Where is the VIN number in Mercedes-Benz CLA (C178/X174)?

This guide covers the VIN (chassis number) locations for the Mercedes-Benz CLA (C178/X174) produced between 2021–2021.

Chassis Number Locations

1) Door Pillar (B-Pillar Label / Door Jamb Sticker)

• Where to look: Open the front door and look on the B-pillar face for a black manufacturer label with the VIN, paint codes, and weight ratings. (On LHD cars it’s typically on the driver-side pillar; on RHD markets it may appear on the opposite side.)
• Access: Easy access with the door fully open; lighting is usually good. On a 2021 car the label should be clean and readable unless it’s been replaced/peeled.
• Note: Side can swap between LHD/RHD markets—if you don’t see it on the left side of the car (LHD driver side), check the other front door jamb.
• Tip: If you want to avoid transcription errors, use your phone to scan it directly with ScanVin.app—the high-contrast label is ideal for OCR.

2) Engine Bay (Bulkhead/Firewall VIN Stamp)

• Where to look: In the engine bay, the VIN is stamped into the metal firewall/bulkhead, directly behind the engine, on the upper firewall area slightly off-center (passenger side on many LHD examples).
  In the AMG setup shown, it sits behind turbo heat shielding and under/near a plastic cowling/trim piece marked “VIN” close to the base of the windshield.
• Access: Harder. You’ll be peering into a recessed, shadowy pocket. Expect dust, tight angles, and heat shielding blocking a straight-on view—especially on AMG variants.
• Note: Firewall stamp position is generally consistent relative to the chassis; the view angle is what changes between trims/engine packages.
• Tip: Because it’s dark and awkward to read, use a flashlight and capture it with your phone using ScanVin.app so you’re not trying to write down characters from an uncomfortable angle.

3) Windshield (Dashboard VIN Plate)

• Where to look: From outside the car, check the bottom corner of the windshield where the dashboard meets the glass, near the A-pillar.
• Access: Quick visual check, but sunlight glare/reflections can make it look “blank” until you change your angle.
• Note: Best viewed in shade or with your body blocking direct sun.
• Tip: If glare is fighting you, use ScanVin.app to grab the VIN instantly instead of squinting through reflections and mistyping characters.

4) MBUX System (Digital VIN in Infotainment)

• Where to look: On the MBUX screen, enter the Vehicle / Info style menu (menu names vary slightly by region/software) and look for vehicle identification information.
• Access: Easy if the car powers up and the screen is working; not helpful if the battery is dead or the system is locked.
• Note: Treat this as verification, not your only source—physical VINs are what inspectors and authorities rely on.
• Tip: When you’re cross-checking numbers, scan the physical VIN with ScanVin.app to ensure the digits you compare are exact.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: MERCEDES CLA A45 2021 VIN CHASSIS NUMBER LOCATION

▶ Watch Mercedes-Benz CLA VIN Location Guide

• Walk-around that shows the firewall VIN area under the “VIN”-marked trim and highlights how obstructed it is behind AMG heat shielding.

Video Tutorial: 2021 mercedes CLA45s vin and engine number locations

▶ Watch Mercedes-Benz CLA VIN Location Guide

• Clear footage showing the B-pillar label and an excellent close-up of the firewall VIN stamp for character shape/reference.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Firewall stamp too dark / too deep to read: Use a flashlight, wipe dust off the stamping area, and view from slightly different angles—the hood and turbo shielding create heavy shadows.
• Windshield VIN unreadable due to glare: Move the car into shade or change your viewing angle; clean the glass inside/out in that corner.
• Door jamb label concerns: A missing, peeling, or mismatched door sticker can happen after door replacement/repaint—always cross-check the sticker VIN with the firewall stamp and windshield VIN.

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