Introduction with Question

[brock230]

Hello All, greetings from Niagara, Ontario.

I'm new and along with introducing myself I already have my hand out with a question for help... go figure.

The purpose of my registering is due to my pursuing a 230SL for purchase. I must admit I do not know anything about these cars other than I have always liked the early SL cars.

I hope to secure the purchase of the car I'm after and in the process of doing my research I have hit a minor roadblock.

With regard to VIN searching, for an early 66 car I have been provided a VIN with 15 characters, I have searched here and other sites for some direction to no avail.

I have seen cars advertised with 13 character VIN's and even 14 but not 15? This car is registered on Ontario, however, I suspect it is / was a European delivery car. speedometer appears to be in Kilometers (just waiting for confirmation and not really sure if this is an indication of Euro delivery)... see I told you I know nothing about these cars.

Can someone shed some light on this dilemma for me please?

I appreciate any and all assistance, even what to look out for in my search to identify if this is the right car for me?

Stay Well,
Brock

[kampala]

Brock,

Welcome.  

Browse through the Technical Manual for the information you are requesting.   VIN are typically the same number of digits worldwide.   This Tech Manual will put you way ahead, but it's no excuse to not physically see the vehicle and check official docs and match to the car.  You will find in the Tech Manual where to see other stampings of VIN and body numbers etc to help connect the dots.  These links will give you a start.


http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/VIN
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/BodyandPaintNumberPlate
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Buying/PrepurchaseEvaluation


Keep us posted and ask more details --- many folks here can guide you.

Best

[rjfurlan]

I think all 113's are 14 digit vin's.

[brock230]

Brock,

Welcome.  

Browse through the Technical Manual for the information you are requesting.   VIN are typically the same number of digits worldwide.   This Tech Manual will put you way ahead, but it's no excuse to not physically see the vehicle and check official docs and match to the car.  You will find in the Tech Manual where to see other stampings of VIN and body numbers etc to help connect the dots.  These links will give you a start.


http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/VIN
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/BodyandPaintNumberPlate
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Buying/PrepurchaseEvaluation


Keep us posted and ask more details --- many folks here can guide you.

Best

Thank-you Kampala, I will do as you have suggested and review the sites provided as well as due diligence on this car.

I think all 113's are 14 digit vin's.

Thanks rj, strange that I have seen cars advertised for sale of the same vintage with 13 & 14 character VIN's, the technical manual should help.

Regards,
Brock

[Jordan]

Brock, I am also in Niagara so if I can be of any help let me know.  Is the car local?  VIN should definitely be 14 digits and a metric speedo is no assurance that the car is a Euro.  Data tag on inside front fender will tell you where the car originated.

Marcus

[Benz Dr.]

Absolutely, positively, make sure the VIN matches the ownership. There are ways to sort out a mess like that but it's not easy. If the car is being imported from USA or another country, RUN!!!! if you don't have a title or it doesn't match the car. You are completely screwed living here as far as ever getting that sorted out in terms of an out of country title. 

 If the car is registered in Ontario, it's going to be a breeze.

[brock230]

Hello and thanks again for your help and words of wisdom.

I will certainly inspect documents of registration against the data plates from the car to determine legitimacy. The vehicle is currently registered in Ontario with proper documentation (to be confirmed), the owner of this car has a large collection and well known in business here in Ontario.

Marcus, I only know of one fellow with the same name in Jordan and he owns a nice little 911, any chance you and he are one in the same?

Regardless I would like to pick your brain about this possible acquisition, I will PM you.

Thanks again,
Regards,
Brock