Where is the VIN number in Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117/X117)?

This guide covers where to find the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117, produced between 2013 and 2018. Use the stamped chassis VIN for the most reliable match, and cross-check it against the label/plate locations.

Chassis Number Locations

Front Right Footwell Floor (Chassis Stamp)

• Where to look: On the interior floor in the front right footwell, directly in front of the front seat. Slide the seat back and locate the pre-cut rectangular flap in the carpet. Lift the flap to reveal the VIN stamped into the metal cross-member underneath.
• Access: The area is naturally dark/shadowed and the carpet flap can be stiff—you may need to pry it up and hold it open while reading. A flashlight helps.
• Note: This is a right-side location. On LHD (US/EU) cars it’s commonly on the passenger-side footwell, but if you don’t find it there, check the driver-side footwell as well.
• Tip: Because it’s dark and you’ll be bent over holding the carpet up, use the flashlight and then scan it directly with your phone so you don’t have to copy the characters by hand.

B-Pillar Manufacturer Label (Door Jamb Sticker)

• Where to look: Open the right-side door and inspect the B-pillar / door jamb area for the black manufacturer/regulatory label that includes the VIN.
• Access: Easy to reach, but the label can be scratched or worn (often from seatbelt hardware) which can make characters hard to read.
• Note: Door-side labels are great for quick checks, but for identity verification you should still match them to the stamped floor VIN.
• Tip: If the sticker is scuffed or low-contrast, use the VIN scanner to capture it cleanly without guessing similar-looking characters (like 8/B or 5/S).

Windshield VIN Tag (Visible Plate Through Glass)

• Where to look: Look through the windshield at the bottom corner (commonly the passenger side on many markets) for the VIN plate visible from outside.
• Access: Fastest “walk-up” check, but glare/reflections and tinted glass can block the view.
• Note: If the windshield has been replaced, confirm the visible VIN matches the stamped chassis VIN.
• Tip: To beat reflections, change your viewing angle and capture it with the ScanVin VIN reader so you don’t transpose digits while squinting through glass.

Engine Bay (Engine Number – Not the VIN)

• Where to look: Deep in the engine bay on the engine block—often viewed with a flashlight or borescope.
• Access: Hard to reach and not designed for quick reading; you may be leaning over hot/dirty components.
• Note: This is typically the engine number, not the VIN. Do not use the engine block number as the VIN—it will not decode the same way and can cause registration/parts-ordering mistakes.
• Tip: If you’re confirming paperwork that references the engine number, avoid writing it down in an awkward position—scan the code with your phone to reduce transcription errors.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: MERCEDES BENZ CLA 200 ( W117 ) CHASSIS NUMBER LOCATION & M270 ENGINE NUMBER LOCATION

▶ Watch Mercedes-Benz CLA VIN Location Guide

• A valuer demonstrates the hidden floor VIN under the front right carpet flap, then shows a separate engine-number check.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Too dark to read under the carpet flap: Use a flashlight and wipe the metal lightly; shadows make “0/8” and “1/I” easy to mix up.
• Carpet flap won’t stay open: Slide the seat further back and hold the flap up firmly while you read/scan; don’t bend the flap excessively or you’ll crease it.
• Sticker/plate mismatch warning: If the windshield or door-jamb label VIN doesn’t match the stamped floor VIN, treat it as a serious red flag and verify the vehicle’s history before purchase.

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