VIN Decoder

[Abbymax]

I would like to find out what the standard equipment was on my 1968 280SL when it was manufactured. Is there a resource/site where I can accomplish that? Thank you. 

[Lori]

What do you mean by standard equipment?  What your  car came with and color info is in the data card.  If you do not have the data card, you can order a copy from Mercedes for $150.

[Pawel66]

We have the VIN decoder in the Technical Manual, it is a few simple description lines because there is not much coded in VIN (type, gear box, LHD/RHD, sequential number).

We also have options list in the Technical Manual. I would say that standard equipment was everything that the car had and what is not listed in options. Some options became standard over time or for selected markets, most of it is also marked there.

In the Technical manual we also have information what was on each plate or document that came with the car with all the slots and numbers meaning decoded. Options are on the paint code plate and in the datacard.

You are a Full Member,  you have access to all the information. Should you have specific questions - everybody here is happy to help.

[MikeSimon]

For some vehicles/manufacturers, you can enter the VIN number in some kind of format and it will spit out the standard equipment and even options. Not so for the W113 SL. The only thing the VIN will tell you is what engine it had, whether it was RHD or LHD and whether it was manual or automatic transmission. As others mentioned above, the only comprehensive list of options is the data card. Some things are listed in the codes on the metal data plate in the vehicle. The data card is a must-have. Many people may have one and don't even know it. Sometimes a copy was hidden in the paperwork, like the service or owners manual. 

[Abbymax]

Thank you. Will order data card. Want to know if the car was a roadster, coupe or a combo. The owners manual states these were the 3 types manufactured.

[Abbymax]

The reason for my search is that the car I acquired did not come with a hardtop thus I am presuming it is a roadster. Thanks.

[Jordan]

The reason for my search is that the car I acquired did not come with a hardtop thus I am presuming it is a roadster. Thanks.

You don't need the data card for that.  Just look at the data plate in the engine bay.  It will have two sets of colour codes (3 digits each).  The first is for the car itself and the second set is for the hard top.  If you car did not come with a hard top you will see just dashes.  Most often the second set of numbers is the same as the first, but if different then the car would have been 2 tone, the hard top being a different colour than the car itself.  Look in the tech manual and it will tell you which numbers are for what.

[Pawel66]

Technical Manual, Body and Paint Number Plate is the chapter you need to read: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/BodyandPaintNumberPlate

[Abbymax]

Thank you so much for your help. Much appreciated.