Mercedes Now Issuing 'Birth Certificates' for CarsMercedes-BenzFor many enthusiasts, a classic Mercedes-Benz is more than just a car, it's a member of the family. Now, Mercedes-Benz is giving owners a new way to celebrate that bond with an official "Birth Certificate." Currently available only in Germany, the €130 (about $150) document details a vehicle's original factory specifications for models built between January 1, 1986, and December 31, 2010. Think of it as a factory-issued record of how your Mercedes left the assembly line.The Mercedes‑Benz Classic Birth Document, as the company officially calls it, includes key information pulled directly from Mercedes-Benz archives. Data pulled includes the VIN (a.k.a. FIN, for German cars), model, ship date, original paint color, engine and transmission numbers, factory-installed options, and interior trim specifications. For collectors, restorers, and prospective buyers, it's an invaluable piece of documentation that helps verify a car's originality.And while VIN lookup tools have long offered similar functionality, this being Mercedes-Benz, you can expect a higher-tier experience, such as the birth document printed on high-quality paper inside a specially designed folder with the company crest embossed on the outside. This document is not a certificate of authenticity, however, and no claims are made regarding the originality, condition or value of the vehicle.Mercedes-BenzStill, whether you own a W124 E-Class, R129 SL-Class, W140 S-Class, or something else, the document can help answer questions that decades of ownership changes and modifications may have left behind. If you'e undertaking a restoration project, this document could be helpful to determine the correct paint code, interior materials, or optional equipment. Or you could just use it as a special keepsake.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere is one sad note for now, however: according to an Instagram post by Mercedes-Benz Museum, the birth document is currently only available for cars in Germany, although there are plans to expand it to additional European markets. There is no word if or when the service will be available for cars in the U.S. Cars outside of Germany are not the only ones excluded; AMG, Smart, and van models are also not part of the program at the moment.Limitations aside, the idea behind the new birth document is certainly interesting. It's a thoughtful service that feels tailor-made for enthusiasts — and one we suspect many Mercedes owners in the United States hope crosses the Atlantic sooner rather than later.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State