VIN location on W108? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

WANT '71 280SEL · #1 11-08-2010, 11:28 AM

I am looking to purchase a '72 280SEL that is missing the VIN plate on the driver's door. Plus, and here's the kicker....the car has no title. If I had a VIN plate I could easily get a title, particularly in Indiana where I would probably register the car (my home and where I am insured under my parents). Surely there is another place that says the VIN of the car?

Regards,

David

Tomguy · #2 11-08-2010, 12:06 PM

The front windshield pillar and the radiator support (Opposite the data plate) should have the chassis number ("VIN") here.

WANT '71 280SEL · #3 11-08-2010, 12:24 PM

I didn't know that the windshield pillar has the VIN on it. From talking to the owner, the actual plate it missing. Isn't there a place up front where the chasis number is carved into a structural component of the car?

Thanks!

David

JMela · #4 11-08-2010, 12:55 PM

The standard 'VIN' system came to be in the early 80's, so you're not going to find a 17-digit number on these older cars.

280SE Guy · #5 11-08-2010, 02:42 PM

The serial number is also located on the inside of the passenger fender area just forward of the front subframe mount, see pic:

Regards,

280SE Guy

Tomguy · #6 11-08-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WANT '71 280SEL

I didn't know that the windshield pillar has the VIN on it. From talking to the owner, the actual plate it missing. Isn't there a place up front where the chasis number is carved into a structural component of the car?

Thanks!

David

Yes, the front radiator support opposite the data plate. It's the right front (or, if you're looking under the hood, to the left of the latch). I didn't know it was on the passenger fender, but my battery goes there so I never looked when I removed the battery tray.

WANT '71 280SEL · #7 11-08-2010, 05:06 PM

280SE_Guy,

Is it engraved there into the frame or printed on?

Thanks!

David

280SE Guy · #8 11-09-2010, 05:31 AM

The serial number is stamped into the sheet metal in that area.

Regards,

280SE Guy

WANT '71 280SEL · #9 11-09-2010, 11:15 AM

Thanks, 280SE Guy! Unfortunately, for now I'm going to pass on the car.

280SE Guy · #10 11-09-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

Yes, the front radiator support opposite the data plate. It's the right front (or, if you're looking under the hood, to the left of the latch). I didn't know it was on the passenger fender, but my battery goes there so I never looked when I removed the battery tray.

Hey Tomguy,

I've seen many W108's and have never seen the serial number where you describe, "on the front radiator support to the left of the latch".

Should you have a chance can you snap a pic of it? Could it be a difference in a 6 vs 8 cylinder model?

There is a plate on mine to the right of the latch (looking at it) but it is only a partial serial number, it does not contain the last 4 digits, see pic:

Regards,

280SE Guy

Tomguy · #11 11-09-2010, 03:13 PM

280SE Guy:

It very well may be since on 4.5's the battery tray covers the spot yours is at. My 4.5 def does not have a stamp where yours does. I got the best pic I could find of mine where the stamping is. I don't have easy access to the car @ my parents' house.

280SE Guy · #12 11-09-2010, 03:59 PM

Tomguy,

Thanks for the pic. This is a good reference for those inquiring about the serial number stamping on the chassis.

Regards,

280SE Guy

mohzani · #13 09-06-2012, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

280SE Guy:

It very well may be since on 4.5's the battery tray covers the spot yours is at. My 4.5 def does not have a stamp where yours does. I got the best pic I could find of mine where the stamping is. I don't have easy access to the car @ my parents' house.

Tomguy ....there isnt any number on both pics....have you find your vin number yet?

Tomguy · #14 09-07-2012, 09:57 AM

I already knew my VIN as it's attached to the A pillar on the driver's side, but I also attached those 2 pics to show it isn't below the battery tray on my frame rail. If you look in pic 2, it's stamped on the rad support below the emissions plate.

Calspeed · #15 09-26-2012, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280SE Guy

Hey Tomguy,

I've seen many W108's and have never seen the serial number where you describe, "on the front radiator support to the left of the latch".

Should you have a chance can you snap a pic of it? Could it be a difference in a 6 vs 8 cylinder model?

There is a plate on mine to the right of the latch (looking at it) but it is only a partial serial number, it does not contain the last 4 digits, see pic:

Regards,

280SE Guy

That is a damn clean motor!