'93 500E - Where is the vin plate that is supposed to be at or around windshield?

[sprnova]

Hi guys, new owner here, long time lurker. Will do formal introduction later but at the moment I need to know where the vin plate at the windshield is located on a 1993 500E (Build date 10/92)? I just took the car to the DMV and the Sheriff would not register it because he could not find the VIN at the windshield. Looked everywhere (including the A-Pillar) and no vin could be found. Any help is much appreciated!

Thanks!
Jeff

 

[gsxr]

There is a window in the glass at the bottom driver side corner of the windshield that allows viewing the metal plate. Sounds to me like the windshield was replaced with the wrong type, the early 124 windshields did not have this peephole, the metal VIN tag was on the A-pillar on early 124's (and therefore easier to replace). With the wrong windshield installed, you cannot see the tag at the leading edge of the dash on a 500E.

That said, the DMV and sheriff should accept the VIN tag in the doorjamb. If they are really jackasses and refuse to accept that, show them the VIN stamped in the metal chassis under the hood on the firewall in front of the CAN box (photo below).

BTW - this may only apply to North American models. Europeans seem much more reluctant to share VIN's, I don't know if Euro cars have the same peephole with externally-visible VIN.

 

[doolar]

There is a window in the glass at the bottom driver side corner of the windshield that allows viewing the metal plate. Sounds to me like the windshield was replaced with the wrong type, the early 124 windshields did not have this peephole, the metal VIN tag was on the A-pillar on early 124's (and therefore easier to replace). With the wrong windshield installed, you cannot see the tag at the leading edge of the dash on a 500E.

That said, the DMV and sheriff should accept the VIN tag in the doorjamb. If they are really jackasses and refuse to accept that, show them the VIN stamped in the metal chassis under the hood on the firewall in front of the CAN box (photo below).

BTW - this may only apply to North American models. Europeans seem much more reluctant to share VIN's, I don't know if Euro cars have the same peephole with externally-visible VIN.

I think the window-VIN is North America only. Never seen it here in Europe except on US-imports.

 

[Klink]

What Gixxer said up above. Use the firewall stamping. The peephole is a USA version thing. On vehicles that have no VIN plate there, the view hole on the glass is supposed to be coated with black glass primer or some other appropriate coating before the glass is installed.

 

[sprnova]

Thanks guys. Since the car is a US version, if the windshield was correct I would expect to see the vin tag, correct? Sheriff thinks the same, may need to print out some documentation to convince him. he said the vin sticker on the door jambjamb was not enough for him. So yea, he was a jackass. I will report my findings. Thanks!

 

[nocfn]

Next time wear a husker football jersey

 

[spaceman_west]

I was there. (They weren't very nice at all)
Saw the car sitting in the lot and waited to see who the owner was... First time I've bumped into a 500E out on the road.

You'll probably have to get a metal tag put on that sticks out far enough to see, or go back and hope for a nicer sheriff!

 

[JC220]

I saw this thread a few days ago & thought- ‘I’ve never seen a vin on a w124 around here”


BUT- check out the pic. I took this at a breaker’s yard today. A euro model RHD Diesel saloon.


Maybe the Vin sticker is fitted to all models- but the Euro screens cover it up (No window for the vin)? Who knows but I thought I’d share my findings

 

[J-Sauce]

My car is an early build (12/91) and It does not have a VIN window. There is a metal tag on the A pillar. It was actually hidden behind the pillar when I got the car, presumably from a previous owner removing and incorrectly reinstalling the pillar. I was glad to find it still there when I removed the pillar to replace my dash board some years ago. I can snap a picture when I'm back in town.

 

[gsxr]

My car is an early build (12/91) and It does not have a VIN window. There is a metal tag on the A pillar. It was actually hidden behind the pillar when I got the car, presumably from a previous owner removing and incorrectly reinstalling the pillar. I was glad to find it still there when I removed the pillar to replace my dash board some years ago. I can snap a picture when I'm back in town.

Thanks for the reminder, Justin! Our '92 is also an early build (08/91) and I completely forgot it has the A-pillar tag like yours.

I had thought the change occurred with the first 124 facelift (1990 USA model year) but apparently not. Our black '92 which we sold was a late build (06/92) and also had the A-pillar tag. Seems the change may have started with 1993 USA model year...

 

[sprnova]

I am taking the car back to the DMV tomorrow to see if they will accept the VIN stamped in the metal chassis under the hood on the firewall in front of the CAN box. I double checked the A-Pillar and no VIN tag there.

Question on the windshield I have. At first I thought it was a factory windshield because it has the white factory signature sticker on the passenger side of the window. In looking closer, the info on the windshield indicates it is a PPG and does not have a Mercedes logo on it anywhere. So its possible that its an incorrect replacement given the fact there is no "tint free" window for the vin tag to be seen. If I have to, I will just get a new windshield. It would then match the new rear window. Can someone provide the correct part number for a replacement windshield?

Thanks

 

[Maui]

My 92 has the A-pillar tag. My 93 was below the windshield.

 

[captruff]

I'm pretty sure the factory glass is NLA

Jeff

 

[gsxr]

Factory glass will have the Star logo on it. The factory windshield was temporarily NLA but I think it's available again, now with a -64 suffix on the part number. $402 list, ~$320 wholesale:

124-670-33-01 (rolls to 124-670-33-01-64)

http://www.mboemparts.com/oe-mercedes-benz/124670330164

If you do order one, let us know if there is any country of origin on either the glass or the MB part label/tag stuck to the glass.

