How to find your engine code – by VIN, engine plate and documents
The engine code is the engine’s ID card. It defines the exact version – power, fuel system, Euro standard and everything that must match when replacing an engine. Here is how to find it quickly.
What the engine code is
The code is an alphanumeric designation the manufacturer gives each engine version. Examples: OM651 and OM642 at Mercedes, N47D20 and B47D20 at BMW, CAYC and BKD at Volkswagen, K9K at Renault, DV6TED4 at Peugeot and Citroën, V1505 at Kubota. See the full list of engine codes.
1. By VIN
The VIN is on the registration document, under the windscreen and on a plate in the cabin or engine bay. The VIN reveals the car’s factory specification, including the engine. The easiest way: send us the VIN and we will tell you the exact code.
2. By the engine plate or block
On most engines the code is stamped directly on the block – near the gearbox, at the front under the timing cover or next to the oil filler. Industrial engines (Kubota, Yanmar, Perkins, Deutz) have a metal plate with model and serial number – a photo of it is enough.
3. By the service book and data sticker
Many manufacturers place a data sticker in the boot (for example under the floor on VW, Audi and Skoda) or in the service book. The engine code is often printed there.
Why the full code matters
The Mercedes OM651, for example, comes as OM651.913, OM651.924 and others – with different power and ancillaries. The VW 2.0 TDI has dozens of codes with different fuel systems. Order an engine by displacement alone and you risk getting an incompatible version.
What to send us with an enquiry
- The VIN from the registration document
- A photo of the plate or the code on the block (if possible)
- Make, model and year of the car or machine
- What exactly you need – complete engine or bare block
With this information Dvigateli.bg checks availability in Bulgaria and with our suppliers in Europe and the UK and sends you a quote with price and lead time. Send an enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find the engine code from the VIN alone?
In most cases, yes. The VIN shows the factory specification, and we also check that it matches the engine code.
Where is the VIN?
On the vehicle registration document, under the windscreen on the driver’s side and on a plate in the engine bay or door frame.
What if the code on the block is unreadable?
Send us the VIN and photos of the engine – we can also identify the version from details such as the pump, turbo and manifolds.