In order to be able to clearly identify car engines, they are given an individual engine code by the manufacturer. The code can be used to determine information such as the engine size or the type of engine. This can be important, for example, if you need a replacement engine.

What is an engine code?

For almost all manufacturers, the engine code is a combination of numbers and letters that can be put together in different ways. This combination can be used, for example, to determine the type of engine, how many cylinders are installed or how large the engine capacity is. Other data such as the place of manufacture or the type of fuel can also be identified from the engine code, depending on the manufacturer.

Why do I need the engine code?

The engine code makes it easier to identify the engine installed in the car. This is because most manufacturers do not only install a certain engine type in one vehicle model, but use the units across all models. The engine code can be used to reliably select suitable add-on parts or a complete replacement engine. The question of the engine code always arises, at the latest, when selecting spare parts for a comprehensive engine overhaul.

Engine code letter and engine number

When it comes to identifying engines, various terms often come up. In addition to the engine code, there is sometimes also talk of the engine identification letter or the engine number. In everyday language, these terms are often used synonymously.

The term engine code letter originates from the Volkswagen Group and refers to the identification scheme of VW engines. Engine code letters were introduced as early as the 1960s to make it easier to distinguish between the different engine types.

Since then, each engine type in the VW Group has been assigned a unique combination of two or three letters. These engine code letters are followed by a consecutive engine number. This means that the respective engine can always be clearly identified later on. Other car manufacturers use similar identification systems for their engines.

Here you will find the engine code

Where exactly you find the engine code in the car depends on the manufacturer. Engine codes are usually affixed directly to the engine block, but depending on the model they can also be found elsewhere. The position and design of the engine number do not follow a fixed pattern. You will find it e.g.

• Directly on the engine
• in the service booklet
• on a sticker
• in the vehicle registration

Some manufacturers affix a plaque with the engine code to the engine, others hammer or mill their engine codes directly into the engine block. Engine code letters and engine codes are not always clearly visible in the engine compartment. In that case, you can obtain the information you need by other means.

What if I can’t find the engine code on the engine?

Sometimes the engine code is hidden on the engine, or the engine number and letters cannot be deciphered due to heavy soiling. Depending on the manufacturer, a look in the service booklet can help, where the engine code, engine letter or engine number can be found. In many vehicles from the VW group, for example, there is also a sticker in the boot showing the respective engine code letter.

Where can I find the engine code or engine code letters in the vehicle registration document?

Depending on the car, the engine code or engine identification letter can also be taken from the vehicle registration document. Corresponding information can be found in field D2, where corresponding numbers and letters may be recorded. However, this is not the case for every car. The engine code should not be confused with the chassis number, which is also given as a vehicle identification number in the vehicle registration document.

The workshop can also help

If the engine code cannot be found either on the vehicle or in the associated documents or in the vehicle registration document, you can also ask your workshop. Using the chassis number on the car or the information in the vehicle registration document, the workshop professionals can start a query in the computer system. Data such as the engine code can be found out in this way.

How the engine code helps when buying an engine

If the engine of a car is defective and cannot be repaired, it is sometimes possible to replace the entire unit with a used one. In order to be able to buy the right used engine, information such as the engine code or the engine identification letter is indispensable. This is the only way to ensure that replacement engines correspond to the original installed in the engine compartment.

You can find used replacement engines and many other spare parts at Autoparts24 using the practical search function. This allows you to search for suitable engines by simply entering the engine code. If you do not know the engine code, you can also search using the original engine number or the key numbers from the vehicle registration document. Before buying, make sure that both the engine code and the engine displacement match the old engine.

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