Where is the VIN number in Audi Q5 (I (8R))?

This guide shows you where to find the VIN (chassis number) on the Audi Q5 I (8R) produced between 2009 and 2017, using the most common factory locations you can check in minutes.

Chassis Number Locations

Windshield (Visible VIN plate)

• Where to look: From outside the car, look through the bottom corner of the front windshield on the left side (LHD driver side) for the VIN plate on the dashboard.
• Access: Easiest access, but glare/reflections on the glass can make it hard to read.
• Note: This is the quickest verification point for an LHD Q5—no tools needed.
• Tip: If the sun is reflecting, use your phone to capture it instantly—you can scan the VIN directly to avoid misreading characters through the glass.

B-Pillar / Door Jamb (Passenger Side)

• Where to look: Open the right-side front passenger door (LHD) and inspect the lower B-pillar/door jamb area (the post between front and rear doors) for a VIN/vehicle data sticker.
• Access: Simple, but the label sits low, so you’ll likely need to crouch.
• Note: On some Q5s, the “main” sticker people expect on the driver side may appear on the passenger side—check both.
• Tip: Because it’s low and awkward to copy by hand, use your camera instead of writing it down—use the free VIN reader to grab the barcode/text cleanly.

B-Pillar / Door Jamb (Driver Side)

• Where to look: Open the left-side front driver door (LHD) and check the lower B-pillar/door jamb for the VIN/vehicle data sticker (placement can vary by market/trim).
• Access: Easy to reach with the door open; you may still need to bend down due to low placement.
• Note: For LHD vehicles, this is a common place to find the official type label—if it’s missing, verify other VIN points.
• Tip: To avoid transcription errors from stamped/printed small text, capture it with your phone while you’re crouched down.

Engine Bay (Type Plate / Manufacturer Label)

• Where to look: Pop the hood and look at the firewall/bulkhead at the back of the engine bay, slightly to the right of center (when facing the car). You’ll find a metal plate or black sticker, riveted or adhered to the vertical metal surface.
• Access: Requires opening the hood; the plate is usually high-contrast but can be obscured by dirt/engine grime.
• Note: Best checked in daylight; wipe the label before scanning.
• Tip: If it’s grimy or faded, scrub lightly and let the camera do the work—scan it in High Contrast AI mode to pull the VIN from dirty labels.

Engine Bay (Stamped Chassis Number)

• Where to look: In the engine bay, locate the VIN stamped directly into metal on the right-side suspension strut tower (right side of the car in direction of travel; passenger side for LHD). On some Q5 (8R) setups, it may instead be on the firewall shelf/plenum chamber area, which can require lifting a rubber weatherstrip and slightly moving a plastic cowl cover to view.
• Access: Often painted over or dirty with low contrast; stamping can be shallow. A flashlight helps.
• Note: This is one of the harder “hard ID” checks—use it to confirm the vehicle matches the visible VIN and stickers.
• Tip: If the stamping is faint under paint, scan it with High Contrast AI assistance so you don’t misread shallow characters.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Where is VIN Number Location in AUDI Q5 I ( 2008 - 2016 )

▶ Watch Audi Q5 VIN Location Guide

• A clear walkthrough showing the engine bay plate, stamped chassis number, both door-jamb sticker areas, and the windshield VIN.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield glare: If you can’t read the VIN through the glass, change your viewing angle, shade the area with your hand, or record a quick close-up video and pause on the frame.
• Dirty/painted stamping in the engine bay: Spray a mild cleaner, wipe, and use a flashlight at an angle to make the stamped digits cast shadows.
• Sticker validity warning: Door-jamb labels can be replaced after body repairs—always cross-check the VIN against the windshield VIN and the stamped chassis number before you buy.

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