For Official Use Only
- keep in a safe place -
Information cut off date: Feb. 2007

 
In General
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Type plate
Production identification number
Engine number
Gearbox number
Technical service sticker
Barcode sticker
Radio serial number
Vehicle keys

In General:
 

AUDI motor cars can be identified from the following numbers:

 
  Location
- stamped on the vehicle
- on the type plate (factory plate)
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - on the barcode sticker
- on the customer service adhesive
- in the MMI
Production identification number (PKN) - on the type plate (factory plate)
- stamped on the engine block
Engine Number
- on a barcode sticker on the engine
Gearbox number (after construction year 1998) - on the gearbox
Radio number (after construction year 1999) - on the radio
 
For enquiries using the production identification number, always give the model and year of manufacture (calendar year).
There is only a 'manual computer' (i.e. card index) for the time prior to model year 1999. Enquires for these years are
therefore very time-consuming.
 
AUDI also keeps the following vehicle details:
 
·                    Colour
·                    Model description
·                    Fitted accessories
·                    Receiver (Distribution centre/dealer/country of delivery)
·                    Key number
 

The locations of the various data carriers are shown in the following pictures.

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The different models (MY = model year)
A2 (MY 2000 - MY 2006)   A3 (MY 1997 -)

A3 Sportback   A 4 (MY 2001-2004)

A 4 (Facelift MY 2005-2006)   A4 Avant (Facelift MY 2005-2006)

A4 Cabriolet (Facelift ab MY 2005)   A 6 (MY 2002-2004)

  

A 6 (from MY 2005)   A6 Avant (from MY 2005)

A6 allroad quattro (MY 2000-2006)   A6 allroad quattro (from MY 2007)

A 8 (from MY 2003)   Q7

TT Coupe (MY 1998-2006)   TT Roadster (MY 2000-2006)

 
 TT Coupe (from MY 2007)   TT Roadster (from MY 2007)

 
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1.  Vehicle identification number (VIN):

1.1  Location of the vehicle identification number (VIN)

 
On all old models and the
 
A3 MY 1996-2003
A4 from MY 1994
A6 from MY 1994
A 6 Allroad from MY 2000
A8 MY 1994-2002
TT from MY 1998
 

 
The VIN is generally found in the upper central area of the partition separating the engine and passenger compartments.
 
On the "A 8 model"up to and including model year 2002, however, the VIN as described above is located under a rubber
strip.
 
 location of the VIN on the Audi A 2
The ashtray in the central console must be removed to reveal the VIN.
Audi A2 VIN in its raw state:

     
location of the VIN on the Audi A8
(from model year 2003)
The VIN can only be seen if the front passenger seat is pushed right forward and the carpet flap has been pulled up.
Close-up view of new Audi A8 VIN:

     
location of the VIN on the Audi A3
(from model year 2004)    

     
 VIN location on the Audi Q7
The VIN is located in the luggage compartment, on the right near the spare wheel well, beneath the TIRE MOBILITY
SYSTEM The VIN can only be seen when the Tire Mobility System has been removed.

 
Close-up view of the VIN on the Audi Q7

 
Additional visible VIN:
 
Vehicles destined for export to the USA and Canada and, from model year 2004, for the British market as well (RHD)
have an extra visible VIN at the front, on the left, behind the windscreen, which can be read from outside.

It is also found on the certification label attached to the "B" pillar (on the driver's side).
 Cars destined for the Swedish market have the VIN in the rear (boot area) on the right lower side of the rear
shelf.
 

1.2  VIN Lettering

 
Stamped VIN:
 
Normally found on A6 and A8 and TT models
Vehicles produced in Ingolstadt until 25 May 1998.
 
Engraved VIN:
 

Normally on the A2 model

Vehicles produced in Ingolstadt from 14 July 1998
 
Both kinds of VIN, that is, stamped and engraved, were produced at the Ingolstadt works from 15 May 1998 to 14 July
1998.
 
