cannot find engine number

I recently bought a 93 Ford Explorer in Germany and am trying to get it registered in Poland. BUT to register it here (unlike in Germany), they need the engine number. But no one has been able to find it!! The manual says that it should be on the left front side under the cylinder heads, but...nothing.

Some people said that it is possible that it just does not have one, but that leads me into some long and expensive paperwork to prove (don't you just love bureaucracy?!)

Anyone know about this--does it really NOT have one or is it hidden somewhere? Could a Ford dealer give me one (wishful thinking, I know)?

Thanks.

did you find the number? In america we use VIN numbers Vehicle identification numbers they are usually on a medal plate on the dash seen through the wind sheild. The original dealership might have it.

did you find the number? In america we use VIN numbers Vehicle identification numbers they are usually on a medal plate on the dash seen through the wind sheild. The original dealership might have it.

No, the VIN number is not the problem-- that I have. But there is actually a number on the engine block itself on most cars. In countries where the law is weak and a lot of illegal car business goes on, they require this number too to make sure it is the original engine and not one that is stolen. But in the end, my car didn't have one-- a big nuisance.