Dr. Ferdinand Porsche developed the part numbering system for Volkswagen and Audi in the early 1930s. The original Beetle and the founding of Porsche are Ferdinand Porsche’s most well-known accomplishments. Many VWAG vehicles, including VW, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Seat, and Skoda, employ this part numbering scheme. While the part number first merely appears to be a long string of numbers. We’ll demonstrate to you that they are much more than that.
Please be aware that even though the information you read is true, each of these regulations has changes because many of the parts are used by many models and engines. The listed guidelines should be followed more frequently than not, but not ALWAYS.
In light of this, VW part numbers will never begin with the letter O. (recently there have been a few exceptions but you can ignore them). You ought to utilize 0 as your reference point. A VW or Audi parts expert may frequently say “One J O” instead of “1J0” when reciting a part number. They mean the number 0 when they say something that sounds like the letter O. We may now go on to the part number now that that is out of the way.
9 digits make up the majority of the VW part number. 3 groups of 3 IE make up this ( XXX XXX XXX ). The groups in the figure below each have a distinct meaning, as you can see. The first set of three numbers indicates the type of engine or vehicle to which the part is applicable. There are two portions for the second trio. The Main group in the trio is represented by the first number, and the Sub group by the second and third numbers. The third group indicates where the part is located on the car.
The engine or model that this trio of numbers corresponds to is the one that the component would typically fit. The more popular numbers are mentioned here, along with the situations under which they apply.
Although the information above typically applies to the models or engines indicated, certain VW models share parts, thus there may be exceptions.
The main group and subgroup both refer to the second group of three. The major group of the three-digit number is the first digit. This lets you know which vehicle system the part will be in. The subgroup is the second two digits. Where the pieces are located inside the main group is indicated by the subgroup.
Main Group: Identifies the system in the car where the part is located. They are numbered 0 to 9.
- Engine
- Air Conditioning, Exhaust, and Fuel Tank
- Transmission
- Front Suspension, Differential, Axle, and Steering
- Axle, Differential, and Rear Suspension
- Wheels and Brakes
- Shifter, Pedals, and E-Brake
- Body
- Electrical
- adornments, a radio, a jack, and tools
There are far too many of them to name, but I’ll provide a few examples of where the subgroup identifies where the portion sits inside the main group.
Example 1: The 07K-103-469-L valve cover for the MK5 Jetta 2.5 engine. The subgroup “03” is under the main group “1 for Engine.” within a group “03 contains a lot of components pertaining to the cylinder head and engine block. The oil pan, engine block, valve cover, valve cover gasket, oil cap, and many other components are included in this.
Timing Chain Adjuster for 2.5 07K-109-083-F, Example 2. The subgroup is “09,” while the primary group is “1 for Engine.” When grouping “You can find all timing-related elements in position 9. Every VW engine has this characteristic. All timing belts, chains, tensioners, or guides fall under this category. There will be time components in “109.
Water Pump for 2.5 07K-121-011-B Example 3 The subgroup “21” is under the main group “1 for Engine. When grouping “21 contains every component connected to the cooling system. This includes the radiators, mounting components for these parts, the water pump, cooling system hoses, thermostats, coolant housings, and radiators.
Example 42.0T TSI Fuel Injector 06H-906-036-P The subgroup “06” is under the main group “9 for Engine.” The fuel injector is an engine-related component, but as it is electrical, it will be included in the major group “9. The majority of electrical engine components conform to this. The majority of the sensors in main group “9subgroup “06 pertain to the engine. This includes sensors for oxygen, mass air flow, the crank and cam, among many others.
A good example is the MK5 Jetta’s 1K4-959-857-B-REH window switches. The subgroup “59 is under the main group “9 for Engine. When grouping “Numerous interior electrical switches can be found in room 59. This comprises window switches, window motors, and fuel door switches in addition to the trunk switch.
The location of the item on the vehicle is indicated by the third group of three numerals. Vehicles towards the back will have higher numbers than those in the front. The final digit in this trio of numbers is the most significant one. You can use this to determine which side of the car the object is on (this only refers to body related items engine parts do not apply to this rule)
The driver’s (left) side of the car is always referred to in parts with odd number endings. The item is for the driver side if your part number’s ninth digit is 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9.
