It makes it very convenient to check the VIN of cars on Row52 before planning an junkyard trip. I used to use this site (https://www.mbdecoder.com/), but it has been updated into oblivion and is no longer functional, and I can't seem to find anything else similar.

That’s great... for 1983/84 and newer vehicles but it won’t work for the 14 digit VIN on my ‘78. You get the basics:chassis, model, etc. in the first 8 digits. The last six are a seemingly random construction number for both the engine and chassis if you are lucky enough to have the original engine. Mine is an Mercedes factory remanufacture. They do something extra special by grinding off the engine block number and affixing a stamp with a unique number which to my knowledge was never recorded by them. Try ordering parts for that. But who’s complaining ?��