I've tried to search on the topic of reading the engine number on the OM603 engine in a 1987 300d, but have had no luck.

1. Does anyone have a good way to read the number? I can find the head number (unfortunately,it is the #14 head), but the engine number seems to be behind the intake manifold. Is there a trick to reading it that anyone can help me with?

2. In searching - how to combine terms like "engine number" rather than engine and number. It used to take AND between them, I thought, but that doesn't seem to work.

engine+number good luck

AFAIK the engine number is etched into a horizontal section of the block just aft of the cylinder head and/or a horizontal surface ahead of the IP. If you have no reason to believe the engine's been replaced, send me the VIN or take it to an MB dealer. The engine number can be determined from the VIN by the EPC or a VMI.

Sixto