Where is the VIN number in Mercedes-Benz Klasa M (W166) [2012-2012]?

This guide covers the VIN (chassis number) locations for the Mercedes-Benz Klasa M (W166) produced between 2012–2012, including the easy-to-check label and the hidden stamped chassis number.

Chassis Number Locations

Front right footwell / A‑pillar stamped VIN (behind trim access cover)

• Where to look: In the front right footwell, on the vertical side wall (A‑pillar/footwell wall area) there’s a small rectangular plastic access cover cut into the hard trim. Pry/slip this cover open to reveal the VIN stamped into the metal structure behind it.
• Access: High difficulty. The cover sits flush and is easy to miss. The footwell is dark, and the VIN is vertical, so you’ll be working low near the floor mats to read it.
• Note: The videos shown are RHD vehicles, but this stamped location is still referenced as front right. For LHD vehicles, treat “right” as the right side of the car (usually the passenger side)—don’t assume it’s on the driver side.
• Tip: Because it’s dark and awkward to view, use the flashlight and let your camera do the work—scan it directly with the VIN OCR on ScanVin.app instead of trying to write it down upside-down.

B‑pillar VIN label (door jamb sticker)

• Where to look: Open a front door and check the lower B‑pillar for a black/white sticker showing the VIN plus paint/weight info.
• Access: Very easy. High contrast and typically readable standing up; may be scuffed from shoes/seatbelt hardware.
• Note: On RHD examples it appears on the left B‑pillar; on LHD cars it’s commonly on the driver-side B‑pillar, but check both sides if you don’t see it immediately.
• Tip: This is the fastest one to capture—use the free VIN reader to grab the VIN cleanly (and avoid mistyping characters like 0/O or 1/I).

Windshield VIN plate (dashboard view)

• Where to look: From outside the vehicle, look through the bottom corner of the windshield for the VIN plate on top of the dash.
• Access: Easy to find, but glare/reflections off the glass often make it hard to read or photograph.
• Note: Angle matters—move your head/phone side-to-side until reflections disappear.
• Tip: If glare keeps washing it out, capture it with your phone using ScanVin.app so you don’t have to manually transcribe it.

Under front passenger seat (carpet flap / cross-member stamp — older layout)

• Where to look: Under the front right seat, lift the pre-cut U-shaped carpet flap to expose a metal cross-member where a VIN stamp may be present.
• Access: You’ll need to power the seat fully forward and up for room; lighting is poor and floor mats can hide the flap.
• Note: This under-seat stamping is shown as a W164-era location and is reported as empty on later W166 checks, but it’s still worth a quick look if you’re dealing with a crossover/registration edge case or market variation.
• Tip: Shadows are the enemy here—turn on the light and scan with Flashlight + OCR so you can read the stamp even if it’s faint or painted over.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Mercedes ML350 VIN number locations on models W164 2005-2011 and W166 2012-2019.

▶ Watch Mercedes-Benz Klasa M VIN Location Guide

• Quickly explains the switch from the under-seat VIN (older) to the hidden front footwell access-cover VIN (W166).

Video Tutorial: 2012 Mercedes Benz ML350 Chassis and vin plate number location

▶ Watch Mercedes-Benz Klasa M VIN Location Guide

• Shows the B‑pillar label, demonstrates the under-seat area can be empty on W166, then confirms the correct stamped VIN behind the footwell trim cover.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Can’t find the footwell “trapdoor”: Feel along the vertical wall trim in the front right footwell for a small rectangular, flush cover—it doesn’t stand out in low light.
• VIN stamp is hard to read under the seat/footwell: Move mats aside, aim a strong light across the stamp at a shallow angle, and wipe dust off the metal so the characters “pop.”
• B‑pillar sticker missing/damaged: Stickers can be replaced or peeled—always verify against a stamped body VIN (footwell stamp) when checking a vehicle’s identity.

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