How to decode OEM VW and Audi part numbers

Introduction

Part numbers can be found through ETKA (ekta is something else), the electronic parts number
catalog for Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG). Only dealers have an official legal copy of ETKA.
You can purchase access to an online ETKA from its publishers but there are free older ETKA
online catalogs out there as well to find the part numbers you want. In addition to VW, VAG's
ETKA includes Audi, Skoda, SEAT, and Lamborghini because they share many components.
Porsche uses their own, but similar, part numbering system. Understanding VAG part numbers
will quickly let you cross reference parts across models.

For example, the part number "058 133 843" is for an air filter that fits 04-05 VW Passat 2.0
TDI. However, it also fits 98-05 Passat 1.8T, 96-02 Audi A4 1.8T, 96-01 Audi A4 V6, and a
variety of other V6 and V8 Passat and Audi Allroad, S4, and S6. This gives some insight into the
myth of high performance air filters. If the 138 hp TDI engine uses the same air filter as the V6
twin turbo Audi S4 and V8 Audi S6, I'll bet it can flow enough air for the TDI engine to
accommodate any performance modifications. See 1000q: basic performance upgrades - chip
tuning for the basic steps in increasing power of a TDI.

Many dealers don't give out part numbers because if you're asking for them they know you might
try to find the part cheaper online. Some parts departments will give frequent customer discounts
or be cheaper on large bulky items so there are reasons to shop at the dealer vs. online other than
convenience. However, I've also found markup of 200-300% on a few small parts at the local
dealer vs. an online dealer. When ordering parts online that may have not been original to your
car (like when retrofitting OEM parts or modifying parts) from a dealer, be careful when giving
them your VIN number because it could be rejected as not equipped on your car. If this happens,
you may get the part equipped on your car instead of the retrofit part you ordered. This is done to
prevent ordering mistakes. To prevent this, make sure the order has a note that you are modifying
something. This shouldn't apply to OEM parts ordered through an independent, non dealership
seller.

Except for hardware like bolts, all modern VW and Audi parts have a part number printed or
stamped somewhere on them. They're not always visible unless you flip the part over and if
they're printed, they can be rubbed off. Here's an example of the part number for the OEM
coolant block heater on an Audi A3 TDI. Because it's on the handle the number could be rubbed
off through use.

Generic OEM suppliers

You may also see other part numbers on the part that don't look like VW numbers. These are
from the suppliers who build the component. For example, VW doesn't build radios, filters, or
timing belts. These are purchased from companies like Blaupunkt, Bosch, or Mann. In those
cases you can buy the exact same part for less, retail, than the OEM VW part because it didn't
come in a VW box. VW and Audi part numbers will always look like the groupings found on
this page.
Understanding Audi and VW part numbers
The modern Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG) part numbering system is organized into 5 possible
sets of letters and numbers. Part numbers are normally in sets of 3: 058 133 843 (the air filter
mentioned earlier) but sometimes they come in sets of up to 5 like this: 3d0 601 025 p 8z8. The 5
set is just 3 set with 2 optional codes so I'll use that as an example. It's a 19" alloy wheel model
"omanyt" off a VW Phaeton. I try to type the part number letters in lower case so that it's harder
to confuse 0 and O, 8 from B, and so forth. One exception is L: the lower case l and 1 are too
similar.

# 3d0 601 025 p 8z8

Set1 3d0
The first two digits are the specific model (chassis code) the part goes on. Sometimes it's for a
specific engine or transmission and sometimes these parts are shared across models. The chassis
code can be found in the 7th and 8th digit of the car VIN. In this example 3d means it's from a
VW Phaeton. The chassis codes can be found at the bottom of the page (they take up too much
space here. The third digit shows if the part is different on left hand drive cars (LHD) or right
hand drive cars (RHD). If it's 0 there's no difference. If it's 1 it's for LHD and if it's 2 it's for
RHD. In this example wheels can go on both sides so it's 0.

