Where is the engine number of Passat B5 located?
3 Answers
Passat B5's engine number is located on the engine block, near the bottom of the timing cover. It usually consists of a combination of 7 to 8 digits and letters. In addition to the above method, the engine number can also be checked through the following 4 ways: The vehicle's driving license has the engine number printed on it, usually located on the second last line; The motor vehicle registration certificate will state the engine number; The car purchase invoice will state the engine number; The vehicle purchase tax payment certificate will state the engine number. It should be noted 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, and engine models can be the same. The engine number refers to the production number of the engine, each engine can only have one engine number and each engine's number is unique.
Yesterday, I helped a friend locate the engine number on his Passat B5, and it took quite some effort to figure it out. Unlike modern cars where the engine number is prominently displayed, the stamped number on the old B5 is hidden on the side of the engine block near the connection point with the transmission. You have to open the hood, bend down, and look along the side of the engine closest to the cabin, near the starter. If the car hasn’t been cleaned, there might be a layer of grime covering it that needs to be wiped off. I remember during the last vehicle inspection, the staff used a mirror to reach in and take a rubbing of the number. If you’re doing it yourself, it’s best to wear heat-resistant gloves. After all, old German car designs often have some quirks, and Volkswagen Group cars are no exception.
A veteran driver who has owned three generations of Passats tells you that the B5 engine number is indeed hard to find. Its stamped serial is located at the rear of the cylinder block near the firewall, requiring you to crane your head into the engine bay to see it. It's recommended to clean the engine surface grease first, otherwise those embossed characters are practically invisible. If you've installed an aftermarket intake manifold, the location might be even more concealed—in this case, it's best to remove the air filter box for better access. Remember, the 1.8T and 2.0 engine numbers on the B5 are in the same area, but the V6 version's placement is slightly more forward. Actually, this design is typical for this generation of Volkswagen-Audi group cars—my old A4 also required crawling under to take the imprint.
