Nissan Terrano - a popular crossover that replaced Nissan X-Trail in some regions. When buying a used car, registering with the traffic police or ordering spare parts, owners often need engine number. But finding it is not so easy: the manufacturer places markings in non-obvious places, and access to them can be difficult.

In this article - exact coordinates engine numbers on Terrano all generations (including restyled versions), unique photos with location, as well as instructions on how to decipher the code and avoid mistakes when taking readings. The material is relevant for gasoline (MR20DD, HR16DE) and diesel (K9K, R9M) modifications 2014–2023.

On which Terrano models do they look for the engine number?

The manufacturer produced Nissan Terrano in two generations, which are fundamentally different in design:

  • 🔧 Terrano R51 (2014–2020) - a full-fledged crossover on the platform Renault-Nissan CMF, analog Renault Koleos And X-Trail T32. Engines: MR20DD (2.0 l), K9K (1.5 dCi), R9M (1.6 dCi).
  • 🚗 Terrano T32 (2020–present) — rebranded Dacia Duster for CIS markets. Engines: HR16DE (1.6 l), K9K (1.5 dCi).

Important: engine number location on these models miscellaneous. For example, on R51 with motor MR20DD the marking is applied to the cylinder block on the right, and on T32 with HR16DE - on the front of the block under the intake manifold. Next, we will analyze each case separately.

📊 What engine is installed on your Terrano?
  • MR20DD (2.0 petrol)
  • HR16DE (1.6 petrol)
  • K9K (1.5 diesel)
  • R9M (1.6 diesel)
  • I don't know

Where is the engine number on the Nissan Terrano R51 (2014–2020)

On Terrano R51 The engine number is located depending on the type of power unit:

Engine Room location Photo/diagram Difficulty of access
MR20DD (2.0 petrol) Right side of engine block (passenger side), under exhaust manifold 📷 [Photo 1] Medium (requires speculum or endoscope)
K9K (1.5 dCi) Left side of the block (driver's side), above the oil filter 📷 [Photo 2] High (need to remove protection)
R9M (1.6 dCi) Front of the block, under the high pressure fuel pump 📷 [Photo 3] Very high (requires dismantling of elements)

To access the number on MR20DD arm yourself enough flashlight and small mirror (for example, dental). The marking is a combination of 8–10 characters embossed on a metal pad. On diesel engines (K9K, R9M) you will have to remove the plastic engine cover and, possibly, part of the air duct.

💡

If the number is clogged with dirt, clean it WD-40 and a soft brush. Do not use metal tools - you may damage the markings!

Location of license plate on Terrano T32 (2020–present)

Terrano T32 - it's turned over Dacia Duster, so the location of the engine number here is identical to the Romanian crossover:

  • 🔍 HR16DE (1.6 petrol): number stamped on front of the cylinder block, under the intake manifold. Visible only when the decorative cover is removed.
  • 🛢️ K9K (1.5 dCi): The marking is on left side of the block, next to the oil filter. Access is difficult due to the turbine.

Feature T32: engine number is often here duplicated on the plate under the hood (next to VIN). However, for official procedures (for example, registration with the traffic police) it is required original markings on the block.

Why may the number be missing on the block on T32?

On some batches of cars (especially 2020-2021), the number was applied only to a plate under the hood. This is not a defect, but it may raise questions when registering. In such cases, a certificate from the dealer or an examination is required.

How to decipher the Nissan Terrano engine number

Engine number on Terrano consists of two parts:

  1. Model prefix (3–4 characters) - indicates the motor series (for example, MR20 for MR20DD).
  2. Unique serial number (6–8 characters) — individual unit code.

Example decoding for a number MR20-123456:

  • 🔢 MR20 — engine series (2.0 l, gasoline, 16 valves).
  • 🔢 123456 — serial number, by which you can find out the production date of the motor.

To verify the authenticity of the number, use Nissan database (through a dealer) or services like vinformer.su. Please note: on diesel engines (K9K, R9M) prefix can contain a letter K or R, which indicates the manufacturer (Renault).

💡

If the number prefix does not match the engine model in the vehicle title, this may indicate that the engine has been replaced. Expertise will be required for legalization.

