Where is the VIN number in Audi A4 B6 (8E/8H) [2001-2004]?

This guide shows you where to locate the 17-digit VIN (chassis number) on the Audi A4 B6 (8E/8H) produced between 2001–2004, using the same spots a mechanic checks during an identity inspection.

Chassis Number Locations

1) Engine Bay Bulkhead (Firewall / Plenum Chamber)

• Where to look: Open the hood and look at the plenum chamber at the base of the windshield. The VIN is stamped into the metal firewall, near the center, typically slightly toward the right side of the car (passenger side on LHD), just behind/under the plastic cowling and weather stripping—above hoses and wiring.
• Access: Usually no tools needed, but you may need to lift the rubber weather strip slightly and scrub away leaves/dirt to reveal the stamped characters. Shadows from the hood and nearby hoses are common.
• Note: The videos shown are LHD cars; use the vehicle’s left/right orientation as seen from the rear (direction of travel).
• Tip: If the stamping is dirty or hard to read, wipe it down and use High Contrast AI Mode to scan it directly instead of guessing faded characters.

2) Engine Bay Strut Tower (Manufacturer Data Sticker / Type Label)

• Where to look: In the engine bay on the right-side strut tower area (right inner fender) you’ll find a manufacturer data sticker (type label) that includes the VIN plus weight ratings/paint codes.
• Access: Easy to reach, but on older B6 cars the sticker can be dirty, degraded, peeling, or faded. Some engine bay components (AC lines/air intake area) can limit how close you can get your phone camera.
• Note: This is a great cross-check against the stamped VIN—especially after body repairs—but only if the label is intact.
• Tip: When the sticker is worn or the area is tight, use the VIN scanner to capture it without manually typing and let OCR pull the characters even if the label looks rough.

3) Dashboard / Windshield VIN Plate (region-dependent)

• Where to look: Look through the windshield at the lower corner on the left side of the car (driver side on LHD) for a VIN plate visible from outside.
• Access: Fast check—no tools—but glare/reflections can hide digits depending on sunlight and tint.
• Note: This is common on many US-spec vehicles; some EU-spec cars may not present it the same way.
• Tip: If glare is washing it out, capture it quickly with your phone VIN reader so you don’t misread a 5/S or 8/B.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Where is the VIN number of my Audi A4 B6 ( 2000 – 2006 ) - YouTube

▶ Watch Audi A4 VIN Location Guide

• Clear walkthrough of the correct Audi A4 B6 showing the stamped firewall VIN and the engine-bay type sticker (including a real-world example of a dirty/aged label).

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Leaves/dirt in the plenum chamber: The firewall stamping can be packed with debris—brush it out and wipe the metal clean before trying to read/scan it.
• Shadowy engine-bay lighting: The hood and hoses can cast shadows—aim a flashlight from the side to make the stamp “pop.”
• Sticker VIN isn’t proof by itself: Engine-bay stickers can be replaced or damaged; for buying/verification, always match the sticker VIN to the stamped chassis VIN and your registration/title.