 

[Klink]

Last time I looked there were a bunch available with the -64 suffix. I am checking again...

 

[Klink]

Factory glass will have the Star logo on it. The factory windshield was temporarily NLA but I think it's available again, now with a -64 suffix on the part number. $402 list, ~$320 wholesale:

124-670-33-01 (rolls to 124-670-33-01-64)

http://www.mboemparts.com/oe-mercedes-benz/124670330164

If you do order one, let us know if there is any country of origin on either the glass or the MB part label/tag stuck to the glass.

Last time I looked there were a bunch available with the -64 suffix. I am checking again...

The current part number is 124 670 33 01 64. They are out of stock. They are supposed to be available again near the end of June.

 

[sprnova]

Rejected by the DMV Sheriffs again! Now, do I roll the dice and have a new windshield put in, banking on the fact that the VIN tag should be hiding underneath there? I am getting a quote for factory MB windshield replacement by Safelite. Don't trust my local dealer (Husker Mercedes BMW) to do the work. Great parts prices, terrible service dept.

Rear window has been replaced and has black trim going around it, not the tarnished stainless steel trim that is on the rest of the car. Is that how the new trim is? Suggestions on trim for the new windshield? Does it come black from MB now?

Windshield Trim


New Rear Window Trim

 

[gsxr]

How can the DMV possibly refuse the VIN stamped into the chassis? IIRC the tag under the windshield is just riveted on and can be easily swapped, but the stamping under the hood is irrefutable! How stupid are they? Or do they just really not like you and are purposely being jerks?

Anyway - yes, new trim is anodized black. It fades to a bronze-ish color and when faded really bad it's almost silver.

 

[sprnova]

They are saying it is a state law that is enforced by the State Patrol.

Thanks for the clarification on the trim. Interesting that it fades out that much.

 

[gsxr]

I can't find any state law in Nebraska that requires them to only accept a VIN on the A-pillar or under the windshield. Ask them to show you the law, or provide the law statute (number). I still say they are either misinformed, or purposely being jerks.

http://www.dmv.nebraska.gov/dvr/mvtitles/inspect.html

"The inspection will include a comparison of the VIN on the vehicle with the title presented, as well as examination and notation of the odometer reading."​

http://www.sarpy.com/vehicle/

"The inspectors are specifically trained to detect inconsistencies between the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as it is stamped on the vehicle and what has been put on the title."​

There is NO mention of the VIN having to be in a specific location. Can you go to a different DMV in a different town, and/or get a different sheriff to inspect? How about showing them the VIN labels on the driver door jamb, behind the rear license plate, and under the lower edge of the rear bumper (if still present)?

 

[Bogeyman]

What County are you in?

 

[sprnova]

I read the same prior to my arrival at the DMV today. It held no water with them. Having no plates on the car, I was able to point out the VIN sticker which is normally covered by rear license plate, the door jamb and the special stamped vin in the engine compartment. Still no go. Then it was whispered to me to try a different location for inspection - may do that (40 min drive) or just do the windshield. I have been to the inspection desk numerous times in the past with no issues, but all of the out of state cars I purchased have had the VIN visible at the windshield. Maybe they got burned on something in the past and are now extra stringent No way to know for sure. The head Sheriff himself is a neighbor of mine and a car guy. I may just walk over to his house and ask his opinion on the matter.

 

[sprnova]

Lancaster (Lincoln)

 

[gsxr]

What County are you in?

I was wondering what COUNTRY he was in! Sheesh. And I thought Idaho was a PITA...

 

[Bogeyman]

I suggest you bring it to Omaha - just 1 block north of 84th & Dodge.
I have registered many cars there without a problem, including a W113 that had no A-pillar tag.
You can get it inspected here then bring that back to Lincoln for title and registration.
Unfortunately you have a person who isn't going to be "wrong" no matter what.
I would explain up front that you don't have a visible windshield VIN and show them the other verification areas.

 

[Jackennedy]

Is there a data card glued to the underside hat shelf in your trunk?
Question: the VIN that is stamped on the firewall in front of the CAN, can the "E" look like a "C" on the backside of that wall? And, on the data card glued underside the hat shelf in the trunk? Would there be a VIN behind the back license plate on a 93 400E? I cannot get an answer from the local MB dealer here. It's almost like they are told not to give out any info.

 

[gsxr]

There should be a VIN decal behind the back license plate on a USA-spec 1993 400E, unless the rear lid has been replaced, or the car was painted, or the decal was otherwise removed.

I don't think the "E" and "C" letters are easily mixed up.

 

[sprnova]

Yes there is a data card glued to the underside of the hat shelf in my 500E. There is also a VIN sticker under the rear license plate.

 

[gsxr]

Jeff, you should write the VIN on a sticky note and stuff it inside the windshield or the A-pillar. LOL. The DMV muppets likely would not see the humor...

 

[sprnova]

Does anyone have a pic of the VIN below the dash and at the A-Pillar?

 

[sprnova]

Thanks for all the assistance on this one guys. I was put in touch with the head of the local sheriff's dept fraud division and he was nice enough to stop by my house and sign off on the car.