This blog attempts to explain the VW Group part number system. The system used dates back to the 1930s and the original designs created by Ferdinand Porsche. It may look scary, but once you learn the basics, you’ll find that the system is quite consistent and makes things easier to understand.
Part numbers and fitment information can be found through ETKA, the electronic parts number catalogue for VAG. Official legal copies of ETKA are expensive, and normally reserved for dealerships and high level parts suppliers. However, for about £30/month, independent users and businesses can purchase access to an online version, called partslink24, and search part numbers and place orders online. The subscription will also gives you the ability to identify the exact parts that are fitted to a specific vehicle by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Audi & VW Part Number Structure
The basic part number structure normally has nine characters. In many cases, additional suffix characters are added to indicate special part characteristics such as colour, design variations, etc. Even though sometimes part numbers are written without spaces, for example, 1K0805903JGRU - a Mk5 Golf Front Splitter / Spoiler. It helps to think of it as several groups of characters: 1K0 805 903 J GRU. The graphic below shows how the number is built and how to interpret the groups of numbers/letters.
Set 1: Model / Engine / Transmission Code
The first three characters normally indicate the vehicle type, engine, or transmission that the part was designed for. It can consist of letters and/or numbers. In this case, 1K0 indicates a Golf from ~2004 - 2008 (Mk5 chassis). All parts made for a specific model, body style variation, engine or transmission have the same first three-character part number code. Since many parts can be used on more than one model, the first three digits do not restrict the part to that model alone, normally just what is was initially fitted to.
As another example, part number 074 115 562 is an oil filter. An oil filter like this might fit some other models. So in this case the first three digits, 074, do not designate a particular model, but which engine the oil filter was first developed for.
Every individual model, body style variation, engine and transmission has its own three-character code. The list is extensive, but here are several examples:
- 038 = 4 Cylinder Diesel PD engines
- 1J0 = VW Golf 1999 - 2004 (Mk4 chassis)
- 0A5 = 6-Speed Manual Transmission mainly found in the T5 2.5 TDIs
- 0BY = Haldex rear differential found on the MQB Platform vehicles
Set 2: Main Group and Subgroup
Main Group
The first digit of the second group of three characters identifies the part as belonging to one of ten Main Groups. Once you know these, you’ll see at a glance the type of component or system the part belongs to.
Here are the identifying numbers for the ten Main Groups.
- Engine
- Fuel, Exhaust, Cooling
- Gearbox / Transmission
- Front Axle, Differential, Steering
- Rear Axle
- Wheels and Brakes
- Hand and Foot Levers, Pedals
- Body Parts and Interior Trim
- Electrical and Electrical Systems
- Accessories - Jacks, Tools, Stickers, and Radio Equipment etc
Using this system, the part we have is falls into the 'Body Parts and Interior Trim' category.
Subgroup
The next two characters identify Subgroups of parts within a Main Group. For example, in Main Group 8 for Body parts, there are Subgroups for subsystems such as front and rear bumpers (807), wings (821), doors (831 for front and 833 for rear), rear seats (885), and so on.
In our example the subgroup means that this part can be found in section 05 of main group 8, which is 'Bodywork Front Part' (805).
Repair Kits
A repair kit contains the parts needed for a specific repair (a brake pad set, cambelt / timing belt kit, or a hose repair set). Brake pads, for example, always come in axle sets, as they should always replaced this way. The middle three digits of a repair kit part number can help identify it, as shown in the following example:
This example is a brake pad set for an Amarok 2010 - 2018 (2H chassis). Whenever the Subgroup – the fifth and sixth digits of the part number sequence is 98, it means the part is a repair kit or set. The Subgroup 98 applies to all Main Groups 1–10. Bare in mind not all Kits / Sets have 98 in the part number. Another example:
This is a Cambelt / Timing Belt Repair Kit for the 1.9 and 2.0 8v PD Engines. This means the customer does not need to purchase each individual bolt, pulley and belt required to do the job in question.
Set 3: The Part Number
The actual part within a Subgroup is identified in the last three digits of the part number. This set is almost always numbers, no letters.