The VIN was always stamped on to the Audi Cabrio by hand.

 
 1. 3  Breakdown of the VIN

WAU ZZZ 8G Z R  A 005898

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
1   =   World Manufacturer Identifier Code (WMI)

WAU = World Manufacturer Identifier Code for Audi

WAC = World Manufacturer Identifier Code for Arge Audi/Porsche
WUA = World Manufacturer Identifier Code for Quattro GmbH
TRU = World Manufacturer Identifier Code for Audi TT/TTS
WA1 = World manufacturer identifier code for Allroad, only USA and Canada
93U = World Manufacturer Identifier Code for Audi-Volkswagen do Brasil
AAA = World Manufacturer Identifier Code VW of South Africa
LFV = World manufacturer identifier code for VW China

2   =   Filler   ZZZ (no meaning)

Exceptions:
 
On vehicles destined for the American and Canadian markets instead of the filler (ZZZ), the 4th to 6th characters of the
VIN are other letters/numbers. The meaning of these letters and numbers is explained in the search program “VINAssist”.

Vehicles destined for the Indian market:

Instead of the “Z” fillers at the 5th and 6th characters of the VIN, there is a code for the month and year of production.

Fourth character: Filler Z

Fifth character: Month of manufacture
Sixth character: Year of manufacture

Month of manufacture code   Year of manufacture code

January A   2004 4
February B   2005 5
March C   2006 6
April D   2007 7
May E   2008 8
June F   2009 9
July G   2010 A
August H   2011 B
September J   2012 C
October K   2013 D
November L   2014 E
 December M   2015 F

3   =   Model designation

     Model year (MY):

  Type from: to:
81 Audi 80 MY 79 MY 86
Audi 90 MY 85 MY 86
85 Ur-Quattro MY 80  
Audi Coupe MY 81 MY 87
89 Audi 80 MY 87 MY 89
MY 88 MY 89
8A Audi 80 MY 90 MY 92
Audi 90 MY 90
8B Audi Coupe MY 89 MY 96
8C Audi 80 (B4) MY 92 MY 96
8D Audi 80 (B5) MY 95 MY 96
Audi A 4/ S 4 MY 95 MY 02
Audi RS 4 Quattro MY 01
8E Audi A 4 (B6) MY 01  
8G Cabrio MY 91 MY 01
8H Audi A4 Cabrio MY 02
8J Audi TT ab MY 2007 MY 07
8L Audi A 3 / S 3 MY 97 MY 03
8N Audi TT/TTS MY 98 MY 06
8P Audi A3 -new- MY 02
8Z Audi A 2 MY 00 MY 06
43 Audi 100 MY 77 MY 82
Audi 200 MY 80 MY 82
44 Audi 100 MY 83 MY 00
Audi 200 MY 84 MY 90
Audi V 8 MY 89 MY 90
4A Audi 100 MY 91 MY 96
Audi A 6 MY 95 MY 98
4B Audi A 6 / S 6 MY 97 MY 04
Audi RS 6 Quattro MY 03
4C Audi V 8 MY 91 MY 94
4D Audi V 8 MY 94   MY 03
Audi A 8 / S 8 MY 95
4E Audi A8 -new- MY 03  
4F Audi A6 -new- MY 05
4L Audi Q7 MY 06
 
4   =   Filler   (Z) or check number   

Starting from Model Year 2002 (from roughly June 2001), Audi introduced the so-called 'US check number' at the 9th
character. The model year can be recognised by the number '2' at the 10th character of the VIN.
 
