Engine Identification

Jaguar Engine Code Identification Guide

Which engine is in your Jaguar? Our complete guide covers every Jaguar engine code — where to find the engine number, how to read it, and how to confirm fitment before buying a replacement.

Jaguar engine identification guide featuring engine number location and key fitment details
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15+Jaguar Engine Codes
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50+Model Variants Covered
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15+Vetted Jaguar Specialists
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9,000+Real UK Enquiries

Your Jaguar's engine code is the single most important piece of information for ordering a replacement or confirming fitment. The code is stamped on the engine block and embedded in your VIN — and our guide shows you exactly how to find and read both.

Use our free registration lookup tool to confirm your engine instantly.

Jaguar Engine Code Guide — Full List

Every Jaguar engine code from the modern era, with model fitment and key identifiers.

Engine CodeTypeDisplacementModelsYears
AJ133V8 Petrol SC5.0LXF, XJ, F-Type, XK2009–2015
AJ126V6 Petrol SC3.0LXF, XJ, F-Type, F-Pace2012–2021
306DTV6 Diesel3.0LXF, XJ, F-Pace2010–2021
276DTV6 Diesel2.7LXF, XJ, S-Type2004–2010
AJ20D6Straight-6 Diesel3.0LXF, F-Pace, XJ2020–present
204DTD4-cyl Diesel2.0LXE, XF, F-Pace, E-Pace2015–present
204PT4-cyl Petrol2.0LXE, XF, F-Pace, E-Pace2015–present
224DT4-cyl Diesel2.2LX-Type, S-Type2004–2009
Duratorq 2.04-cyl Diesel2.0LX-Type2003–2009
AJ-V8V8 Petrol4.0L / 4.2LXK, XJ, S-Type1996–2009
AJ6 / AJ16Straight-6 Petrol3.6L / 4.0LXJ, XJS1986–1996
XK6Straight-6 Petrol2.8L / 3.4L / 3.8L / 4.2LXK, Mark 2, E-Type1948–1992
V12V12 Petrol5.3L / 6.0LXJS, XJ1971–1997
GTDi 2.04-cyl Petrol2.0LXF, XJ2011–2015

Not every engine code appears in every model year — use the full fitment matrix for detailed chassis-level coverage.

How to Identify Your Engine from the VIN

The 8th character of your Jaguar VIN is your engine code — once you know what to look for, it takes seconds to confirm.

Your Jaguar's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-character code that encodes everything about your car, including the engine. The 8th character — sometimes called the "engine code digit" — maps directly to a specific engine type. For example, an 8th character of 5 often indicates a 3.0 V6 diesel, while 8 might indicate a 5.0 V8. However, the exact mapping varies by model and year, so we've built a dedicated VIN Decoder tool that handles the complexity for you.

Example: VIN SAJWA1EN8G8V12345 — the 8th character is 8, which may indicate a 5.0 V8. Always confirm with our decoder, as multiple codes can share the same digit across different model years.

Engine Number Location

Where to find the engine number stamp on the block.

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V6 Petrol (AJ126)

Stamped on the cylinder block near the thermostat housing, visible from the top with the engine cover removed.

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V6 Diesel (306DT / 276DT)

Located on the left-hand side of the block, below the exhaust manifold — often requires a torch and mirror to read.

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4-Cyl Ingenium

Stamped on the front of the block, behind the alternator — visible from above on most models.

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V8 (AJ133 / AJ-V8)

Found on the rear of the block, near the bellhousing — often requires a mirror and good lighting.

For a detailed diagram per engine family, see our Engine Number Location Technical Reference.

Model-by-Model Engine Fitment

Every Jaguar model, its chassis code, and the engine codes you'll find under the bonnet.

This table is a summary — for full cross-generation coverage, see the complete fitment matrix.

Common Misidentifications

The mistakes that cost Jaguar owners time, money and the wrong engine delivery.

Pro tip: Use our free registration lookup — it pulls your exact engine code from the VIN in seconds, with zero risk of misreading a stamped number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Jaguar engine code?

You have three options: (1) The 8th character of your VIN is the engine code digit — use our VIN decoder to map it. (2) The engine number is stamped on the block; location varies by engine type, with a full guide above. (3) Our free registration lookup tool pulls your engine code instantly from the DVLA database.

Is the engine code the same as the engine number?

No. The engine code identifies the type (e.g., AJ126, 306DT), while the engine number is a unique serial number for your specific unit. The code is what you need for ordering a replacement or confirming fitment — the serial number is for vehicle registration and provenance.

Can I use the engine code to buy a replacement engine?

Absolutely — the engine code is the minimum required specification. However, you should also confirm the year and any revision markers, as some engines have pre- and post-revision variants (e.g., AJ133 timing chain tensioner was revised in 2013). Our specialist network uses the engine code plus model year to source the exact matching unit.

Why does the same model have different engine codes?

Jaguar regularly updates engines within a model lifecycle — for example, the XF X260 started with the 306DT V6 diesel and later switched to the AJ20D6 straight-six. Both are D300-badged but are mechanically unrelated. Always use the engine code, not the badge, to identify your engine.

My engine code isn't in the list above — what does that mean?

We've covered the most common Jaguar engines. If your code isn't listed, it may be a rare or older unit — please contact us and we'll add it to our reference database. Alternatively, check our full fitment matrix, which includes all Jaguar engines from the 1990s onward.

Verified DataEngine codes and fitment data cross-referenced from multiple independent sources.

15+ Vetted Jaguar SpecialistsEvery recommendation routes to a specialist who can verify your exact vehicle.

9,000+ Real EnquiriesOur data is built from genuine UK owner experiences, not speculation.

100% IndependentNo sponsors, no manufacturer influence — just honest ownership guidance.

Confirm Your Jaguar Engine Code in Seconds

Use our free registration lookup to identify your engine code, then compare quotes from our vetted specialist network.

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