However, the numbers aren’t just sequential. Here are a few rules for the third set:
Major Assemblies begin with a Zero
- 038100036H - AWX 1.9 TDI Engine
- 0A8300043KX - GUC 6 Speed Gearbox as fitted to our Ibiza Race Car
If the part is available in a left or a right side version, the last number in the actual part number sequence is either an even or an odd digit. An even digit usually indicates a right-side part, and an odd digit usually indicates a left-side part. Parts that could be used on either side generally have an odd digit:
- 1K8 945 095 R - Left Side Rear Tail Light from a Scirocco R Line
- 1K8 945 096 R - Right Side Rear Tail Light from a Scirocco R Line
In part locations on a vehicle, left, right, front, or rear is always determined from the driver’s seat facing forward.
Set 4: Modification Codes
Parts are sometimes modified or changed (different design, different supplier, and different materials). If a part is modified, a modification letter is added to the nine-digit base part number.
In our example, the item is a 30th Edition GTI Front Splitter / Spoiler, and is designated by a modified part number shown with the letter 'J'. Part numbers with modification letters may or may not interchange with previous parts because of the modification, even though they share the same base part number, except for the letter modification. The modification letter or letters, which can be either in the 10th or in the 10th and 11th position of the part number, can also indicate a different version of the part. In this case, the part number ending 'H' is an ordinary GTI Splitter and 'A' is the base model Splitter.
Normally there is only one modification letter or designation, but a frequently modified part may have two letters. And the alphabetical sequence of the modification letter normally indicates how many modifications or versions have been made. A part may also be modified before manufacturing at the factory, after it has been assigned a part number. It then has a modification code from the start.
PLEASE be careful when checking compatibility of parts. Simply matching the first x number of digits is not sufficient to guarantee that a part will fit.
Re-manufactured or Exchange Parts
The part numbers of re-manufactured parts are similar to those for most other parts. They generally have the same part number as the brand new item, however, the letter X always occurs as the last digit in the part number. Here is an example:
Some parts are exceptions to the above rule. For example, PD Injectors. The ARL PD150 Injector part number is 038 130 073 AL , however the exchange part number is 038 130 079 BX, which can be quite confusing when trying to cross reference! Another example are Fuel Pumps:
059 130 755 N - New Unit
059 130 851 AX - Exchange Part
Exchange parts carry a Surcharge that is refunded when the old unit is returned to the dealer for credit. In most cases, the exchange part is less expensive than a new one once credited, but can be the same price or even more expensive if the core part is not returned. This is something to keep in mind when buying exchange parts, especially when overseas, as shipping costs and import duties also add up. Most dealers also impose a 30 day limit on credits for surcharges.
Set 5: Colour Code
Some part numbers have a colour code. which generally at the end of the part number. In our example, the splitter is 'GRU' or 'Primed'.
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 colour combinations. 'GRU' always means means primed or ready to paint. A few common examples of the colour codes are:
- 3FZ = Textured Satin Black Plastic
- Q70 = Light Beige
- U71 = Flannel Grey
- B41 = Black
- A9W = Carbon Steel Metallic
Some examples of these colours can be seen in the Armrest Clip Repair Kits in our shop. There are quite a few codes just for Black, some determining whether it is textured plastic, metallic, gloss, matte and other finishes.
Fluids and Hardware
Fluids and small hardware have numbers preceded by capital letters to help identify the type of material or application:
- G = Lubricants and coolant - For example G052171A2 is 02M / 02Q Gearbox Oil
- D, AKD, AMV = Sealing compounds and adhesives - AKD49701004 is a 10m long strip of sticky plastic strip for sealing bumper gaps
- B = Brake fluids and pastes - B000750M3 is 1L of Brake Fluid
- N = bolts, nuts, clamps, gaskets, etc. - N90200604 is an Inlet Manifold Bolt for the 1.9 and 2.0 8v PD Engines
Supersessions
Another concept to discuss are Supersessions. You may see it written as superseeded, superseded and other ways. Basically they are replacement parts. Generally a supersession will replace a part exactly. It may be an improved part (VW do not get it right first time either!) or just made by another manufacturer for some reason. In rare instances, a part is superseded by several other parts, so it is not a direct fit. This may be because a major issue is highlighted with the part, and simply replacing that item would not be sufficient to rectify the problem.
