Engine Number
The engine number is embossed on the flattened surface of the cylinder block (arrow) on the transmission side.
Currently, three different versions of V6 DOHC petrol engines are available, which can be distinguished from one another by different, modified cylinder blocks, oil pump housing and toothed belt cover and cannot be combined with one another.
However, if, for example, for a vehicle (MY '97) the cylinder block must be replaced by an Aftersales cylinder block (MY '99), then according to the Service Instructions the "old" engine number from MY '97 must be transferred onto the "new" Aftersales cylinder block (MY '99). Thus, at subsequent repair operations, the Aftersales cylinder block could not be identified as MY '99 but would be assigned to MY '97 due to the engine number.
To ensure unambiguous identification of a cylinder block replaced in Aftersales, first the engine identification, such as e.g. "X 25 XE", and the engine number read off from the replaced cylinder block must be transferred onto the flattened area on the transmission side of the new cylinder block (1).
Then, a large "R" (2) must be embossed at a distance from the engine number. This "R" (Replaced) represents the cylinder block replaced in Aftersales from MY '99 and later.
On installation of a short-block, the engine number must be embossed in the cylinder block before installation.