Data plate on front radiator panel

[redsl]

I have the following numbers on a plate screwed to the radiator panel. can anyone tell me what they mean and if any of them tells what engin model I have. It an 81 380 sl. Dealer said there were two different motors for that car and I have to know which engine I have. Hope someone can help me. thanks
This is what the plate looks like:

70 0715255 71
107045 12 01410
568H 568H
639 801 870 871

Also on the panel itself is a stamped number:
WDB 10704512001696

[450slcya]

The stamped WDB number is your VIN. The dealer can use that number to find out anything and everything about your car. It matches the ID plate on the driver's door jamb.

The plate on the radiator support is an assembly ID plate. Line two is the body ID number. Line three is paint codes for your body and hard top. Lines one and four I do not know.

[redsl]

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately after speaking to the Mercedes dealer, they tell me that they can not determine what engine I have by the numbers I listed in this post. They said the engine can not be identified by the Vin number. I don't know what else to do, I need parts and can't order them.

[jjrodger]

The dealer is correct. The Mercedes-Benz computer system recognises your vin but cannot tell which engine you have, whether it is a 116.960 or a 116.962.

You can readily find out the engine number, however. Obviously, it will begin with either 116960 or 116962.

It should be stamped on the engine. It may also be marked on your car's registration or title documents. And if you have the original handbook and service book, it should be printed on the datacard. The datacard is a sheet of paper with losts of numbers on it including your vin and engine number and is usually glued into the back of the maintenance book.

With the engine number it is possible to refine parts searches on the MB computer.

What parts do you want? Not all parts numbers are different for each engine; indeed, most will be the same.

[Gurunutkins]

I dont know where the engine code is on a 380sl but on the earlier 450sl v8's its on the very back of the left hand head part of the block (from the drivers seat looking forward) and about the only way to read it without removing the engine is to use a mirror and then convert the numbers back to the right way around. if you have a manual for your car it will tell you where the engine code is
cheers
barri

[Lexxani]

Here's your answer:

'81 is a 116.960.
'82 is a 116.962.


the dater of manufacture must be pre 8/81 to be an '81 (see door jam plate)

[450slcya]

Originally Posted by jjrodger

The dealer is correct. The Mercedes-Benz computer system recognises your vin but cannot tell which engine you have, whether it is a 116.960 or a 116.962.

Do the dealerships not have the same database as the Classic Center? This excerpt from my data card clearly shows the engine serial number.

(Embedded image moved to file: pic00041.jpg)
chassis number: 107 024 12 022630
engine number: 117 985 12 031407
exterior color code: 735 - astral silver
interior color code: 201 - black leather
transmission number: 106194

[redsl]

I was able to get an engine number off the data sheet. I got it from the MB dealer and found out the engine number for my car. I would like to know if someone has the numbers that define interior and exterior colors for this car and where I can find them on the sheet or car. Thanks to all that have helped on this matter, many more issues to follow

[meltedpanda]

just email the classic center your VIN, they will give you all of this in an easy to read format, they are very helpful. May take a day or two but thy get it done