Where is the VIN number in Citroen C3 I [2003-2015]?

For the Citroen C3 1st generation (roughly 2003–2015 depending on market), you’ll usually find the VIN in a few standard PSA spots: a stamped body VIN (most important) plus visible/label VINs for convenience.

Chassis Number Locations

1) Engine Bay / Firewall (Stamped VIN)

• Where to look: Open the bonnet and look at the firewall/bulkhead area near the cowl/scuttle panel (the plastic trim at the base of the windshield). The VIN is stamped directly into the metal, slightly off-center (on the car in the reference video it’s just above a fluid reservoir with a blue cap).
• Access: Easy to reach, but the stamping is often body-colored and can be covered in grime. You may need to wipe/scrub it and angle a light to make the letters “pop” with shadows.
• Note: The example footage is from an RHD car. For LHD, use the same reference points (firewall under the scuttle), but don’t rely on “driver/passenger” wording—just search that firewall area across the top of the engine bay.
• Tip: Use ScanVin.app “High Contrast AI Mode” (and your phone light) to pull the characters out of low-contrast stamped metal without misreading similar characters like B/8, S/5, Z/2.

2) Front Floor Pan (Under Front Seat / Under Carpet Flap)

• Where to look: Check the front footwell floor / under the front seat area. There is commonly a pre-cut flap in the carpet—lift the flap to expose the VIN stamped into the chassis metal.
• Access: Typically dark and cramped. You’ll need to slide the seat, pull the carpet flap up, and aim light directly at the stamping. The metal can be painted dark, which makes it harder to read.
• Note (important for LHD/RHD): Some PSA cars place this stamping on the right side in certain configurations. For LHD vehicles it’s commonly on the passenger-side footwell, but if you don’t find it there, check the other front footwell as well.
• Tip: This is exactly where Flashlight + OCR helps—scan it while you’re bent over in the footwell so you don’t have to write the VIN down in an awkward position.

3) Dashboard VIN Plate (Visible Through Windshield)

• Where to look: Stand outside the car and look through the bottom corner of the windshield at the VIN plate on the dashboard (usually on one corner near the A-pillar).
• Access: No tools—just line of sight. The main problem is glare/reflections on the glass.
• Note: This VIN is great for quick checks, but if you’re verifying identity for registration or anti-theft checks, always confirm it matches a stamped chassis VIN.
• Tip: Use ScanVin.app to capture the VIN instantly so you don’t transpose characters while fighting windshield glare.

4) Door Jamb / B-Pillar Manufacturer Label (VIN Sticker)

• Where to look: Open the front door and inspect the B-pillar / door jamb area for the manufacturer label (VIN/weights/paint codes depending on market).
• Access: Usually easy and high-contrast, but on older cars the label may be scratched, peeling, repainted over, or missing.
• Note: Treat this as a supporting identifier—it should match the stamped VIN locations.
• Tip: If the sticker is worn or torn, scan what’s left with ScanVin.app to reduce transcription mistakes and compare it against the stamped VIN.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Citroen C3 (2005) Chassis Vin Number Location pr/blk

▶ Watch Citroen C3 VIN Location Guide

• Clear, stable close-up showing the stamped VIN in the engine bay on a first-gen C3.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Stamped VIN is hard to read (engine bay): Dirt + body-colored paint kills contrast. Degrease/wipe, then use a side angle light to cast shadows in the stamp.
• Floor VIN is “missing”: It’s often just hidden under a carpet flap and in a dark corner. Slide the seat fully and check both front footwells if needed.
• Sticker VIN doesn’t prove identity: The B-pillar label can be replaced. For legal/identity verification, rely on the stamped chassis VIN and ensure all VINs match.

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