the series and model variant.
Can the 14-digit Mercedes number tell me the exact year?
Not always. The chassis code can strongly identify the model, but an exact model year may require verified production-serial boundaries. PetrolJunky shows the supported production span when the exact year is not encoded.
What happens with a 17-character Mercedes VIN?
A standardized 17-character VIN is routed through the modern VIN decoder. The classic Mercedes decoder is reserved for the older chassis-number systems it can interpret more accurately.
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