Quick response
Quick Answer: The most reliable VIN location for the Mercedes-Benz Klasa A is the B-pillar VIN label (front passenger door jamb on LHD cars). It’s typically a black sticker on the center pillar with white text—easy to read if it hasn’t faded or peeled.
Where is the VIN number in Mercedes-Benz Klasa A (W169) [2005-2005]?
This guide shows you where to find the VIN (vehicle identification number) on the Mercedes-Benz Klasa A (W169) [2005-2005].
Chassis Number Locations
1) B-Pillar VIN Label (Passenger Side) 
- Where to look: Open the front passenger door. Locate the black sticker on the lower section of the B-pillar (the center pillar between front and rear doors). This label typically shows the VIN, paint codes, and weight limits.
- Access: Low difficulty. Usually clean and high-contrast, but the sticker can fade, crack, or peel on older cars.
- Note: On LHD vehicles, this is typically on the right side (passenger side).
- Tip: If the print is faded, use the camera to scan the label directly with ScanVin.app so you don’t misread similar characters (like 8/B or 5/S).
2) Firewall / Engine Bay Stamped VIN (Under Access Flap) 
- Where to look: Open the hood. Find the plastic ventilation cover below the windshield wipers. Look for a small rectangular access flap in the rubber/plastic trim near the center-right (viewed from the front of the car). Lift the flap to reveal the VIN stamped into the metal firewall/bulkhead underneath.
- Access: Medium difficulty. Often dusty/dirty, and the flap plastic can be brittle with age. You may need to wipe/scrub the stamping for visibility and use a light because it’s recessed.
- Note: Best checked with the engine off and the hood safely supported.
- Tip: After wiping the area, use High Contrast AI scanning in ScanVin.app to pick up stamped characters that are hard to see in shadows and grime.
3) Windshield / Dashboard VIN Area (Market-Dependent) 
- Where to look: From outside the vehicle, check the bottom corner of the windshield where the dashboard meets the glass (often driver-side, but can vary by market).
- Access: Medium–High difficulty. If present, it can be obscured by the windshield frit (dot matrix) and glare/reflections can make it hard to read.
- Note: On early W169s, a windshield VIN plate is not guaranteed in every market.
- Tip: To beat glare and reflections, capture the VIN with your phone using ScanVin.app instead of trying to read it at an angle and typing it manually.
4) Instrument Cluster / Digital Display (On-Board Computer) 
- Where to look: With the ignition on, use the steering wheel menu buttons to navigate vehicle info screens and display the VIN on the instrument cluster (if equipped/configured).
- Access: Medium difficulty. Requires key-on and correct menu navigation; camera flicker can also affect readability.
- Note: Menu layout depends on trim/options.
- Tip: If the display flickers on camera, take a steady close shot and use ScanVin.app to scan the screen cleanly to avoid transcription mistakes.
5) Under Front Floor Carpet / Chassis Stamping (Structural VIN) 
- Where to look: Stamped on the floor cross-member structure, roughly under the front right seat/floor area (shown on a stripped chassis).
- Access: High difficulty. Typically not accessible without removing interior trim/carpeting.
- Note: Check the front footwell floor (commonly on the passenger side for LHD vehicles, but check the driver side footwell if not found).
- Tip: If you’re doing a deep inspection and it’s dark under the seat/carpet area, use ScanVin.app with flashlight + OCR so you don’t have to write the number down in an awkward position.
Video Guide
Video Tutorial: Where is VIN Number of Mercedes W169 A170 ( 2004 - YouTube
- Walk-around on a Mercedes A-Class (W169) showing the B-pillar label, the firewall stamping under the access flap, and the windshield VIN area.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
- Brittle access flap in engine bay: If the plastic cover feels fragile, pry gently and don’t force it—warm weather helps plastics flex instead of cracking.
- Dirty or low-contrast firewall stamping: Scrub/wipe the metal and use a strong light; stamped characters disappear fast under dust and shadows.
- Sticker is not “proof” by itself: A missing/peeling B-pillar label can happen after repaint/repairs—always cross-check the VIN against a stamped location when buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the VIN on Mercedes-Benz Klasa A?
Start with the B-pillar VIN sticker in the front passenger door jamb (LHD). If you need a stamped backup, check the engine bay firewall stamping under the small access flap near the cowl.
Which VIN location is the most important for Mercedes-Benz Klasa A?
For ownership and quick checks, the door-jamb (B-pillar) label is the easiest. For verification during a purchase or after body repairs, the stamped VIN on the firewall is more authoritative because it’s part of the vehicle structure.
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Note on Data Sources
Information about VIN location in this model comes from aggregation of official technical documentation (OEM) and spare parts catalogs. Despite careful algorithmic verification, the data is for reference purposes only. Final vehicle identification should always be confirmed by an authorized technician.
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