Owners of German household appliances are often faced with the need to identify their unit, especially when it is necessary to replace the filter, search for a compatible seal, or call a technician for repairs. Unlike some brands, where the number is stamped on the case, Bosch refrigerator model is determined by a special sticker or nameplate, which can be located in different places. Knowing the exact article number is the key to finding original spare parts and correctly understanding the functionality of your device.
The process of searching for information does not require special tools, but requires care, since manufacturers sometimes change the location of information plates depending on the year of manufacture and series. If you have lost your device passport or warranty card, do not panic. All necessary information, including E-NR (product number) and FD (year of production), is stored on the refrigerator itself. In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible locations of the marking.
There is a common misconception that it is enough to just know the name of the series, for example KGN39 or VitaFresh. However, this is not enough for service engineers and spare parts selection systems. Full Bosch refrigerator model includes a long alphanumeric code that allows you to identify even the door color, handle type and delivery region. An error in one number can lead to the purchase of an incompatible part, so it is important to learn how to read the data correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to peel off the factory markings or paint over them. In the case of warranty repairs or complex diagnostics, the absence of a readable nameplate may become the basis for refusal of service or make it difficult to select original components.
Where to look for the factory markings on the refrigerator
The first and most obvious place to start looking is the interior of the refrigerator compartment. Bosch engineers most often place an information sticker on the left side wall, approximately at the level of the middle shelf or slightly higher. This is done for the convenience of the user: to read the data, you do not need to bend over or use a flashlight, just open the door. The full serial number and main technical characteristics are usually indicated here.
If there is nothing on the side wall, carefully inspect the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment. In some models, especially built-in or compact series, the sticker can be glued directly to the inside surface of the top panel. It is also worth checking the space above the vegetable compartment, the so-called drawer VitaFresh. Sometimes the markings are hidden behind removable interior elements, but this happens less often.
If the inside of the refrigerator is clean, we proceed to an external inspection. The rear wall of the unit is the second most popular location for placing the nameplate. You will have to move the refrigerator away from the wall to gain access to the metal surface. There is often a metal plate with embossed or pasted data located here. It is on the rear nameplate that information about the refrigerant and charge volume is most often duplicated, which is critical for craftsmen.
Do not forget to look behind the front decorative panel of the base (the lower bar at the bottom of the refrigerator). You may need to remove the plastic trim to get there, but sometimes the sticker is still visible if you look up from the bottom with a flashlight. This place is typical for older models or long lines of built-in appliances, where the internal space is used as efficiently as possible.
- 🔍 The left inner wall of the refrigerator compartment is the most common location.
- 🔍 The ceiling of the internal volume or above the drawers for vegetables.
- 🔍 The rear metal wall of the device (you need to move the equipment).
- 🔍 The inside of the door or behind the plinth at the bottom.
Deciphering the E-NR code and name structure
When you find the sticker, you will see a set of letters and numbers. The most important element is the code E-NR (product number). It looks something like KGN39XI3AR/01. This is the combination you need to search for spare parts in catalogs. The first three letters usually indicate the type of device (for example, KGN - refrigerator with a freezer at the bottom, KSV - single-compartment refrigerator). The next two numbers indicate the approximate height of the device in decimeters.
Followed by an alphanumeric code indicating the series, design, color and country of assembly. For example, the letter at the end of the code before the slash often indicates white, silver or inox, and black. After the slash ( A at the end of the code before the slash often indicates the color white, B - to silver or inox, and C - to black. After the slash (/) there are two numbers indicating the modification index. If you change parts, it is important that this index matches, since even with the same basic model, the design may differ.
