Where is the VIN number in Mercedes-Benz Klasa A (W176) (2012-2017)?

This guide shows where to locate the VIN (chassis number) on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 produced between 2012 and 2017, using the most common factory placements on the body and inside the cabin.

Chassis Number Locations

1) B-Pillar Label (Driver’s Door Jamb)

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and inspect the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors). Look low on the pillar near the rocker panel/sill for a black VIN/vehicle data sticker.
• Access: Easy access on a vertical surface; no tools needed. Sticker condition can vary (peeling/fading over time).
• Note: The example vehicle is LHD. On RHD cars, you’ll typically find the equivalent label on the driver’s side (right side).
• Tip: If the print is faint or you don’t want transcription mistakes, scan the label directly with your phone while holding the camera square to the sticker.

2) Windshield (Dashboard VIN Plate)

• Where to look: Stand outside the car and look through the bottom corner of the windshield on the driver’s side (left side on LHD). The VIN sits on a plate mounted on top of the dashboard.
• Access: Very quick to check, but reflections from sky/clouds can make it hard to read; dirty exterior glass also blocks characters.
• Note: On RHD cars, this windshield VIN position typically swaps to the right side.
• Tip: When glare is bad, capture it instantly using the VIN scanner from a slight angle instead of trying to read each character through reflections.

3) Floor (Under Front Passenger Seat / Footwell Carpet Flap)

• Where to look: Inside the cabin, move to the front footwell floor and find the pre-cut rectangular carpet flap with a small plastic clip/tab. Lift it to expose the VIN stamped into the metal cross-member/structural beam (commonly on the right side for LHD vehicles, but check the driver side footwell if not found).
• Access: Dark and recessed; you’ll likely need to hold the carpet flap open while viewing/scanning the stamping.
• Note: This is a stamped chassis VIN (hard to fake compared to a sticker), so it’s a key verification point when buying.
• Tip: Because it’s in deep shadow, use the flashlight + OCR scanner so you’re not fighting the darkness while bent over the footwell.

4) B-Pillar Label (Passenger Side Door Jamb) – Alternate/Backup

• Where to look: Open a door on the right side and check the B-pillar for another black manufacturer label (often a tire-pressure placard that also lists the VIN near the top).
• Access: Easy access; great redundancy if the driver-side label is damaged.
• Note: This is a useful backup location—especially on vehicles where one jamb sticker has been replaced or worn.
• Tip: If you’re comparing multiple labels quickly, scan and save the VIN straight from the sticker instead of re-typing it each time.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: MERCEDES-BENZ A Class W176 (2012-2017) – VIN Number ...

▶ Watch Mercedes-Benz Klasa A VIN Location Guide

• Handheld walkthrough showing the floor chassis stamp, windshield plate, and two door-jamb labels on a real Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield glare/reflections: Change your viewing angle, shade the VIN area with your hand, and clean the outside glass to reduce sky reflections.
• Floor VIN too dark to read: Lift the carpet flap fully and add light—this stamping sits low and is easy to miss in shadows.
• Sticker vs. stamped VIN: Door-jamb stickers can peel, fade, or be replaced—always cross-check against the stamped floor VIN for a proper identity verification.

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