Identification plates

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Sun, 01/10/2017 - 11:56
mikemcdonnell15
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Just purchased a 1987 UK registered G300D SWB  and there are 2 identification plates , one on the air intake chamber that all the paperwork corresponds  but there is an indentification number on R H side member that does not correspond to the plate.it starts with 460333 which corresponds to 460 model, diesel ,station wagen, swb. Does anybody know if this is a production number .

Regards,

Mike

 

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Mon, 02/10/2017 - 09:06
#1
Arnie
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Re: Identification plates

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) should begin with WDB460 and this is stamped on the right-hand-side, front, chassis member. It should correspond to the vehicle's documents. Another copy of that number will be on an aluminium plate attached to the air-intake scuttle on the engine compartment bulkhead. Both numbers should begin wirh WDB460... and match. if the body or chassis have been swapped at some point, they will be different.

WDB indicates Mercedes (Daimler) Benz

460 is the model number  (463 is the newer version and you also have 461 as another possibility)

then you have the engine-type, followed by body type code (lWB, SWB or cabrio), etc. and the last digits are the serial number.

If the chassis has been swapped, you can determine which original vehicle type it came from.

try this for more details:

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Mercedes-Benz​ 

or this 

https://www.ilcats.ru/mercedes/​

to obtain a build sheet.


The Build Sheet will give you additional serial numbers, for axles, transfer-case and engine, but the latter should also be on your registration document.

 

 

 

 

 

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Mon, 02/10/2017 - 13:23
#2
mikemcdonnell15
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Re: Identification plates

Thanks Arnie,

I got it , it was on the LHS chassis member and it matches the air intake one and all the paperwork. The manual said Right Hand Side,

Mike

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Mon, 02/10/2017 - 15:38
#3
Arnie
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Re: Identification plates

I am pretty sure it should be on the right hand side (steering wheel side for UK vehicle). I don't think that I have ever seen the VIN on the left for W460 and certainly not for a W463 whether left or right-hand drive. Others here with W460s may be able to confirm. The number (on the chassis) is normally prefixed by an MB 3-pointed Star stamping.

 

 

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Tue, 03/10/2017 - 13:38
#4
mikemcdonnell15
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Re: Identification plates

Yes you are correct, even the local police officer who deals only with  vehicles and has many years of experience in PSV department was amazed as it was the first time he came across the stamped Vin number on the Near Side. It was a complete match for the aluminum plate and V5 document and the car was delivered in Feburary 1987 according to the VIN tracker and first registered in March of that year.

The stamp was located exactly opposite where it was supposed to be and had the 17 digit code starting with WDB460.

Mike

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Fri, 20/10/2017 - 21:53
#5
gav.helme
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Re: Identification plates

Quite common to see them on the wrong side, no idea why but i have seen lots

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