My favourite part for this is the Tandem Pump for the 8v PD Engines. It has a long list of supersessions:
038 145 209
038 145 209 A
038 145 209 C
038 145 209 E
038 145 209 H
038 145 209 K
038 145 209 N
038 145 209 M
038 145 209 Q
But when you look further into it, there is a tangled web, where some part numbers skip further down the list (depending what Engine Code or vehicle you are looking at), the Manufacturer changes from LuK, to Bosch, to Pierburg as well as the Rubber Seal changing to a Gasket. In this instance, the parts are completely interchangeable, but if you have a pump with a seal, you need a seal. If it has a gasket, you need a gasket.
Hopefully this information has helped you get your head around what looks like a complicated system, but is actually pretty well organised and methodical!
24 10 2018
FAQs
The 1st group of 3 numbers represents the mode of vehicle or engine the part applies to. The 2nd group of 3 is broken down into 2 sections the first number in the group of 3 is the Main group, and the 2nd 2 represent the sub group. The 3rd group represents the location of the part on the vehicle.
What does R stand for in Golf R? ›
R-Line/Golf R: What does the R stand for here? The quick answer is “racing.” The Golf R is a performance model, while R-Line options offer sportier styling that are meant to remind you of the track. Read More: What are Volkswagen R-Line trims?
What does Volkswagen stand for? ›
The word volkswagen means "People's car" in German. Its headquarters are in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony. It was started in the 1930s, at the request of the country's leader, Adolf Hitler, to produce a car designed by Ferdinand Porsche. Volkswagen. Type.
What do part numbers mean? ›
A part number (often abbreviated PN, P/N, part no., or part #) is an identifier of a particular part design or material used in a particular industry. Its purpose is to simplify reference to that item.
What does M mean in a part number? ›
M is the Roman numeral for thousand and MM is meant to convey one thousand-thousand — or million.
How do I find the right part number for my car? ›
How do I obtain the correct car part?
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) – this is a number that specifically relates to your car, and can be used to locate the right part. ...
- Part codes – on some occasions, the part itself will have a code, though you might need to dig through the dirt and grease to see it.
Any part numbering system uniquely identifies an item approved for a specific application. Accurate, consistent, unambiguous identification over the entire part lifecycle is essential for correct product assembly, testing and maintenance.
What does Golf TSI stand for? ›
The Volkswagen turbocharged stratified injected (TSI) engine is a lightweight, high-power, fuel-efficient four-cylinder traditional combustion engine. It is found in some form on most Volkswagen vehicles, such as the Atlas, Tiguan, and Passat.
What does TSI stand for? ›
TSI stands for “turbocharged stratified injection” and was inspired by the Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel and FSI direct fuel injection engines. The engine allows for higher torque at lower RPMs, which means more power with less fuel usage.
What does GTI stand for? ›
GTI stands for Grand Touring Injection. Volkswagen uses for its direct fuel injection system. Over 40 years ago, GTI technology was first deployed in the 1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI. GTI was meant to power long-distance journeys without sacrificing performance by using a new direct fuel injection system.
Jetta: Much like the Golf, the Volkswagen Jetta takes its name from the German for “Jet Stream.” Passat: Passatwinde is German for “trade winds,” and it completes the naming convention for these 3 popular VW cars.
Why is it called Jetta? ›
A proper example of the wind motif on Volkswagen models, the word Jetta comes from the German name for jet stream. Launched in 1973, the Passat was the first modern-era Volkswagen, and took its name from the German word “passatwinde,” or trade winds.
What does MK7 stand for? ›
What does MK7 stand for?
| Rank Abbr. | Meaning |
|---|
| MK7 | Mario Kart 7 (video game) |
| Mk7 | Volkswagen Golf, 7th generation (vehicle) |
A manufacturer part number (MPN) is a unique identifier provided by a company to identify its products.
What does the model number mean? ›
Model and serial numbers are used to identify a specific product. The model number differentiates between models of devices—for example, iPhone® 13 and iPhone X. Many devices can share a model number, which means they're the same model. But every device has its own unique serial number, sometimes abbreviated as S/N.
Are vehicle part numbers Universal? ›
Short answer: each car manufacturer will have it's own part numbering system that is completely different from other car manufacturer.
