Hello,

I am looking at a 2001 SLK320 which might have been involved in an accident. I was wondering if each body piece should have the VIN number on it for when I inspect it.

Thanks,
Chris

My 97 SL320 does not have parts numbered. Have a look on the Chrysler Crossfire web sites as well as W202 sites.

I'd have a close look under the car and behind plastic splash panels for repairs. Just because the car has a hood or fender replaced does not tag it as a " total " A friends Honda had the drivers fender replaced due to someone running a shopping cart in to it, this is hardly a major repair.

Another had the hood replaced due to hail.

My SL320 was tagged on car crapx for having ". . . moderate rear damage. . " The repairs consisted of a rear bumper cover and pushing out a 1/2" deep spare tire well dent, the bumper bar and styrofoam stuffer were untouched. I'd hardly consider the damage Moderate but some might consider the car a "total".

Chris, as far as I know MB stopped tagging fenders, bumpers, etc. with a vehicle's VIN in the mid-1990's. A knowledgeable indie or MB tech should be able to discern any major bodywork while performing a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) with the vehicle on a lift.

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Fred Hoelzle

If you look carefully, you can tell whether or not the car has been repaired. Though in the scheme of things, if all fits well, looks well and drives well, does it matter, other than as a bargaining chip?

As 97SL320 said, these carfax type reports can be misleading. They only list what is reported to the state by the insurance companies. A car will be labeled as "totaled" or "salvage" if a repair cost exceeds the value of the car. People hear or see "totaled" and they automatically picture a mangled car.

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
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