What do all those numbers mean?

The numbers in a VW part number are put together in a logical manner and all have a specific meaning. With just a little bit of knowledge you can easily tell what vehicle the part is for and it's application. This makes it easy for a buyer to compare apples to apples as a part numbered 113-115-181A is the same part no matter where you puchase it.

A VW part number is composed of 9 digits and up to three letters (used as a modification code) in this format:

xxx-xxx-xxx-abc

You'll see them with dashes, with periods, or with nothing in between the groups of three. That's about the only part of a VW part number that's not standardized.

The first 2 or 3 numbers tell you what model VW the part was originally used on - Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 or Type IV.

The 4th digit comes from the VW Main Part Group:

• 1 = Engine
• 2 = Fuel, Exhaust and Heating System
• 3 = Transmission
• 4 = Front End
• 5 = Rear Axle
• 6 = Wheels and Brakes
• 7 = Bumpers, Levers, Pedals
• 8 = Body
• 9 = Electrical

The 5th and 6th digits indicate the Part SubGroup.

The last three digits were assigned in sequence from 001 on up. In general, these numbers were kept unique to a certain kind of part. Digit #9 can also be an indication of what SIDE the part is for, if the part is side specific. Even is RIGHT side, odd is LEFT side.

For more information on this topic and a detailed listing of the part subgroups, see http://www.type2.com/library/identifi/numsys.htm and http://www.aircooled.net/gnrlsite/resource/specgeninfo/partnumbers.htm.