What does K mean? ›
According to the first page of Google results about 'texting K', society views receiving this message as akin to a one-letter insult. It's seen as something that we send when we're mad, frustrated, or otherwise want to put an end to a conversation. “K” is rude, dismissive, or cold.
What is drawing number? ›
The drawing number is used primarily for sheet to sheet linking, typically in, but not limited to, section details, section cuts, and detail callouts. Drawing Numbers are placed in CAD files, they consist of the discipline/sheet type designator followed by a hyphen and a number.
What does km stand for? ›
km is a written abbreviation for kilometer.
What is a good numbering system? ›
Use only numeric characters. Use a consistent length, and keep the part number as short as possible – never more than 15 numeric characters. Break long part numbers into segments of 3 to 5 characters each, and use a hyphen ( – ) as the delimiter between segments.
Smart part numbers contain descriptive and informative details that provide relevant information about the part, such as Commodity Code, options, colour and finish, etc. Sequential part numbers, on the other hand, are composed by a single number, incremented for each new item, regardless of its characteristics.
What is a part number roll? ›
It is typically an alpha or numeric character and may change from numeric to alpha (or alpha to numeric) upon release of product from the prototype phase. A dash roll changes the part of the part number after the last hypen in the part - for example, 123-4567-00 might change to 123-4567-01.
How do I get my OEM part number? ›
Your first port of call when looking for a specific part's OEM number should be on the component itself. If you have it to hand, and as long as it's not physically damaged beyond recognition, you should be able to find the number somewhere on the part.
What is OEM part numbers? ›
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. The original manufacturer of the auto parts sold at Penske Chevrolet of Cerritos is GM. Aftermarket auto parts are parts made by third party companies based on OEM part designs.
What does OEM part number mean? ›
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means the parts are made by the same company that makes the vehicle.
Why do part numbers supersede? ›
Superseded (sometimes incorrectly spelled superCeded) is a rather arbitrary concept related how car manufacturers identify their parts. Basically, a part that has been superseded means there is another part number that is newer, but it doesn't always mean that a superseded part is better or different.
Why is numbering important? ›
Good numeracy is essential to us as parents helping our children learn, as patients understanding health information, as citizens making sense of statistics and economic news. Decisions in life are so often based on numerical information; to make the best choices, we need to be numerate.
Are car part numbers the same? ›
Are auto part numbers universal? No, they're not. Spare part numbers differ between makes and models. Carmakers, OEM manufacturers, and other car part manufacturers have their own system for identifying and numbering auto parts.
Is TSI or TDI better? ›
TDI engines will typically have better fuel economy compared to a TSI (especially if you do lots of long motorway journeys), as is usually the case with any diesel engine compared to petrol. TDIs tend to be more expensive to purchase though, and the fuel itself typically costs more per litre.
What does TFSI mean on VW? ›
TFSI stands for 'Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection' and is used to signify that the engine is a turbocharged petrol unit.
The R-Line is a racing-inspired trim line and an available package for a host of Volkswagen vehicles, including the VW Arteon, VW Tiguan, VW Atlas, and other models in our Volkswagen lease specials.
Are VW TSI engines reliable? ›
The 2.0T TSI was a fairly reliable engine, but it does have a list of common problems. This article will outline the common VW engine problems and how to detect them. This engine uses direct injection to spray the fuel into the engine's cylinders. The fuel injectors the piece that sprays the fuel.
What is the difference between TSI and GTI? ›
The main differences between the TSI and GTI can be found under the hood, where the GTI has a larger turbocharger and intercooler, 7.0 psi of boost (as opposed to ~5psi) and twin fuel injectors per cylinder which pump fuel into the cylinders at higher pressure (350 bar vs 250 bar).
What does FSI mean on a car? ›
FSI® (Fuel Stratified Injection) is the name SEAT gives to petrol engines with direct fuel injection. In direct fuel injection, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber at a maximum pressure of up to 150 bar.
Is GTI or R better? ›
The 2022 VW Golf GTI and Golf R have identical exterior and interior designs and similar modern technology. However, a few differences make the Golf R look a bit sportier and more aggressive than the GTI, such as its sharp side skirts and more aggressive diffuser featuring a quad-tip exhaust.
