How do I find my Audi or Volkswagen Engine Code?

January 27, 2009 By 19 Comments

It’s very common for Audi and Volkswagen models to have several engines with the same VIN code for the same year. Normally, these codes are three letters, but I have seen some 2008 Volkswagen engine codes with four digit engine codes.

Regardless of whether you have a three or a four digit engine code, to make sure you get the correct Audi or Volkswagen engine you have to know the engine code. There are a few ways to find it. Keep in mind that this is based off of my experience only – if you know another location the engine code can be found, please share it.

  1. In some years of VW and Audi vehicles, the engine code is on a sticker located on the engine’s timing cover.
  2. For many years, the engine code is located on the apron at the front of the engine compartment.
  3. In some years, check a sticker located on either the driver’s door or the frame the door closes into. Normally, this is the sticker that also has the VIN.

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Filed Under: Engine Identification, Engine replacement tips Tagged With: , ,
  • http://www.motorsticker.nl Stickers Honda

    Was looking for this! Thanks for the description

  • http://www.google.com AndrewBoldman

    da best. Keep it going! Thank you

  • garth

    what year is my vw air cooled engine, serial number AD889760,with a solex 30pict-2 carburetor

    • http://www.lowmileageengines.com Matthew

      Garth, sorry, but I couldn’t begin to answer your question – we don’t maintain block books, and we only deal in late model vehicles. I would recommend you check some Volkswagen enthusiast sites.

  • http://england laura dooling

    where do i find if my car has the engine code of y17dt

    • http://www.lowmileageengines.com Matthew

      Laura,
      Sadly in the states we don’t get much of a chance to handle many Vauxhall Astras.

      You can check the door frame on the driver’s side – there is a sticker on many European vehicles that has the engine and transmission code.

      If you don’t see your engine code there, your best results will come from calling the parts department of your local Vauxhall Astra dealership with your VIN in hand. They should be able to decode the VIN to tell you your engine code.

  • http://www.lowmileageengines.com/used-engines/jeep/jeep_grand_cherokee_used_engine.php jeep Cherokee engine

    Thank you so much for posting such an wonderful information.

  • Lilly

    I have a VW motor and we need to know what year it is… This is the engine number AB56177

    • http://www.lowmileageengines.com Matthew

      Lilly, you need to find someone with a VW “block book” that has block numbers listed. Is the engine carbeurated, fuel injected, or direct injected (and is it gas or diesel)?

  • phil HANNER

    does anyone know if a BDB engine will fit into a 2005 Audi TT 3.2 auto which currently has a(broken) BHE engine?

    • http://www.lowmileageengines.com Matthew

      Phil – those are European engine codes, and unfortunately my interchange software is for the North American markets only. If anyone else posts a solution, I’ll share it.

  • http://www.automotix.net Used Engines

    Hi,

    How do I find my Audi or Volkswagen Engine Code, its my question and not me but every one, who has Audi or Volkswagen car. your article is really so helpful guys for me.

    Thanks

  • Gery Hagan

    WHAT ENGINE HAS THE CODE : P 158003 ?    IT’S A VW MOTOR!

  • Shorty6f8

    ive got a vw motor in a trike that i got but, i need to know what yr and cc that it is so i can order the right stuff to build it back number is 8056496

  • jcy

    the link for “Audi” is all messed up

  • Myportable77

    i need to know which step to take, i just but a vw golf but the engine has corrode and the engine number can not be seen. i have the VIN but do not know if i can get the engine number using the VIN
    thanks

    • Anonymous

      Yes, you can get an engine number or code from a VW dealership with a VIN.

      • Myportable77

         do you know anyone you can recommend. i will really appreciate this.

        • Anonymous

          Hi, you should literally just call any Audi or Volkswagen dealer with your VIN. We ship some to Europe, but I couldn’t begin to recommend a specific dealer to you.