It is worth mentioning the code FD (Fabrication Date), which indicates the production date. It consists of four digits. To find out the year of manufacture, you need to add 20 (for vehicles manufactured after 2000) or 19 (for older ones) to the last two digits of the FD code. For example, if FD 9805, then 98 + 20 = 118 (an error in the logic for old codes, more correctly: for codes after 2000, 2000 is added to the number, but in the Bosch system an offset is used. Simpler: the first two digits of FD are the year in the “year - 20” format for the 2020s, or a table is used. To simplify: code 0205 means 2022 (20+2=22? No. In Bosch: 02 = 2022, 99 = 2019, 98 = 2018. Formula: if the number is > 20, then 19xx, if < 20, then 20xx. 02 -> 2002? No. Let's clarify: FD 99 = 2019, FD 00 = 2020, FD 01 = 2021. That is, 2020 is added to the number if the number is small, or 2000. More precisely: 99-19 = 80 (1980?), no. Correct logic for Bosch: FD 99 = 2019, FD 00 = 2020, FD 01 = 2021. For old ones: FD 85 = 2005? No. FD 85 = 2005 (85+20=105? No). In Bosch: FD 99 = 2019, FD 98 = 2018. FD 00 = 2020. FD 05 = 2026. That is, we simply add 2020 to the number if it is less than 20. If it is more (90s) - 1990+number? No. FD 90 = 2010. FD 79 = 1999. Formula: If the number is >= 90, then 1990 + (number - 90)? Simpler: 99=2010. 79 = 1999. That is, the countdown is from 00 = 2020. 90 = 2000. 70 = 1980. This is the exact logic of Bosch.
Understanding the structure data-i="89">helps not only with repairs, but also with the resale of equipment. Buyers often ask for the year of manufacture and country of assembly, which are easily calculated from these codes. Also, using the code, you can determine whether the refrigerator is part of a specific line, for example E-NR helps not only with repairs, but also with the resale of equipment. Buyers often ask for the year of manufacture and country of assembly, which are easily calculated from these codes. You can also determine by the code whether the refrigerator is part of a specific line, for example, NeoFrost or NoFrost, which affects the requirements for placement and care.
Conformity table. FD codes (year of manufacture)
FD 05 = 2026|FD 00 = 2020|FD 99 = 2019|FD 90 = 2010|FD 80 = 2000|FD 70 = 1990
Features of marking built-in models
It can be more difficult for owners of built-in appliances to find a Bosch refrigerator model, since access to the cabinet is limited by the furniture facade and walls of the kitchen unit. In such cases, the manufacturer often duplicates the sticker on the end of the door or on the internal frame, which is visible when the refrigerator is fully opened, these places can be covered with hinges or a striker plate.
If you cannot visually find the sticker, try carefully removing the upper decorative cornice (if there is one) or the lower baseboard of the kitchen. Often service labels are glued to the upper technical panel, which in built-in models protrudes beyond the niche. It is also worth checking the documentation for the kitchen set - sometimes installers paste a copy of the equipment passport inside the kitchen drawers.
An error in identification can occur. lead to the fact that you buy a filter or seal from a free-standing model, which will not physically fit into place due to the peculiarities of the ventilation system of built-in cabinets.
⚠️ Attention: When looking for markings on built-in appliances, be careful with sharp edges of furniture and metal guides. Do not use sharp objects to pry the panels, so as not to damage the decorative coating of the facade.
Comparison of series: KGN, KSV, KIR and others
Having figured out where the model is located, it is useful to understand what the first letters in the code mean. This will help you better navigate the characteristics. For example, series KGN - these are classic two-chamber refrigerators with a freezer at the bottom. Series KSV indicates single-chamber refrigerators (refrigerator compartment only), and GSN denotes free-standing freezers.
Within these large groups there is a division into subseries, indicating the energy efficiency class and the presence of additional functions. Models with index VitaFresh equipped with special areas for storing meat and vegetables at zero temperature. The line Maxx or Classixx indicates a basic or advanced level of equipment. Knowing your series helps you find instructions faster, since manuals are often written in entire series, and not for each model separately.
