Richard--
The placard is the "build list" for when the car was moving through assembly. It's got the engine #, tranny #, paint code, interior code, etc. The easiest way to find out about the codes (most of which are on that placard) is to use the Russian MB VIN site. Simply fill in your VIN, and most of the info will be shown.
Mercedes-Benz Club Russia | Mercedes-Benz / VIN
Have fun with your new car-- and yes, do get it checked over by a good indy mechanic. Might as well change all the fluids (PS, trans, diff, coolant, brakes) now, too, just so you have a good baseline to start from.
Dave
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1990 560 SEL, 130K. Smoke silver (702) on Champignon ("mushroom") leather (265). Minor mods: Euro lights, blacked out grille, Pioneer headunit w/ Polk db650 rears/doors, db1000 fronts, rear "dummy" lights activated as brake lights, 35% bronze tints, 15" 8-hole wheels, keyless entry system.
1983 300SD, 106K. Orient Red (501) on Java MB tex (154). SOLD
