How to Find the Correct Car Part: A Guide to Part Numbers and VINs
The most reliable way to find a replacement car part is to identify the manufacturer's part number located on your existing car part.
If the number isn't available, your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and vehicle details can assist a parts specialist to identify the correct item.
The VIN is particularly important when looking for European replacement parts for vehicles such as Volkswagen, Audi and BMW, where different versions of a component can be fitted to the same model.
1. Start with the Original Manufacturer Part Number
The manufacturer's part number is usually the most reliable reference when identifying a replacement.
Where to look
Depending on the component, the number may be:
-
Stamped into a metal component
-
Moulded into a plastic housing
-
Printed on a label
-
Shown alongside a barcode
Record every character
Always record the complete number, including letters, spaces and suffixes.
For example:
2HJ 945 308 G
Those final characters can distinguish different versions or revisions of a component, so don't leave them off when searching.
Search the complete number
Enter the entire number into the search engine.
If you don't find useful results, try it without the spaces as well:
2HJ945308G
Different suppliers and online catalogues don't always format manufacturer's part numbers in exactly the same way.
Watch for multiple numbers
A component can carry more than one identification number. An original equipment supplier such as Bosch, Hella, Valeo or Denso may have its own number printed on the part, while the vehicle manufacturer uses a different part number.
These numbers can both be useful, but they shouldn't automatically be treated as interchangeable references. When checking vehicle fitment, the vehicle manufacturer's part number should generally be your primary reference.
A quick example
If you need a right-hand rear tail light for a Volkswagen Amarok, searching:
Volkswagen Amarok right-hand rear tail light
could return a large number of listings.
If the original light has the manufacturer's number:
2HJ 945 308 G
searching that number instead narrows the search to the specific component you're looking for. You can then compare the available parts based on condition and price rather than trying to determine compatibility from appearance alone.
2. Why Make, Model and Year Aren't Enough
Searching by make, model and year can narrow down the possibilities, but it doesn't always identify one specific component.
Manufacturers can revise components during a model's production life, while different engines, specifications, equipment and electrical systems can also require different parts.
This is particularly important with electronic and electrical components.
A control module, sensor or lighting component can look virtually identical to another version and even have the same physical connections, while having a different application.
A photograph can therefore tell you that two parts look alike, but it doesn't necessarily tell you that they are interchangeable.
3. Navigating Superseded Part Numbers
Manufacturers sometimes revise a component and replace an earlier part number with a newer reference. This is known as a superseded part number.
What was fitted vs. what to order
The number on your original part tells you what was fitted to the vehicle. It doesn't necessarily tell you which number should be ordered today.
A supersession can occur because of an engineering improvement, a design revision, a change of supplier, or because several earlier versions have been replaced by one current component.
A newer number may therefore be the correct replacement, but this needs to be confirmed for the particular vehicle and component.
Don't guess at a supersession
If a replacement has a different part number from the one on your original component, don't try to determine the relationship from the suffix or from photographs alone.
For a DIY buyer, an exact number match is the safest option where one is available. If a different or superseded number is being offered, have it confirmed by an experienced parts specialist before purchasing.
This is particularly important with electronic components. Depending on the vehicle and component, a replacement module or sensor may also require coding, programming or adaptation after installation.
4. What to Do If the Part Number Is Missing
If the original part is missing, damaged or the identification label is too worn to read, your VIN becomes the next useful source of information.
The VIN identifies your individual vehicle and can help establish its specification when investigating which component is appropriate.
Where to find your VIN
Your VIN can commonly be found:
-
At the base of the windscreen
-
On the vehicle identification or compliance plate
-
On vehicle registration documentation
-
In vehicle service records or other manufacturer documentation
What to give a parts specialist
When asking for help identifying a component, provide as much of the following as possible:
-
Complete VIN
-
Make, model and year
-
Engine and, where relevant, transmission
-
Precise component location, such as front left or rear right
-
Clear photographs of the component
-
Photographs of mounting points, connectors and any remaining markings
The more information available, the less reliance there is on identifying a part from its appearance alone.
5. Genuine OEM vs. Aftermarket: What to Expect
Once you've established which component you need, you can compare your replacement options.
| Part type | What it means | Cost | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| New genuine OEM | Original manufacturer's component supplied new | Premium | Mechanical, electrical and safety components |
| Used genuine OEM | Original manufacturer's component removed from another vehicle | Economical | Body parts, lighting, trim, modules and mechanical components |
| Aftermarket | Replacement manufactured by another company | Budget to mid-range | Service and replacement components |
A used genuine OEM part can be a cost-effective option for many European vehicles. It is an original manufacturer's component and can often cost considerably less than buying the same part new.
Aftermarket parts can also be appropriate for some applications, particularly where a reputable manufacturer produces a proven replacement.
The important thing is to identify the correct component before comparing prices or deciding between new, used or aftermarket.
Taking a few minutes to identify your original manufacturer part number eliminates the cost, delay, and frustration of ordering incompatible components.
Ready to find your replacement? Enter your complete OEM part number directly into the search bar at Parts 4 European Cars to instantly browse our extensive inventory of genuine OEM parts for Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, and other European makes. Match your part number to our listed components for fast, reliable self-service ordering.