Mercedes-Benz CLE VIN Decoder: Free Lookup

Want to decode your Mercedes-Benz CLE VIN? You’re in the right place, and it’s completely free. Just type the 17-character vehicle identification number from your CLE into the box above and you’ll get the make, model variant, year, engine family, transmission, trim level, factory options and assembly-plant data in seconds. No sign-up, no email needed.

About the Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE replaces both the C-Class and E-Class coupe/cabriolet lines into one unified two-door range. It was produced from 2023 to present, and you’ll find it as a Coupe, Cabriolet. Assembly happened at: Sindelfingen, Germany.

The CLE VIN encodes everything from chassis code and engine family through to factory options, production plant and model year.

A few things worth knowing about the CLE

The CLE consolidates Mercedes-Benz's previous C-Class and E-Class coupe and cabriolet variants into a single nameplate, reducing four model lines to one. AMG variants of the CLE use a hybrid four-cylinder powertrain shared with the AMG GT entry trim, producing up to 671 hp.

How to decode a Mercedes-Benz CLE VIN

Every Mercedes-Benz VIN built since 1981 follows the ISO 3779 standard. That gives you 17 alphanumeric characters split into three blocks: the World Manufacturer Identifier (positions 1 to 3), the Vehicle Descriptor Section (positions 4 to 9) and the Vehicle Identifier Section (positions 10 to 17). Here’s what each chunk tells you about your CLE.

Positions 1 to 3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The CLE uses the modern W1K WMI prefix exclusively.

Positions 4 to 8: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

C236 (coupe) and A236 (cabriolet) chassis codes are encoded in VDS positions 4 to 8.

Position 9: Check Digit

The check digit comes from a weighted sum of the other 16 characters. Think of it as a self-validating control. If you mistype any single character on your CLE VIN, the check digit won’t match and the VIN is flagged as invalid.

Position 10: Model Year

Position 10 tells you the model year using a rolling alphanumeric scheme. A quick Mercedes-Benz cheat sheet: S = 1995, Y = 2000, 5 = 2005, A = 2010, F = 2015, L = 2020, P = 2023, R = 2024, S = 2025, T = 2026.

Position 11: Assembly Plant

Position 11 is typically 'A' (Sindelfingen, Germany).

Positions 12 to 17: Production Sequence Number

The final six digits are the unique serial number stamped on your specific CLE as it rolled off the assembly line.

Mercedes-Benz CLE engine codes

Over the years the CLE has been offered with the following engine families: M254 four-cylinder turbo hybrid, M256 inline-six, AMG M139 four-cylinder hybrid. Mercedes-Benz engine codes follow a tight naming convention. The letter ‘M‘ denotes a petrol/gasoline engine (think M256, M177, M139), while ‘OM‘ (Oel-Motor) flags a diesel (OM651, OM654, OM656 and so on). Want to know exactly which engine sits under your CLE? Decode the VIN above. VDS positions 4 to 8 will give you the exact engine variant.

CLE VIN quick reference

Here’s the at-a-glance reference for decoding any Mercedes-Benz CLE VIN:

• Production years: 2023 to present
• Body styles: Coupe, Cabriolet
• Primary assembly: Sindelfingen, Germany
• WMI prefix: The CLE uses the modern W1K WMI prefix exclusively.
• Chassis identifier (VDS): C236 (coupe) and A236 (cabriolet) chassis codes are encoded in VDS positions 4 to 8.
• Plant code (position 11): Position 11 is typically 'A' (Sindelfingen, Germany).
• Engine families: M254 four-cylinder turbo hybrid, M256 inline-six, AMG M139 four-cylinder hybrid
• Trim levels offered: CLE 200, CLE 300 4MATIC, CLE 450, AMG CLE 53, AMG CLE 63

Mercedes-Benz CLE trim levels and variants

Across its run the CLE has shown up in these trim levels: CLE 200, CLE 300 4MATIC, CLE 450, AMG CLE 53, AMG CLE 63. Every trim leaves a fingerprint inside the VIN’s VDS section. Decoding your VIN doesn’t just confirm the trim level. It also surfaces the original factory option packages (AMG Line, Premium, Driver Assistance, Burmester audio, the lot), and that’s the stuff that really matters when you’re checking resale value.