What does GTD stand for in VW? ›
They stand for “Gran Turismo Diesel” – the long-distance express car of the Golf range. Now there is a new Golf GTD.
Is GTI engine same as R? ›
There are some slight performance differences between these two VW compacts. The 2022 VW Golf GTI produces 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque with its 2.0-Liter turbo-charged engine. The 2022 VW Golf R produces 315 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque with special performance tuning.
What does Tiguan mean in English? ›
The Volkswagen Tiguan name is a combination of the German words for “tiger” (Tiger) and “iguana” (Leguan).
Is Jetta better than Civic? ›
The VW Jetta is faster, has better gas mileage, and produces more torque. While the Honda Civic offers slightly more passenger room, both vehicles are comparably sized and come with five seats. The VW Jetta gives you more trim styles to choose from.
What does Touareg mean in German? ›
Literally, Touareg means “Knight of the Desert” or “Free Folk” depending on who you ask.
All competitors received updates and facelifts with time, while the Jetta was updated in 2013 with a facelift in 2015. This made it further hard for it to compete in that price range. It was built on the old PQ35 platform, and now the 2022 Jetta is out globally but will not be making its way here.
Why did Volkswagen stop making Jetta? ›
PUEBLA – Volkswagen's Puebla plant will temporarily stop production lines for the Jetta and Taos models due to the lack of semiconductors, informed the company.
What does TDI stand for? ›
Direct diesel injection (TDI)
On an engine with direct diesel injection, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber at a pressure which sometimes exceeds 2,000 bar. TDI engines are extremely efficient and therefore offer maximum fuel economy.
Which is better MK-4 or MK-7? ›
MK4 stops and reverse bone loss, grows stronger bones and reduces fractures more than 80%. MK7 has never been shown to reduce fractures.
What is the difference between K2 and K2 MK-7? ›
Answer: Two forms of vitamin K2 are typically found in supplements: MK-4 (synthetic) and MK-7 (natural, from natto). There are significant differences between them: in paticular, MK-7 has a longer half-life, so a smaller dose can be used. Two newer forms of MK-7 are available that are synthetic.
What's the difference between MK-4 and MK-7? ›
Thanks for your question. Mk4 and mk7 are both forms of vitamin k2 derived from different sources. While mk4 is derived from animal sources like dairy products, mk7 is derived from bacterial fermentation.
Is the part number the model number? ›
The difference between the two is that the model number is the general number for that specific product. The part number is the specific and unique number to the model.
Where can I find the OEM numbers for parts? ›
The original parts number can be found either on the old part or article, or can be obtained from the company which you deal with for old parts.
How do I find part numbers for car parts? ›
Once they provide you with the number, you're free to search around for the part.
...
On the car itself, however, check in the following places:
- Driver's side front door frame column.
- Machined pad on the front of the engine.
- Inside the left side wheel arch.
- Steering wheel or steering column.
- Radiator support bracket.
Is part number the same as model number? The model number is the general number for that specific product, whereas the part number is unique to that product. The part number is the model's particular and unique number.
Sometimes abbreviated as model or model no., a model number is a unique number given to each product made by computer hardware manufacturers. Model numbers allow manufacturers to keep track of each hardware device and identify or replace the proper part when needed.
What is the difference between serial number and part number? ›
Is there a difference between serial number and part number? Yes it is. A part number is a common number for all products of the same model. For example, two hard drives can have the same item number, whereas the serial number is a unique number for each product.
How can you tell the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts? ›
OEM parts are made by the car manufacturer's factory, not by a third party. They tend to fit perfectly because the car manufacturer backs them. Aftermarket parts are often manufactured by a company other than your car's manufacturer.
Which is better the OEM or the Genuine Parts? ›
OEM parts are just as reliable as genuine parts, but you get them for a better value. Aftermarket. Once a car is built, companies can manufacturer parts that will work for that vehicle. To do this, they buy the rights to make the parts.
Is there an app to identify car parts? ›
The Parts Detect Mobile App offers users the ability to search, filter and order auto parts near you. Once you've found the part you'd like to order, select the quantity you'd like, then select the "Order" button.
Is item number and part number the same? ›
Part numbers are also referred to as product numbers, serial numbers, item numbers, SKUs or product codes and are part of standard product information.
