Where is the VIN located on an older Mercedes-Benz S350?

[HaleyAnn]

The VIN of an older Mercedes-Benz S350 is located on the cover plate under the front passenger seat. Below is relevant information about the VIN: 1. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. This is a unique code assigned by the manufacturer to identify each vehicle. The VIN consists of 17 digits and letters arranged in a specific combination that ensures no duplication occurs within 30 years for the same vehicle model, guaranteeing uniqueness. 2. VINs are usually located in prominent positions: The most common locations are the lower left corner of the windshield, the driver's door hinge pillar, door lock pillar, or engine compartment. Additionally, the VIN can be found on the vehicle registration certificate and insurance policy. 3. The VIN is a 17-character serial number: Composed of digits and letters. The first character identifies the country of origin, the second identifies the manufacturer, the third identifies the manufacturer's division or vehicle type, characters 4-8 describe the vehicle's features, the ninth character is always a check digit, the tenth character indicates the model year, the eleventh character identifies the assembly plant, and the last six characters (12-17) represent the production sequence number.

[DeBriella]

I just helped a friend locate the VIN on his old Mercedes S350, and let me tell you about the spots. The easiest is to check the lower left corner of the windshield—you can see that 17-digit alphanumeric combination from outside. If it's muddy there and hard to read, open the driver's door and crouch down to look at the label on the door frame; the VIN is definitely printed there. There are also clues in the engine bay: pop the hood, and you'll usually find a metal plate near the top of the right front shock tower. For a less common spot—under the front passenger seat—lift the floor mat, and you might see the number stamped directly on the floor. I've checked all these locations myself, and the old Mercedes really hides its VIN thoughtfully.

[MargaretDella]

As someone who frequently deals with Mercedes-Benz models, I know the VIN locations of the older S350 like the back of my hand. The primary location is undoubtedly the lower left corner of the windshield, a design that facilitates daily inspections. The secondary option is the B-pillar: open the driver's door and look for the black label at the junction of the door frame and the body, where the VIN is clearly marked. There are two possible spots in the engine compartment: either engraved on the metal plate of the engine firewall or on the aluminum nameplate above the right front shock absorber. For certain model years, the VIN is also directly stamped on the floor beneath the passenger side floor mat. I recommend checking the windshield first; if it's obscured by tinting or dirt, immediately switch to the B-pillar label.

[ColinRose]

After driving an old Mercedes-Benz S350 for over a decade, finding the VIN is something I can do with my eyes closed. The most obvious spot is at the lower left corner of the windshield—just remember to clean that area when washing the car. If the numbers aren't visible there, simply open the driver's door and look down at the black-and-white label near the door hinge. Once during a DMV inspection, the technician had me lift the passenger-side floor mat, and there it was—the VIN stamped on the metal plate beneath the carpet. There's also a small metal plate with the number in the front-right section of the engine bay, near the battery. Keep these locations in mind to avoid any last-minute panic during annual inspections.