Reading my ECM with VCDS:
Address 01: Engine Labels: 021-906-018-AFP.lbl
Part No: 021 906 018 M
Component: MOTRONIC ME7.1 G V04
Coding: 00031

Reading the same ECM with ME7check:
==============================================================================
me7check v1.12 (c) mki, 06/2004-05/2012
Checking file C:\...\021906018m_v04_00031.bin (size=524288)
Reading Version Strings...
-> Bootrom Version = embedded in CPU, asume 05.12/05.32
-> EPK = 44/1/ME7.1/120/6228.A5//F19lm/Dstm4g/190599/
-> Contents of ECUID data table:
   - '0261206486'         (SSECUHN)
   - '1037352315'         (SSECUSN)
   - '021906018M  '       (VAG part number)
   - 'V04 '               (VAG sw number)
   - ' MOTRONIC ME7.1     '   (engine id)
-> Contents of ECUID data table:
   - 'HW_MAN004'

-> No errors found. File is OK.   *********************

examining the file into a hex editor, looking specifically at lines "1_430x" & "1_56Cx" shows the ECM identification info, but without any "G" anywhere nearby.
The G can be found in more that just this version, Any ideas where the G is derived from? or why VCDS cares?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: 021-906-018-AFP.lbl
Part No: 021 906 018 M
Component: MOTRONIC ME7.1 G 6760
Coding: 00031
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: 021-906-018-AFP.lbl
Part No: 021 906 018 M
Component: MOTRONIC ME7.1 G V006
Coding: 00031
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: 021-906-018-AFP.lbl
Part No: 021 906 018 T
Component: MOTRONIC ME7.1 G 0003
Coding: 00031

ah. thanks phila_dot.
...and now I see that on this ross-tech article as well.
I ask because I recently flashed an image onto an ecm and suddenly there was an asterix before the G (*G)
maybe it's deactivated in the new flash?
or maybe not fully adapted yet?
I'll have to go back and check all coding elements.