VIN Stickers on body panels - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ashyers · #1 01-12-2003, 08:30 PM

I was curious about the VIN stickers on the body panels of E500's. I've looked at a few '92-'93 500E's from California and they have had the stickers on the hood, front fenders, and trunk. Recently I looked at a '94 E500 from Ohio and it had no such stickers. This seemed strange to me, but the car showed no obvious signs of a repaint or panels being removed. Were the stickers some sort of anti-theft requirement for California vehicles that were not applied to 49 state vehicles, or were the panels on this E500 replaced? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Andy

Glen · #2 01-12-2003, 09:13 PM

My '94 E500 has the VIN stickers and the car originally came from Texas. Btw, does anyone know all locations of where the stickers should be found? I have them on each front and rear fender, hood, deck lid, and rear bumper. If there's supposed to be one on the front bumper, if so, I haven't found it...yet.

2phast · #3 01-13-2003, 10:22 AM

The VIN stickers are on all MB's, at least going back to the early 80's.

The VIN sticker is on the hood, bumpers, doors and fenders.

On the fenders, open the hood and look at the inside portion of the fender (by the bolts) you should find them. On the doors, look at the door jamb or on the bottom of the door. On the bumpers, you need to look under the bumper, should be on the lip, nearest to the inside. On the hood look near the hinges. On the trunk, open it and look near the hinges also.

Of course this may vary depending upon model.

Also, if you find no vin or a black sticker that says Mercedes Benz, chances are that particular body panel has been replaced. Inspect the bolts that hold the item to the body, if it has been removed/replaced, you will see signs that a socket has been used (paint chipped from the edges of the bolts)

placo1 · #4 01-13-2003, 12:14 PM

Glen,

On your front bumper check the air inlet between the Fog Lights. It's not on the very bottom like on the rear bumpers. Mine is on the very top of the inlet area.

Andy,

If the car doesn't have stickers anywhere I'm sure it's been repainted, unless of course the owner thought these stickers were silly and removed them all!

I guess you never really know?

Glen · #5 01-13-2003, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by placo1
Glen,

On your front bumper check the air inlet between the Fog Lights. It's not on the very bottom like on the rear bumpers. Mine is on the very top of the inlet area.

Thanks, I'll take a look tonight

ashyers · #6 01-13-2003, 04:23 PM

Thanks for the prompt replys! I may look a bit further into this car, but the fact that it has been repainted concerns me a bit. Fortuately I'm in no rush!

Andy