Part commonality between models

[twoqu]

I sort of remember having a discussion with one of the people who deals with NOS VAG parts that the first 3 numbers/letters of a part number only identified the vehicle.
In that case, if there are two parts say 4A0 xxx xxxx and 4D0 xxx xxxx where the x's are identical, is that going to be the same part?
The seal for them both is the same p/n which got me thinking that the dimensions must be the same. Any thoughts?

[4WheelDrifter]

The way I understand it is the first 3 digits kind of ID the vehicle, digit 4 is the group, 5 and 6 are the sub group. The last 3 are the part code, letters after that are revisions.

I don't have ETKA with me to check, but I would be very surprised if they end up being exactly the same part.
My A3 and S3 have similar parts in the same catalogue position, but can start 8L0 or 8N0 respectively, for example.
Likewise many parts for my Lupo start 6E0, because it has a different chassis to a standard 6X0 Lupo, and 80% of its parts are different to the 6X, yet it shares some with the 6N0 Polo, and is part numbered so.
What I am getting at is, are the last 3 digits enough to list all the different part variations across all the different models? When you also bare in mind that odd and even numbers denote LHS and RHS.
Also it doesn't seem very German to use different codes to be the same part.

Off the top of my head I may be able to make an example. A brake disk for my Lupo and A3 is likely to be something like 6E0 615 301 and 8L0 615 301 respectively. But they will be very different parts.

[twoqu]

Thanks Stu!
It does seem the p/n is basically an alpha/numeric clue for finding it in ETKA.
The reason for asking is that the part in question is housed in components shared from another model and the seal around it is identical but the component itself naturally has a different number due to being a different model. In that case why didn't they change the seal number to reflect the model change rather than keeping the old model designation.

[twoqu]

Unless of course in this case the seal needs to be cut to a certain length, that makes more sense. So really the seal is the correct cross section but the length would vary for the different parts.

[4WheelDrifter]

I am sure there must be some difference.

If I had ETKA with me I am sure I could find some real examples of different parts using the same last 6 digits, rather than just making them up.

[4WheelDrifter]

I suppose another example of same part, different number I can easily think of is 034 145 710 vs 06A 145 710 vs 058 145 145 710. Where the letters A N and P separate the small differences. So would the first 3 digits make a difference there? Those parts are a good example of looking the same, but are made differently.

[twoqu]

****!
Looked at three different application for the seal and none of them list either its length or mentions trim to a certain size.

[4WheelDrifter]

We need Ben on this really. He is the parts master.

[twoqu]

Thinking about it some more, another of the components is different and I think that implies its physically wider. Of course as long as the seal was supplied as a length and was long enough, it would still be capable of fitting both.
Thats a shame as it makes locating a replacement a lot more difficult. Looks like it's going to be expensive/prohibitive!

[twoqu]

Ok here is an example what is the difference between these two gauges apart from the 800% mark up on vs the other and the first three digits of the part number?
Unfortunately they are taken from slightly different angles which make a direct comparsion difficult. For example it has slightly altered the needle/scale.
Apart from some small numerals in the top right hand corner they appear very similar. Perhaps some subtle difference in the type face which can be resolved by using the original. Depends whats more important the form or the function. Having checked I know that the testing resistances are identical on both.
One is an 100 C4 4A0 919 511 and the other is an 80 B4 893 919 511. The S2 version is 895 919 511 which reflects the different dial face I guess.
I will find out when I attempt to replace an inoperative gauge in the near future!

[John B]

Understanding Audi Part Numbers

Do the following 2 links help?

http://wiki.audiworld.com/index.php/...i_Part_Numbers ?

or

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/VW-Audi-part-numbers-system-explained.htm

[twoqu]

Updating this. The answer is sort of!
Taking the gauges above as an example the actual bezels were different in size but the attachment points were in the same place. So by removing one bezel/face and replacing it with the other I got a fully functioning gauge.
So if you do your homework you might get lucky and save a considerable amount of money for a little effort. Only recommended if you can score something for peanuts and don't mind being disappointed!