Step-by-step instructions: how to find and read the number

To avoid mistakes when searching for a number, follow this algorithm:

☑️ Preparing to search for engine number

Done: 0 / 4

  1. Open the hood and secure it. On Terrano R51 remove the plastic engine cover (it is secured with 4 latches).

  2. For MR20DD: Light the right side of the block (passenger side) and look for the area with embossed symbols under the exhaust manifold. Use a mirror to see the number from an angle.

  3. For K9K/R9M: Remove the air duct and inspect the left side of the unit (driver's side). On diesel engines, the number is often hidden under a layer of oil - clean it WD-40.

  4. Take a photo of the number from different angles. In poor lighting, use the macro mode on your smartphone.

  5. Check the number with the data in PTS or STS. If there are discrepancies, contact your dealer to check.

💡

On some Terrano number is duplicated on metal tag, secured to the block with a bolt. If the main marking is erased, check the tag!

Common problems and how to avoid them

Owners Terrano often encounter the following difficulties:

⚠️ Attention: On diesel engines (K9K, R9M) the room can be covered with a heat-insulating screen. Do not try to rip it off - carefully bend the fasteners.
  • 🔦 Poor visibility: Use an endoscope (flexible camera) to look at hard-to-reach areas. Cost - from 500 rubles.
  • 🧹 Contaminated markings: clear the room only by gentle means (For example, Liqui Moly Entfetter). Abrasives will damage the metal.
  • 🔧 Number missing: on some contract motors the markings are erased. In this case, an examination certificate will be required.

If you are buying used Terrano, be sure to check:

  • 📄 Match engine number in PTS and on the block.
  • 🔍 The presence of traces of intervention (welding seams, fresh paint) - this may indicate a motor replacement.
💡

There are “rebuilt” engines with fake numbers on the market. To avoid problems, check your car history through Autocode or CarVertical.

What to do if the number is erased or missing

If the engine number is Terrano unreadable or missing, the algorithm of actions depends on the situation:

Problem Solution Cost/time
The number is painted over or erased Contact the service to restore markings using chemical etching RUB 2,000–5,000, 1–2 days
No number (contract engine) Pass an examination in an accredited laboratory to obtain a certificate RUB 5,000–10,000, 3–5 days
Discrepancy from PTS Submit an application to the traffic police for data verification or re-registration 1,500–3,000 rub. (state duty)

To restore your number in official services Nissan use the method electrochemical etching. The procedure takes about 2 hours and allows you to identify even heavily corroded symbols. If the engine is replaced, you will need:

  1. Examination report on the correspondence of body and engine numbers.
  2. Certificate from the dealer about the origin of the unit (for contract engines).
⚠️ Attention: Independent “restoration” of a number (for example, knocking out new characters) is classified as counterfeiting and is punishable under Art. 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Terrano engine number

Is it possible to find out the engine number by VIN?

No, VIN and engine number are different data. However, you can find out by VIN motor model (For example, MR20DD), which will help narrow the search area for the number. Use services to decrypt VIN vindecoderz.com or vinformer.su.

What to do if the engine number does not match the title?

A discrepancy could mean:

  • A typo in documents (this can be resolved by re-registration with the traffic police).
  • Engine replacement without registration (examination and legalization required).

First check the number with the data in STS And traffic police database (via traffic police.rf). If the error is confirmed, contact the MREO with a request to make changes.

Do I need to remove the engine to see the number?

No, on Terrano The number is visible without dismantling, but you may need:

  • Removal decorative cover (on R51).
  • Dismantling air duct or protection (on T32 with diesel).

In 90% of cases, a flashlight and a mirror are enough. If the number is hidden under the manifold, use an endoscope.

Is it possible to drive if the engine number is erased?

Technically yes, but:

  • 🚨 When stopped by the traffic police, problems may arise (up to a fine for non-compliance of documents).
  • 📝 When selling a car, an examination certificate will be required.

We recommend restoring the number at a certified center or legalizing the replacement of the engine.

Where else can I find the engine number other than the block?

On Terrano duplicate markings can be:

  • 📋 On sign under the hood (next to VIN).
  • 📄 B service book (if the car was serviced at a dealer).
  • 🖥️ B dealer electronic database (by VIN).

However, for official procedures (traffic police, customs) it is required original markings on the block.