MB Model Code Suffix Numbers

[DieselE]

I saw details on the alldata.com site about an apparent Comand Navigation Disk upgrade. I was interested because it applies to model year 2005 W211 amongst others.

Reason for this post is the TSB breaks down the models affected by a three digit suffix code. (e.g. W211.056 & W211.256) and my car's VIN number is within the range in a number of cases. Does anyone know the what each suffix code means? I'm assuming it's some form of engine/transmission identifier.

 

[richard]

The 3 digits are the 2nd 3 numbers of the chassis number and identify the model (body style, and engine).

The 1st of the 3 are used to determine body type in the range (for instance E class has normal and estate) , the next 2 the engine type within the model range (I dont think the engine type numbers are consistant across all model ranges)

For instance WDC2110262F160347 (made up!)

WDC = one of the dailmer chrysler prefixes
211 = new E class
0 = saloon (2 = estate, I think 6 = bullet proof version)
26 = engine (26 = 320CDI on the e-class)
2 dunno !!
F = factory car was made in (I cant remember the list though)
160347 = serial number

I think the serial numbers increment in the model range (i.e you wont get the same 6 digits on any new E class)

They use some different format in the US, although I think the last 6 digits remain

R

 

[Brian WH]

To complete the above information I give you the following.

Position 10, model year:

Model year encoding
Besides the three letters that are not allowed in the VIN itself (I, O and Q), the letters U and Z and the digit 0 are not used for the year code. Note that the year code can be the calendar year in which a vehicle is built, or a model or type year allocated by the manufacturer. The year 1980 is encoded as "A", and subsequent years increment through the allowed letters, so that "Y" represents the year 2000. 2001 through 2009 are encoded as the digits 1 through 9, and subsequent years are encoded as "A", "B", "C", etc.

Code Year Code Year Code Year Code Year
A 1980 L 1990 Y 2000 A 2010
B 1981 M 1991 1 2001 B 2011
C 1982 N 1992 2 2002 C 2012
D 1983 P 1993 3 2003 D 2013
E 1984 R 1994 4 2004
F 1985 S 1995 5 2005
G 1986 T 1996 6 2006
H 1987 V 1997 7 2007
J 1988 W 1998 8 2008
K 1989 X 1999 9 2009


Position 11, production plant:
A-E Sindelfingen
F-H Bremen
J Rastatt

 

[DieselE]

Position 10 Number

I find the position 10 information a little difficult to follow. My car was built to order in November 2004 yet the position 10 figure is 2. It may be of course that what the phrase model year means to me (mine is described as a 2005 model year) is different to its use in this code. Perhaps all 211s had code 2 until the face lift.

 

[Brian WH]

I find the position 10 information a little difficult to follow. My car was built to order in November 2004 yet the position 10 figure is 2. It may be of course that what the phrase model year means to me (mine is described as a 2005 model year) is different to its use in this code. Perhaps all 211s had code 2 until the face lift.

My 2006 CLS has year 2 also, so I deduced it was the model or type year, as the CLS chassis is based on the W211 which was designed in 2002.

Not extremely useful is it.