Locate the engine number on your Land Rover – whether from the VIN (8th character) or the physical stamp on the block. This guide covers all major models, from the classic Defender to the latest Ingenium-powered vehicles.
On most Land Rovers, the engine number is stamped on a machined pad on the engine block. The exact location varies by model and engine family, but we cover every common variant here. The VIN’s 8th character also encodes the engine code – use that to cross‑reference.
Full table of locations, common mistakes and verification steps below. If you still can't find it, our specialist network can help.
The table below lists where to find the engine number stamp on the block for each major Land Rover model and engine family. If you're unsure of your engine code, first identify it via the VIN (position 8) or refer to our Engine Code Decoder.
| Model / Chassis | Engine Family | Location of Engine Number Stamp | VIN Position 8 (Engine Code) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defender (L316) 1990–2006 | 200Tdi, 300Tdi, TD5 | Left side of block, below cylinder head, near the injector pump bracket | D (diesel) – see decoder for full mapping |
| Defender (L663) 2020–present | 204DTD, 204PT, AJ20D6 | Front left of block, above the oil filter housing (Ingenium) | Varies; 8th character gives specific code |
| Discovery 1 (L318) 1989–1998 | 200Tdi, 300Tdi, Rover V8 | Left side of block, just below the cylinder head (Tdi); V8: front of block near timing cover | D, E, etc. |
| Discovery 2 (L318) 1998–2004 | TD5, Rover V8 4.0/4.6 | TD5: left side of block, near the fuel filter; V8: front of block, passenger side | 10 for TD5, etc. |
| Discovery 3 (L319) 2004–2009 | 276DT (2.7 TDV6), 4.4 V8 | TDV6: left side of block, near the starter motor; V8: front of block, below water pump | D, B (V8) |
| Discovery 4 (L319) 2009–2016 | 306DT (3.0 SDV6), 5.0 V8 SC | SDV6: left side, above oil filter housing; V8: front block, passenger side | D (SDV6), P (V8) |
| Discovery 5 (L462) 2017–present | 204DTD, 306DT, AJ20D6 | Ingenium: front left of block; SDV6: left side, near starter | Varies |
| Range Rover L322 2002–2012 | TD6 (M57), 4.4 V8, 3.6 TDV8 | BMW TD6: left side, below intake; V8: front block; 3.6 TDV8: valley of the V8, under the manifold | D (diesel), B (petrol) |
| Range Rover L405 2012–2021 | 306DT, 448DT, 5.0 V8 SC | SDV6: left side; SDV8: front of block near oil cooler; V8: front block | D (diesel), P (petrol) |
| Range Rover Sport L320 2005–2013 | 276DT, 306DT, 368DT, 4.4 V8 | TDV6: left side; TDV8: valley; V8: front | D, B |
| Range Rover Sport L494 2013–2022 | 306DT, 448DT, 5.0 V8 SC | Same as L405 | D, P |
| Evoque (L538) 2011–2018 | 204DTD, 224DT, Si4 | Ingenium: front left of block; 2.2 Duratorq: left side near starter | Varies |
| Evoque (L551) 2019–present | 204DTD, 204PT | Front left of block (Ingenium) | Varies |
| Velar (L560) 2017–present | 204DTD, 204PT, 306DT | Front left of block (Ingenium); left side for V6 | Varies |
Locations are approximate and may vary by market and production year. For definitive guidance, consult the workshop manual for your specific chassis and engine code.
The engine number is not the same as the VIN engine code. The engine number is a unique serial number assigned to each individual engine, while the VIN position 8 gives the engine family (e.g., 204DTD). The full engine number typically starts with the engine code prefix, followed by a serial number.
On many modern Land Rovers, the engine number is also printed on a sticker or label under the bonnet – but the block stamp is the definitive reference. Always use the stamped number for official purposes (e.g., registration, parts ordering).
Some engines (e.g., Ford‑sourced 2.2 Duratorq in Freelander 2) may have the number in a different position – always check the specific engine family guide. Our Engine Code Decoder can help you confirm which family you have.
Once you've found the stamped number, use a flashlight and a piece of paper and pencil to take a rubbing if the digits are difficult to read. Write down the full number – it should start with a letter code (e.g., "10" for TD5, "D" for some Ingenium variants) followed by a series of digits.
Cross‑reference the prefix with our Engine Code Decoder to confirm the engine family. You can also check the 8th character of the VIN – it should match the family code you see on the stamp (e.g., if the VIN 8th is "D", the stamp should begin with a "D" or the corresponding code for that engine).
If you cannot find the stamp, or if it's worn, a Land Rover specialist can use the VIN to retrieve the original engine number from the manufacturer's database. Our network of 12 vetted JLR specialists can assist – see our Specialist Vetting page for details.
On the TD5 engine, the number is stamped on the left side of the block (passenger side), below the cylinder head, near the fuel filter bracket. It typically starts with "10".
No. The VIN’s 8th character gives the engine code (e.g., 204DTD), while the engine number is a unique serial number stamped on the block. The engine number usually starts with the engine code prefix.
Try a rubbing with paper and pencil. If still unreadable, a specialist can use the VIN to look up the factory engine number, or you can use the VIN engine code as a fallback for parts identification.
Yes. Some early models (pre‑1990) have different locations. The table above covers the most common; for older vehicles, consult the workshop manual or a specialist.
Not directly. The registration plate does not contain the engine number. You need the VIN or the block stamp. Our Registration Lookup Tool can help you retrieve the VIN from the plate.
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If you've tried the table and the VIN but still can't locate the stamp, our specialist network can identify it for you from photos or the full vehicle history.
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