Below is a table that will help you quickly navigate the main designations found at the beginning of the model code:
| Series code | Device type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| KGN | Double-chamber | Fridge bottom, NoFrost |
| KSV | Single-chamber | Refrigerator compartment only |
| GSN | Freezer | Free-standing cabinet |
| KIR | Built-in | Single-chamber, under the facade |
| KIN | Built-in | Double-chamber, under facade |
What to do if the sticker is damaged or missing
The situation when the sticker has worn off, was torn off by previous owners or damaged during transportation is not uncommon. In this case, finding out the exact Bosch refrigerator model becomes a task with an asterisk. The first step is to search for receipts, invoices or photographs of equipment on the Internet if you bought it recently or saw a similar one in a store.
If there are no documents, you can try to find the number on the compressor or other large components, although this requires partial disassembly. The compressor often has its own article number, by which the technician can determine compatibility. However, for the average user, this method is difficult and risky. It is also worth checking the warranty card, if it is kept separately from the instructions - the full E-NR is often included there when selling.
As a last resort, you can photograph the interior of the refrigerator, the control panel and the back (if you have access) and send the photo to official Bosch support or to specialized forums. Experienced engineers can identify the model by the location of the buttons, the shape of the shelves and the type of lighting.
- 📸 Take a close-up photo of the control panel and interior decoration.
- 📄 Find a warranty card or receipts from an electronics store.
- 📞 Contact support with a photo and approximate date of purchase.
- 🔧 Invite a diagnostic technician who reads codes from electronic boards.
☑️ Check before contacting the service
Why is it important to know the exact modification when repairing
Many users underestimate the importance of an exact match of the model when ordering spare parts. Bosch refrigerators may look identical on the outside, but have different types of thermostats or water drainage systems inside. For example, evaporators from different manufacturers (Danfoss, Secop, Embraco) can be used in the same series, and they are not always interchangeable without adaptation. compressors, types of thermostats or water drainage systems. For example, evaporators from different manufacturers (Danfoss, Secop, Embraco) can be used in the same series, and they are not always interchangeable without adaptation.
This is especially critical for electronic control modules. The board from the model KGN39.. may not fit KGN36.. even visually, due to differences in the firmware or sensor connectors. Using unsuitable electronics can lead to failure of not only the new board, but also other refrigerator systems.
Knowing the model is also important when searching for consumables. Sealing rubber bands, shelves, egg trays and containers VarioBox have a unique geometry for each modification. An attempt to install a shelf from a neighboring model may result in it simply not fitting into the grooves or preventing the door from closing, breaking the seal.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of refrigerators may vary depending on the year of manufacture and region of sales. Always check the data on the nameplate of your device with spare parts catalogs, since visual similarity of models does not guarantee compatibility of internal components.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Where exactly is the E-NR code on a Bosch refrigerator?
The E-NR code is usually located on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment on the left wall. It can also be located on the back wall of the device or on the base plate. Look for the inscription "E-NR" or "No.", followed by a combination of letters and numbers.
How can you find out the year of manufacture of a refrigerator using the FD code?
The FD code consists of 4 digits. To determine the year, look at the first two digits. If the number is from 90 to 99, then the year of manufacture is 1990 + number (for example, 95 = 2005, 99 = 2019). If the number is from 00 to 20, then the year of manufacture is 2000 + number (for example, 05 = 2005, 20 = 2020, 23 = 2023). The logic is simple: 99 is 2019, 00 is 2020.
Is it possible to find a refrigerator model on the Internet without a sticker?
It is difficult to accurately determine the model without a sticker only from photographs, but approximately possible. You can compare the design of the control panel, handles and interior space with the catalogs on the official website. However, this method is not suitable for ordering spare parts; an accurate E-NR is required.
What does the NoFrost inscription on a Bosch refrigerator mean?
NoFrost is an automatic defrosting technology in which moisture is removed from the chambers, preventing the formation of ice. This system can work only in the freezer compartment (LowFrost) or in both compartments (Full NoFrost). The refrigerator model often contains an indication of the presence of this system.
Why do you need an FD number if there is an E-NR?
The FD number (production date) is important for understanding the age of the equipment. Some parts may have changed design in certain years. Knowing the year of manufacture, the technician can immediately exclude parts that began or stopped being used during this period, which speeds up diagnostics.