DVLA query -engine number on VIN plate?

[Fruit Loupe]

I have a query from the DVLA that the vin on the Mot and V5C don't match and they want front and rear number plates confirmed, engine number, vin from Mot, vin plate and V5C (which I am searching for as I haven't needed it for about 20 years). So why has this come up after about 20 years of Mots?

Problem a forum member can no doubt help on - where can I find the engine number on my e28 M5 engine. I know I have seen it years ago but I have failed to find it this morning.

keeping my fingers crossed that it wasn't a stolen vehicle when I bought it off ebay from Spain and a link has now been found - maybe I need to start finding out about Spainish law on such matters, let alone the international issues

having put a fair amount into the car I would be well pissed to have it recovered

[panhard65]

It is most likely the mot tester had fat fingers just check it against the V5 if it is ok just use the engine number off the V5 as well. I doubt they will ever check it and probably don't even want pictures of it. I had it with my old Hotchkiss the DVLA had it wrong on the V5 but the mot tester put the right number down and it was soon changed with no issues.

[Hooli]

I had it years ago on a LR where the chassis number didn't fit. I sent them pics etc and got a new V5 a few weeks later.

[Eddie Honda]

I had one of those letters years back.

Tester (correctly) examines car and records 17-digit VIN from vehicle. Recorded on the V5C was just the last 6 or 7 digits serial number part of the VIN.

Computer checks and says no. Letter spat out. Replied to. DVLA sends V5C out with untruncated VIN.

As already said, fat fingers: is a 1 recorded as I or O as 0?

[mercrocker]

Same thing with my Cowley VIN. Incorrect all its life - well that part of its life that was Swansea-documented. Nobody cared until its first online MOT when the pooter said "No". A human can look at 17 digits and spot a wrong'un but the computer thinks all 17 are wrong. Easily sorted but just unnecessary arse.

[paulplom]

I think it's a ringer. Give me the car and £200 and I'll 'dispose' of it for you.

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

The engine number is stamped on the block where the starter bolts on.

[Hooli]

If I recall right on mine it was an 'E' read as a '3' or the other way around

[Fruit Loupe]

thanks to all for their comments - makes me feel a bit less paranoid.

Thanks to RBJ pointing me in the direction of the engine number; I thought I had seen it years ago but seeing anything near the starter is basically impossible so it looks like I'll be taking the plenum off; should be ok as I had it off less than two years ago to get at the starter

[Fruit Loupe]

I think my wife must be right; I'm showing signs of some form of dementia one of which is becoming increasingly incompetent in thought and deed.

Possibly stupid me - there is a number on the VIN plate, one letter 4 numbers - is this the engine number?

At least removing the plenum to investigate above the starter has propmpted the renewal of some piping and has shown that there is still blood in quantity in my hand and fingers.