How to determine the year of manufacture of a Bosch washing machine?

The need to find out the year of manufacture of a Bosch washing machine often arises several years after purchasing the appliance. By then, the technical data is lost, the data is forgotten, and the information on the casing is irretrievably erased. The only hope left is the FD number. The manufacturer uses the FD number to encrypt information about the machine's production and assembly. To find the manufacturing date, factory code, and other important details, simply read the combination correctly.

Deciphering the FD number

FD is an abbreviation for "Factory Date." The number is a combination of four digits that indicate the decade, year, and month of manufacture of the washing machine model. More specifically, the numbers are coded as follows:

• the first digit reflects the decade (possible options are 0 and 5-9, where “9” refers to the years from 2010 to 2019, “0” refers to the years from 2020 to 2029, “8” refers to the years from 2000 to 2009, “7” refers to 1990-1999, “6” refers to 1980-1989, and “5” refers to 1970-1979);
• the second digit is the year in the decade (if “3”, then the third, etc.);
• The two outermost digits are the month of the year (for example, “08” means that the washing machine was produced in August).

The FD number contains the washing machine's production date – month, year and decade.

Accordingly, the Bosch washing machine with FD number 8412 was released from the factory in December 2009, and the machine with FD number 9809 – in September 2018. The factory code of the newest equipment will start with “0”, while the oldest ones will have “5” or “6” in front. In a similar way, you can determine the Factory Date for Siemens and Gaggenau washing machines.

Where can I find the FD number?

The FD number is indicated on an information sheet affixed to the back of the Bosch washing machine. Typically, the sticker is located in the upper center of the machine, though less commonly, it's positioned in the right corner. The assembly date and model serial number are also found on a sticker located on the inside of the machine's loading door. It's important that the information on both labels match exactly.

To determine the code, simply look at any sticker and find the letters "FD." Then, look for four more numbers next to it—this is the Factory Date.

The FD code should be distinguished from the model, product, and serial numbers of the equipment—these are different combinations. The first begins with "E-Nr." and typically consists of several Latin letters and numbers. It is typically required for obtaining information about the device and maintenance when contacting service centers. The second, or "Z-Nr.", is a six-digit sequence that can be deciphered as follows:

• the first digit is the assembly line code;
• The remaining five digits indicate the number of washing machines produced on the assembly line that month.

The serial number of a Bosch washing machine contains the factory and manufacturer code, year and month of production, as well as the serial number of the model on the assembly line and a checksum.

The serial number includes the FD code and Z-number, and also provides the user with the factory and manufacturer identifier and a checksum. This combination verifies the accuracy of the model information, providing additional protection against factory errors and counterfeiting. There are 18 digits in total, and their meaning is as follows:

• the first two digits are the individual plant code (for example, the Bosch plant in Poland has the code “41”, in the USA – “85”, and in Russia – “88”);
• the next three are the year and month of release;
• the next 7 numbers are the manufacturer’s internal code;
• then 5 digits – the washing machine number (which machine came off the assembly line);
• The last digit is a check digit (it is used to check the entire serial number).

You can find out your washing machine's production date not only from the technical data sheet but also from the FD code on the factory stickers. You can also find other information about the washing machine, from the country of manufacture to the assembly line number.

   

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