Engine Number

The engine number ("engine code" and "serial number") is located next to the vibration damper -arrow- on the cylinder block.

Fig 1: Identifying Engine Number Located On Vibration Damper

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

The engine number consists of up to nine characters (alphanumeric). The first part (maximal 3 characters) makes up the "engine code", and the second part (6 characters), the "serial number". If more than 999, 999 engines with the same engine code are produced, the first of the six characters is replaced with a letter.

In addition, a sticker with the "engine code" and "serial number" is affixed to the camshaft gear cover.

Vehicles with four digit engine codes 

Four digit engine codes beginning with "C" are used. The first three digits describe the mechanical structure of the engine and are still stamped on the engine, as before. The fourth digit describes the engine output and torque and depends on the Engine Control Module (ECM). The four digit engine code is on the type plate, the vehicle data label and the ECM.