Date of manufacture

[jontims]

How do I find out the exact date of manufacture of my Mercedes R107 500SL? The log book says it was first registered in UK on 9th Jan 1983 (one day to late to qualify as tax exempt according to DVLC website), but also says it is an imported vehicle which would suggest it may have been manufactured pre 1983. Does the chassis number give a clue as to when the car was manufactured?

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

They’re all imported… VIN decode can give you dates.

Bits of trim can also have dates stamped on which can give an indication of when it was built - although the DVLA won’t take that as proof…

 

[NJS5]

Welcome Jontims

Can't help, but we have an excellent local indy:- Prestige in Horndean

Good luck

NJSS

 

[LostKiwi]

Unfortunately I believe the DVLA take the date of first registration not date of manufacture.

 

[Flyinspanner]

look for a VIN decoder.

or email MB customer services, attach copy of the V5 and I’m sure they can tell you.

 

[brandwooddixon]

Unfortunately I believe the DVLA take the date of first registration not date of manufacture.

I think that you may be right.
Certainly it used to be the case, as I have a friend who had to install fog lights on a Datsun as it had been held by the UK importers for a year before registration, by which date they were a required fitment.

 

[00slk]

There is a date on a tag on the seatbelt near the bottom where it retracts. These dates are fairly close to the build date of the car, that if the belts haven't been changed. Though as above, vin number can help.
I found with older Mercedes that you can guess that it is a year older than its first registration date