Set2 601
The fourth digit is the main group. This corresponds to what ETKA section and illustration you
can find the part in. In this example it's a wheel so the main group is 6: Wheels, Brakes (shown
below in the ETKA screenshot). (Dealer accessory wheels are considered extras so they're found
in main group 0.) The main groups are:
1 – engine, clutch (ie, turbo, timing belt, air/fuel filters)
2 – gastank and pipelines, exhaust system, heater
3 – transmission
4 – front axle, differential, steering (ie., front suspension)
5 – rear axle
6 – wheels, brakes
7 – hand and footlevers, safety covers (ie., pedals and shifter)
8 – body
9 – electrical systems (ie., v-belt, starter, ignition, instrument cluster)
0 – extras (ie., optional parts, radio, and optional wheels)

The fifth and sixth digit are the subgroup. At the top of the screenshot you can see "SG" for
subgroup 01. In this example, main group 6's subgroup 01 is wheels. This is also shown in the
column of labeled "MG, SG, Ill-NO." on the right. There are too many to list but as another
example, main group 6's subgroup 15 is disc brake. 98 is always repair kits.
Set3 025
Digits seven, eight, and nine are random numbers.

Set4 p
This is a version or revision code. In this example it's "p". If it's included it's usually one or two
letters. Sometimes a revised part comes out or it's slightly different on models with different
engines. A newer version doesn't mean the old version isn't the newest one that will work on
your car. They will use a, b, c., etc., but also skip letters. Sometimes they name them aa, ab, ac,
etc. Usually the newer part has a later letter. If it's "x" it means the part is rebuilt.

Set5 8z8
This is a color code. In this example the wheel is 8z8 or "brilliant silver". If it's included it can be
a mix of letters or numbers. This is often found on interior trim and seats since there are so many
color combinations. "gru" always means means primered or ready to paint.

Have any question about the part numbering system for VAG cars? Do you see an error? Did
you think ETKA was ekta? You can search the site for more or ask in the discussion forums
here: myturbodiesel.com forums
VAG chassis codes
Here are the chassis codes that are the first two digits of set1.

Audi chassis codes

model chassis codes year or generation
80 8c .
100 44 .
200 44 .
A2 8z .
A3 8L .
A3 8p .
A4 or S4 8d 1
A4 or S4 8e or 8h 2 or 3
A4 8k 4
A4 convert 8g .
A4 cabriolet 8h .
A5 8k .
A6 4a .
A6 4b .
A6 4f .
A8 4d .
A8 4e .
Q7 4L .
S2 4c .
S3 8L .
TT 8n 1
TT 8j 2
Volkswagen chassis codes
Model chassis codes year or generation
Beetle 1c .
Beetle 9c .
Bora 1j .
Caddy 2k .
Corrado 50 or 60 .
Golf or Jetta 1j 2
Golf or Jetta 1h 3
Golf or Jetta 1j 4
Golf plus 5m .
Golf 1k 2004/06-2009
Golf 5k 2010-2013/15
Jetta 1k 2005-2010
Jetta 16 2011+
Lupo 6x .
Passat 35 3
Passat 3a 4
Passat 3b 1998-2005
Passat 3c 2006-2010
Phaeton 3d .
Polo 6n 3
Polo 9n 4
Sharan 7m .
Touarn 1t .
Touareg 7L .
Transporter 70 T1
Transporter 7d T2
Transporter 7h T3
Seat and Skoda chassis codes
Model chassis codes year or generation
Alhambra 7m .
Altea 5p .
Arosa 6h .
Cordoba 6k .
Cordoba 6L .
Fabia 6y .
Felicia 6u .
Ibizia 6k .
Ibizia 6L .
Inca 9k .
Leon 1m 1
Leon 1p 2
Octavia 1u 1
Octavia 1z 2
Superb 3u .
Toledo 1L .
Toledo 1m .
Toledo 1p .