The newer VINs are a bit different in encoded information compared to the older ones, but here are the basics (keep in mind some of this info is slanted towards N. American models):
WDBNG75J4YA012345
WDB2201751A012345 (Corresponding chassis code)
W = Country of Origin (often considerd final assy. points, and also often regardless of where the car is actually made, for instance, a large number of BMW 3-Series are manufactured in South Africa, yet they still start with 'W', the W463 G-Class is/was made in Graz, Austria, yet still comes to these shores as a 'W' vehicle)
--> W - Germany, 1=USA, 2=Canada, 3=Mexico, J=Japan, K=Korea, V=France, S=England
DB = Manufacturer (in this case, Daimler-Benz)
N = Body Designation (A=163/ML B=164/ML and GL, C=251/R [when preceeded by 4JG in N.A.), A=199/SLR [when preceeded by WDD], D=219/CLS, F=129/SL, G=140/S, H=202/C, J=210/E, K=170/SLK, L=208/CLK, N=220/S, P=215/CL S=230/SL, T=209/CLK, U=211/E, W=171/SLK, Y=463/G [when preceeded by WDC in N.A.]
G = Body Style: F=Sedan, G=Sedan Long WB, H=Wagon, J=Coupe, K=Cabriolet/Roadset, M=AMG (no longer used), B=Long Body, R=Dunno, but applies to the W463 (WDCYR...), on older models, this, the 5th digit, indicated whether the vehicle was Gas (A), Diesel (B), or 4matic Gasoline(D)
75 = Model Designation, in this case, it's a 500. The S430 would be 70, 76 for the S600 etc.
J = Restraint System: C - 3-pt belts with ETR on front seats, 3-pt belts at rear outside seats, lap-belt in rear center position. D - same as C, plus driver's side airbag, E - same as D, plus passenger side airbag, F - 3-pt belts with ETR on front seats, 3-pt belt at rear position, driver and passenger side airbag, side impact airbag in front;
G - Same as F, instead, lap belt in rear center position
H - Same as F, plus curtain air bag left and right
J - Same as H, plus rear outboard side impact airbags plus ETR at rear outer seating positions.
4 = Check Digit
Y = Model Year - ...T=1996, V=1997, W=1998, X=1999, Y=2000, 1=2001, 2=2002 etc....
A = Manufact. Plant: A-E = Sindelfingen, F-H= Bremen, J=Rastatt, X=Graz, A=Vance(Gasp), T=Karmann M=Woking, England (SLR)
012345 = Sequential Serial Number