Where is the VIN number in Mercedes-Benz CLK (C209/A209) [2003-2003]?

This guide shows you where to find the VIN (chassis number) on the Mercedes-Benz CLK (C209 coupe / A209 cabriolet) produced between 2003–2003, including the easy-to-check door jamb label and the hidden stamped VIN under the seat.

Chassis Number Locations

1) VIN Plate / Label on B-Pillar (Door Jamb)

• Where to look: Open the front passenger door (LHD) and look on the B-pillar/door jamb area for a black sticker label with the VIN and weight information.
• Access: Easy. No tools needed, but the sticker can fade, peel, or get scuffed with age.
• Note: The source vehicle is RHD, where the label appears on the left-side B-pillar (passenger side for that car). On LHD cars, check the passenger-side B-pillar first.
• Tip: If the print is worn, use your phone to scan the VIN directly so you don’t misread similar characters like B/8, S/5, O/0.

2) Stamped VIN Under Front Seat / Floor Cross-Member (Under Plastic Flap)

• Where to look: Check the front footwell floor area under the seat—the VIN is stamped into a metal cross-member and usually hidden by a plastic flap/trim cover you’ll need to lift.
• Access: Hard. It’s dark, low to the ground, and you must lift/pry the plastic cover to expose the stamping. Dirt or light corrosion can reduce contrast.
• Note: Don’t assume it’s always on the driver side. Check the front footwell floor (commonly on the passenger side for LHD vehicles, but check the driver side footwell if not found).
• Tip: This is an awkward angle—turn on your flashlight and use the VIN scanner with OCR so you can capture it without lying outside the car trying to write it down.

3) Engine Bay (Bulkhead / Firewall Area)

• Where to look: In the engine bay, inspect the center firewall/bulkhead area near the cabin air intake / battery area where VIN stamps are commonly placed on this era of Mercedes.
• Access: Hard. Often obscured by weather stripping, plastic covers, or grime, and you may need to wipe the area clean to see any stamping.
• Note: This spot may not be as quick to verify as the door label or floor stamp, but it’s a useful cross-check.
• Tip: If the stamping is faint or dirty, wipe it and scan it in high-contrast mode to pull the characters out of low-contrast metal.

4) Windshield VIN (Dashboard Corner)

• Where to look: Look through the bottom corner of the windshield at the dash VIN window (if equipped).
• Access: Medium. Reading is easy when visible, but reflections and glare can block it.
• Note: Not shown in the source footage, but worth checking as a quick visual VIN point.
• Tip: If glare is bad, change your angle and capture it instantly with your phone to avoid transcription mistakes.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: MERCEDES BENZ CLK200 W209 CABRIOLET VIN / CHASSIS NUMBER LOCATION & ENGINE NUMBER LOCATION CareDrive

▶ Watch Mercedes-Benz CLK VIN Location Guide

• Walk-around of a CLK Cabriolet showing the B-pillar VIN label and the harder-to-find stamped VIN under the seat/floor trim.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Under-seat VIN is “invisible” until you lift the cover: Pry up the plastic flap/trim carefully and use a flashlight—dirt in the stamping makes it look blank.
• Low contrast on stamped metal: Scrub lightly (rag + mild cleaner), then re-check from a shallow angle so the light rakes across the numbers.
• Sticker VIN isn’t always “proof” on its own: Door jamb labels can be replaced—always cross-check against a stamped VIN location before buying.

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