VIN - New Labeling Requirement
TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERSDATE: August 1986 (supersedes MBNA 00/28, July 1986) REF.NO. MBNA 00/28a
SUBJECT:. VIN LABEL REQUIREMENT
NEW MODELS STARTING MODEL YEAR 1987
On new vehicles starting with M.Y. 1987, the following applicable components will be marked, as required by law, with the full Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the locations illustrated in the enclosure:
Engine hood Left front fender
Trunk lid Right front fender
Left front door
Left rear quarter panel
Right front door Right rear quarter panel
Left rear door Rear bumper
Right rear door Engine block
Tailgate (station wagon) Transmission housing
Front bumper
The locations of the labels (target areas) have been reported to NHTSA as required. Affixing labels to new vehicle components or replacement parts is the responsibility of DBAG. Assuring legibility of labels following dealer work is the responsibility of the dealer. Removal or painting over the VIN labels is illegal and punishable by law.. If one of the above-mentioned components requires painting, the VIN label must be masked, and afterwards the mask must be removed.
NOTE: The VIN must be visible at all times.
Replacement Part Labels:
Replacement parts for the aforementioned components or parts are marked with
a label from the factory. The VIN number does not have to be
inscribed on replacement parts.
NOTE: The locations of the replacement part labels are different from the original VIN labels.
These labels will be covered with a translucent mask ex-factory which must be removed after painting or undercoating. Removal of the VIN label, or failure to remove the translucent mask, is illegal and punishable by law. In case of repainting replacement parts, the label must be masked with paper before painting, and the mask must be removed after the paint has dried. Painting over or failure to remove the paper mask from replacement parts is illegal.
If a dealer has some of the before mentioned parts that were not required to be marked, for whatever reason in his inventory, the dealer may use such parts to repair any vehicle on which the parts will fit, without violating any requirements of the Theft Act.
CAUTION! Do not cover the identification label with adhesive tape. Masking the label with adhesive tape will destroy the label when the tape is removed.