Therefore, the Passenger (Right) side of the car is referred to by those elements that end in an even number. Therefore, the item is for the driver side if your part number’s ninth digit is 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.
MK6 Jetta Drivers(Left) Front Fender Example 1 5C6-821-105 Due to the odd number at the end, 5, this item must be for the driver’s side.
MK6 Jetta passenger(right) front fender, example 2 (5C6-821-106). Given that it concludes with the even number six, this item must be for the passenger side.
Not all parts will have this because the modification code is only applied when necessary. It will be displayed following the initial group of 9 digits. When two sections that share a 9-digit base have a different feature, the modification code is applied. These variations could result from a change in design, material, or supplier.
Illustration 106H-905-115-B This 2.0T ignition coil is the most recent model. A part number supersession or alteration resulted from a quality fault with the preceding version. 06H-905-115-A was the previous component number assigned. In this instance, A became B.
Examples of TDI fuel filters include 21K0-127-434-A and 1K0-127-434-B. The B does not take the position of the A in this scenario. They each have a unique part number and two distinct applications.
Typically, both interior and exterior trim will have this. This will reveal the item’s color. Although not all parts have this, most interior or exterior parts do. If you have a part number for an interior trim that you are having trouble identifying, you might be missing this. These will always be 3 digits.
In This Article...
What is the location of my OEM number?
We have compiled a short list of responses to any inquiries you could have in order to assist you if you have any questions concerning the OEM number.
What is an OEM number?
Original Manufacturer Number is referred to as OEM. If the spare component is an OEM, it signifies that it is the exact same spare part that the make’s manufacturer uses in all of its new cars. In other words, it is a quality indicator that shows that the manufacturer has authorized the spare component and believes it to be the best option for the car.
Where do I find the OEM number?
On all of the vehicle’s replacement parts, you can typically find the OEM number. However, if the spare component is dusty, it could be difficult to see the number, and if the spare part is still placed in the automobile, the number might even be hidden.
The easiest way to ensure that you can read the OEM number of the spare component, which you will need in order to purchase a new part, is to remove the part from the vehicle.
Where do I find the OEM number in my car?
Showing you where to locate the OEM number in your car is the simplest method, but be aware that it may differ depending on the manufacturer. You can also ask your mechanic or garage for assistance if you need any assistance locating the number.
Why is the OE number so important?
The OE number is significant because you use it to find compatible replacement parts for your car. You may be certain that the replacement component will also fit your car if the OE number of the new part and the OE number of your damaged spare part match identically.
The OE number is also significant since it ensures that the original equipment manufacturer of the vehicle has certified the quality of the spare part.
A part number for an Audi contains how many characters?
There are always nine (9) characters in the fundamental part number structure. To denote particular part properties like color or design variants, additional suffix characters are frequently used. If a part number contains one or more of the additional characters, it may be up to fourteen (14) characters long. Despite the fact that some part numberslike 4D0853684K3FZare written without spaces It’s easier to visualize it as five (5) character groups: 4D0 853 684 K 3FZ. The explanation of how the five groups of numbers are constructed is provided below.
The First Set: Model, Engine, Transmission Code
The vehicle type, engine, or gearbox for which the item was developed are often identified by the first three characters. It could be made up of both letters and numerals. 4D0 in this instance denotes an Audi A8 from 1997. (D2 chassis). Each engine, transmission, body style variation, and model has a unique first three-character part number code. The first three digits do not limit the item to only that model since many parts can be used on multiple models.
Another illustration is the oil filter with the part number 06A 115 561 B. This type of oil filter might fit several other models. Therefore, in this instance, the first three digits, 06A, refer to the engine for which the oil filter was initially developed rather than a specific model.
Each model, variation in body style, engine, and transmission has a unique three-character code. Despite the list’s length, a few instances help illustrate the system:
- 857 = Original or Urquattro Audi Quattro
- 034 = Inline 5-cylinder engines like the MC1, 3B, or AAN
- Audi A4 1996-2000.5, 8D0 (B5 chassis)
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, code 0C8
- On the TT quattro, the rear differential is a Haldex.
Main Group
The part is identified as belonging to one of 10 Main Groups by the first digit of the second group of three characters. Once you are aware of these, you can quickly determine what kind of system or component the element is a part of.
