Where is the VIN number in Audi A6 (C4) (1997-1997)?

This guide covers the practical VIN (chassis number) locations you can check on the Audi A6 C4, produced between 1997–1997, so you can verify the car quickly and accurately.

Chassis Number Locations

1) Engine Bay – Bulkhead/Firewall (Stamped into metal)

• Where to look: Open the hood. Go to the center of the bulkhead/firewall (the metal wall between engine and cabin), directly below the windshield cowl/rain tray area. Look for the VIN stamped into the chassis metal (sometimes on a slightly raised section).
• Access: This spot often collects dust, grime, leaves, and it’s usually shadowed by the hood/cowl. You’ll likely need to wipe/scrub the metal to make the characters readable.
• Note: Left/right references are the vehicle’s left/right in the direction of travel; this location is central, so LHD/RHD doesn’t change where you look.
• Tip: If the stamping is dirty or low-contrast, use ScanVin’s High Contrast AI Mode to pull the characters out—scan the VIN directly with your phone instead of guessing worn digits.

2) Trunk – Spare Wheel Well “Vehicle Data” Sticker

• Where to look: Open the trunk. Lift the floor carpet/cover to access the spare wheel well and surrounding panels. Find the white paper Vehicle Data Label (often near the spare wheel well or on a side panel). It lists the VIN plus paint/engine/option codes.
• Access: Trunk lighting is usually weak, and the sticker can be torn, faded, or water-damaged. Dot-matrix style printing can be harder to read.
• Note: This is a sticker/label, not a stamped chassis VIN—use it as a quick reference and cross-check with the stamped number when possible.
• Tip: In a dark trunk, turn on your phone light and use the VIN scanner OCR to avoid misreading dot-matrix characters.

3) Dashboard / Windshield Lower Corner (If equipped)

• Where to look: From outside the car, look through the lower corner of the windshield on the left side (in the direction of travel). Some vehicles have a VIN plate visible through the glass.
• Access: Main issues are windshield glare/reflections, plus dirt on the glass or obstruction from wipers.
• Note: Not every A6 C4 has a visible windshield VIN plate depending on market/spec—if you don’t see it, confirms nothing by itself; move to the firewall stamp and trunk label.
• Tip: To beat glare and avoid transcription mistakes, capture the VIN instantly with ScanVin at an angle rather than trying to read it through reflections.

4) Service Book / Vehicle Documents (Duplicate data sticker)

• Where to look: Check the service schedule / maintenance booklet (often stored with the owner’s manual). A duplicate vehicle data sticker is commonly placed on an early page.
• Access: Only works if the documents are still with the car; older cars often have missing books.
• Note: Treat this as a convenience copy—verify against the stamped chassis VIN for purchase/identity checks.
• Tip: If lighting is poor indoors or the print is faint, scan it with your phone camera instead of typing the VIN by hand.

Video Guide

No videos from the provided list met the “publish” criteria for this specific Audi A6 C4 guide.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Dirty/greasy stamping in the engine bay: Scrub with a rag and mild degreaser, then re-check from different angles—shallow stampings can “disappear” under shadows.
• Trunk sticker hard to read: Use stronger lighting and flatten the carpet fully; dot-matrix print can look like missing characters when the label is wrinkled or faded.
• Important: A paper sticker (trunk/service book) can be replaced—when verifying a vehicle, prioritize the stamped chassis VIN and ensure all VINs match.

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