The engine code — a 3-or-4-letter stamp — tells you exactly what's under the bonnet, far more precisely than the VIN or the badge. It's the first thing I look for.
Where to find it:
- Stamped on the block/head (often a machined pad) and printed on the VW data sticker in the boot and the service book.
- VCDS reads it from the engine controller.
Common GTI codes:
- 16v Mk2: KR / PL.
- VR6: AAA / AES (12v), BDF / BMJ / BDE (24v).
- 1.8T: AWP / AWD / AWW (Mk4).
- 2.0 FSI: BPY / BWA (Mk5).
- 2.0 TSI EA888: CCTA / CBFA (Gen 2, Mk6); CXCB / CHHB / CXCA (Gen 3, Mk7).
Why it matters: parts, tunes and torque specs are engine-code-specific — I order by the code, not the model year.
So find the letter code on the block and sticker — it's the key to the right parts and data. See GTI Fluids Capacities.