How many digits does an Audi engine number have?
2 Answers
The Audi engine number consists of 6 digits. The engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with relevant regulations, corporate or industry practices, and the attributes of the engine. It is used to represent information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, features, technology, purpose, and production batch of the engine, including details like fuel type, number of cylinders, displacement, and static braking power. It is important to note that the engine number is not the same as the engine model. The engine model refers to the specifications and size of the engine within the manufacturer's lineup, and multiple engines can share the same model. On the other hand, the engine number is the production serial number of the engine, with each engine having a unique number that cannot be duplicated. Composition of the vehicle engine number: Front section: Includes the product series code, generation symbol, and regional or corporate code. Manufacturers may choose appropriate letters as needed, but these must be approved and recorded by the industry standard regulatory body. Middle section: Consists of symbols for the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement, stroke, and cylinder diameter. Rear section: Comprises symbols for structural features and usage characteristics. Tail section: Differentiation symbol. When distinctions are needed within the same product series due to improvements or other reasons, the manufacturer selects an appropriate symbol. The rear and tail sections may be separated by a hyphen (-).
When it comes to the number of digits in Audi engine codes, there's actually no fixed number—they mostly range between 10 to 17 characters, mixing numbers and letters. From the older A4s to newer Q7s I’ve worked on over the years, the code is stamped on the engine block, typically around 12 digits. The length varies because Audi’s engine designs differ across eras and models—for instance, a 1990s V6 might be shorter, while modern turbocharged engines tend to have longer codes. This code acts as the engine’s ID, used to track production and maintenance history, so it’s crucial to verify carefully when buying a used car to avoid tampering. I recommend owners jot it down in the manual or snap a photo with their phone as proof for repairs or resale. On German cars, these details matter. Bottom line: don’t expect a set digit count, but roughly 10 or so is common.
