How to Locate the Engine Number on a Volvo S80?
3 Answers
Volvo S80 engine number is located under the front hood, inside the engine compartment, on the nameplate attached to the plastic cover of the bumper. The meanings represented by the vehicle engine number are as follows: 1. Front section: Includes product series code, generation symbol, and regional/enterprise code. Manufacturers may choose corresponding letters as needed, but must be approved and filed by the industry standard regulatory body. 2. Middle section: Consists of cylinder count symbol, cylinder arrangement symbol, stroke symbol, and bore diameter symbol. 3. Rear section: Composed of structural feature symbol and usage feature symbol. 4. Tail section: Differentiation symbol. When distinction is needed due to improvements within the same product series, manufacturers may select appropriate symbols, with the rear and tail sections potentially separated by a hyphen (-).
When I used to drive a Volvo S80, I often needed to check the engine number for maintenance or ownership transfer. The easiest way is to open the hood—stand at the front of the car, and you'll usually find a metal plate on the left front side of the engine engraved with the serial number. If the car has just been stopped, wait for the engine to cool down first to avoid burns. Sometimes the plate is covered in dust or oil stains, so I usually wipe it gently with a clean cloth to reveal the numbers. For older models, the plate might be located on the firewall or the rear of the engine; just move some pipes aside for a clear view. If you can't find it, don't worry—another reliable method is to check the appendix pages of the vehicle's user manual, which often includes illustrated instructions. If that still doesn't work, visit a 4S shop and let a technician locate it for you—they have professional tools for quick and accurate identification. Remember to take a photo and save it on your phone for future reference to avoid repeating the process. Overall, it's a simple task that takes just a few minutes to do yourself.
When I first bought my Volvo S80, I was curious about where the engine number was located. Later, I found that it's safest hidden in the documents. The first page of the vehicle registration certificate has it recorded—just flip through to find it. Similarly, the warranty card and maintenance manual also contain these details. What if the documents are lost? Open the engine hood and take a look, but beginners should be cautious: make sure the car is turned off, and wear gloves to prevent scratches. There’s a small label on the left side of the engine, near the front windshield—using a flashlight makes it easier to see. If the car has modifications or dirt blocking the view, gently clean it or ask a friend for help to save effort. I recommend starting with the documents first to avoid accidentally touching delicate components—safety comes first. If all else fails, contacting the original dealer or an online service platform can also provide backup information. This method saves time, effort, and gives peace of mind.