- Tank, lines, heater, and exhaust
- steering, differential, and front axle
- Suspension in back
- Brakes and wheels
- Levers/Pedals for the hands and feet, safety covers
- Interior trim and body parts
- Systems and Electrical Equipment
- Accessories (Jacks, Tools, Stickers, and Radio Equipment)
According to this reasoning, the fourth position of the component numbers for all Body parts is 8.
Subgroup
Within a Main Group, the following two characters designate Subgroups of pieces. For instance, there are Subgroups for subsystems like bumpers (807), fenders (821), front and rear doors (831 and 833), front seats (881), and so on in Main Group 8 for Body parts.
The subgroup identification in our case indicates that this component belongs to main group 8, or “moldings, grilles, and emblems,” section 53. (853).
Repair Kits
The components required to do a given repair are included in a repair kit (a brake pad set, carburetor set, or a brake cylinder repair kit). For instance, since brake pads are always replaced in sets, they are always sold in sets. A repair kit part number’s middle three digits can be used to identify it, as seen in the accompanying illustration:
This illustration represents a set of brake pads for an Audi A4 (B6/B7 chassis), 2002 to 2008. When the fifth and sixth digits of the part number sequencethe Subgroupare 98, the component is a repair kit. All Main Groups 110 fall within the Subgroup 98.
The Third Set: The Part Number
The last three digits of the part number serve to identify the actual part inside a Subgroup. There are no letters in this set; only numbers.
The numbers aren’t just sequential, though. The third set of guidelines are as follows:
Major Assemblies start out with a 0
Engine 06J 100 033 T
2. The last number in the actual part number sequence is either an even or an odd digit, depending on whether the part is available in a left- or a right-side form. A right-side part is typically indicated by an even digit, and a left-side part by an odd digit. Parts that might be utilized on either side typically carry an odd digit, which is an alternative to the even/odd designation:
- In the left side part, 5N0 821
- the right side part of 5N0 821
3. For a group of parts, the lower number corresponds to the front of the vehicle, and the larger number corresponds to the rear:
- Front Muffler 357 253 209
- Rear Muffler: 357 253 609
4. The larger the part is in any set of parts that make up a system, the lower the number:
- Dashboard for 1Q1 857 001 AD 81X.
- Clamp 1K0 857 117 B
5. The larger the part in any component build-up, the lower the number:
- Engine 06A 100 098 CX
- 105 TX Short Block 06A 100
Important: Left, right, front, or rear is always decided from the driver’s seat facing forward when arranging part positions on a vehicle.
The Fourth Set: Modification Codes
Sometimes, components are replaced or adjusted (different design, different supplier, and different materials). A modification letter is appended to the nine-digit base part number of a changed part.
In our illustration, the updated component number with the letter K designates the fog light grille. Even though they share the same base part number, apart from the letter modification, part numbers with modification letters may or may not interchange with earlier parts because of the modification. The modification letter or letters, which can appear in the part number’s tenth or tenth and eleventh positions, can also denote a distinct version of the component.
Normally, there is only one modification designation or letter, but a part that is frequently modified could have two. Additionally, the number of changes or versions usually corresponds to the alphabetical order of the modification letter. After receiving a part number, a part may potentially be altered prior to being manufactured at the plant. Then, it starts off with a modification code.
Re-Manufactured Parts
A part that has been “rebuilt” or “reconditioned” is very different from one that has been “remanufactured.” Re-manufacturing is a comprehensive process that restores a component to its original condition, sometimes even improving it thanks to technological advancements made since the component was first created. In some cases, this results in a component that is technically superior to the original design.
Remanufactured parts have part numbers that are comparable to those of the majority of other parts. The normal model, main/subgroup, and part designations are displayed by their nine numbers. They might also have letters of amendment. But in the part number, the letter X always appears as the 11th digit. Here’s an illustration:
The Fifth Set: Color Code
The 12th through 14th positions of some part numbers have a color code. The fog light grille in our illustration is made of “3FZ” or “Textured Satin Black Plastic.
If it is, it may be a combination of letters and numerals. There are so many color combinations that this is frequently encountered on interior trim and seats. GRU denotes something that is either primed or painted. The following are a few typical instances of color codes:
- 01C = Plastic in Satin Black
- Beige, 5A2
- Rubberized Black Plastic = 5PR
- 1H7 = Painted Silver
- Maritime Blue = 6PJ