Recall and safety information for the Mercedes-Benz CLE

Open and historic recalls on the CLE are tracked by NHTSA in the USA, by the European Commission’s RAPEX system in the EU, and by individual national transport authorities elsewhere. Once you’ve decoded your CLE VIN above, copy the 17 characters into any of these databases to check for outstanding safety actions. On modern Mercedes-Benz cars the usual suspects are airbag inflators, fuel-system seals, electric power steering and occupant-classification software.

Why use VinDecoderPlus for your CLE?

You’ll get a free instant decode of any Mercedes-Benz CLE VIN with VinDecoderPlus. No sign-up, no email, no credit card. The data comes from NHTSA’s vPIC database (the official US government VIN registry) and is cross-referenced with manufacturer specifications. If you want to dig deeper into ownership records, accident reports, title brands or odometer history, you can upgrade to a full vehicle history report directly from the results page.

Frequently asked questions

How do I decode my Mercedes-Benz CLE VIN?

Type the 17-character VIN from your CLE’s windshield, driver-side door jamb, or vehicle title into the VinDecoderPlus tool above. Because the CLE was produced from 2023 to present as a coupe, cabriolet, the decoder returns model-year-appropriate data, including the engine variant from the M254 four-cylinder turbo hybrid family. The information comes straight from NHTSA’s vPIC database and Mercedes-Benz build records.

Where is the VIN located on a Mercedes-Benz CLE?

On a CLE you’ll find the VIN in four places. First, on the lower-left corner of the windshield, where it’s visible from outside the car. Second, on a sticker inside the driver’s-side door jamb. Third, stamped into the engine firewall or chassis rail (this is typical for coupe bodies). And fourth, printed on the vehicle title, registration and insurance card. On the CLE, the door-jamb sticker is also where you’ll see the original tire and load specification.

What engines were offered in the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE has been offered with these engine families: M254 four-cylinder turbo hybrid, M256 inline-six, AMG M139 four-cylinder hybrid. The specific engine installed in your particular CLE is encoded in VDS positions 4 to 8 of the VIN. Looking for the AMG-tuned variant? Check VDS positions 6 and 7. Those positions flag AMG-spec models.

Where was the Mercedes-Benz CLE built?

The CLE is mainly assembled at: Sindelfingen, Germany. Position 11 is typically ‘A’ (Sindelfingen, Germany). Why does it matter where your car was built? Parts compatibility. European-spec and North-American-spec CLE variants sometimes differ in lighting, emissions equipment and OBD-II reporting standards, even when they share the same chassis code.

How can I check open recalls on my Mercedes-Benz CLE?

Once you’ve decoded your CLE VIN above, copy the 17 characters into the NHTSA recall database (USA), the EU RAPEX system, or the Mercedes-Benz owner portal. Since the CLE was produced from 2023 to present, you may also bump into historic technical service bulletins (TSBs). Those aren’t safety recalls, but they do give you useful maintenance guidance for your specific chassis code.

What trim levels are available for the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

Across its run, the CLE has been offered in: CLE 200, CLE 300 4MATIC, CLE 450, AMG CLE 53, AMG CLE 63. Each trim leaves its fingerprint inside the VIN’s VDS section. The CLE consolidates Mercedes-Benz’s previous C-Class and E-Class coupe and cabriolet variants into a single nameplate, reducing four model lines to one.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE VIN decoder really free?

Yes. VinDecoderPlus is a completely free decoder for every Mercedes-Benz CLE VIN. No sign-up, no credit card, no usage limit. If you want the deeper stuff (ownership records, accident history, title brand) for the CLE, full vehicle history reports are available as an optional paid upgrade from the results page.

Related Mercedes-Benz VIN decoders

Looking for a different Mercedes-Benz model? Browse our full Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder hub, or jump straight into one of the most popular Mercedes model decoders below:

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN decoder
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class VIN decoder
• Mercedes-Benz SL-Class VIN decoder
• Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class VIN decoder

Ready to decode? Type your 17-character Mercedes-Benz CLE VIN into the decoder above and get your results instantly. Or head to our free VIN decoder homepage to decode any other vehicle.