The exact beginning of the check numbers on individual models:

Model Last VIN without check number

   
A2 WAU ZZZ 8Z Z 2N 002240
A3 WAU ZZZ 8L Z 2A 000290
A4 WAU ZZZ 8E Z 2A 001304
A6 WAU ZZZ 4B Z 2N 003475
A8 WAU ZZZ 4D Z 2N 000275
TT WAU ZZZ 8N Z 21 000166

The computation of the check numbers is conducted in the same way as the computation of check numbers on US vehicles
and on BMWs. It is easy to do using the 'VIN-Assist' program of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The check
number can either consist of the numbers '0 - 9' or the letter 'X'.
                                                          
In vehicles destined for the American and Canadian markets, the 9th character of the VIN always was a check number.

5   =   Model Year

H = 1987   J = 1988   K = 1989

L = 1990   M = 1991   N = 1992
P = 1993   R = 1994   S = 1995
T = 1996   V = 1997   W = 1998
X = 1999   Y = 2000   1 = 2001
2 = 2002   3 = 2003   4 = 2004
5 = 2005   6 = 2006   7 = 2007
8 = 2008   9 = 2009        
 
Exception:
 
The VIN code of VAG vehicles delivered to France is post-dated by one year, e.g. the VIN of a car manufactured in 1990
– normally indicated by an L – has the letter "M" representing model year 1991..
 
6   =   Assembly Plant

A = Ingolstadt 4 = Curitiba/Brazil
N = Neckarsulm 1 = Györ/Hungary
G = Graz K = Karmann/Rheine
X = Poznan/Poland U = Uitenhage/South Afrika
Z = Zuffenhausen Arge Audi/ Porsche 3 = Changchun/China
D = Bratislava/Slowakia 9 = Sarajevo/Bosnia Herzegovina
 
The A3, A4 and 80 models are generally made in Ingolstadt, and the A 2, A6, A8 and 100 models in Neckarsulm. The
manufacturing plant for the Audi TT is in Györ, Hungary. The Q7 is produced in Bratislava. If there are production
bottlenecks or other production problems in Neckarsulm, the A6 models will also be produced in Ingolstadt. They then
receive the letter A.

7   =   Serial number

 
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2.  Type Plate (Identification Plate):

2.1  Location of the type plate (identification plate)

A3 MY 1996-2003
A =
A4 MY 1994-2004
 
Audi 80  
A3 from MY 2004
B = A6 MY 1994-2004
A8 MY 1994-2002
Audi TT from MY 1998
 
As a rule, vehicles delivered to Austria have no type plates (identification plates). Type plates are not mandatory in
Austria.
 
Exceptions:
 
Audi A4 from MY 2005
  
From model year 2005, the Audi A4 still has the type plate on the inner side of the right wing, but it is
concealed by a plastic covering.
 
Audi A2

 
The type plate on the Audi A2 is located at the front on the floor, beneath the carpet on the passenger side. In
exceptional cases it can also be located in the driver's foot well.
 
Audi A 8 from MY 2003
  
From model year 2003, the type plate on the Audi A8 is located on the radiator yoke, towards the middle.
 
Audi A 6 from MY 2005

 
From model year 2005 the type plate on the Audi A6 is located on the spare wheel well, in the boot, on the
right, as seen in the direction of travel.
 
Audi Q7
  
On the Audi Q7 the type plate is on the front passenger’s side/B-spar at the bottom on the entry.
 

2.2  Composition of the type plate (factory plate)

2.2.1  until the end of 1996

A = Production identification number (PKN)

B = Notch
C = Torn off corner
 

The plates consist of black painted aluminium, with the lettering inscribed by laser.
 
Production identification number :     
The production identification number has seven characters. For further details see point 3.

Notch:     
Every genuine type plate has a notch in its bottom edge (approx. 0.5 - 1 mm deep).
 
Torn off corner:      
In the lower part of the identification plate, to the right the notch, a tear-off corner can be seen and felt. When the type
plate is manufactured, it has a small tag attached to it on which the key number is engraved. When the tag is broken off, it
leaves a torn-off corner. On proper type plates the torn-off corner is always at the bottom on the right.           

 
 

2.2.1  from the end of 1996

AUDI has been using black sticker plates on the A 3, A 4 and A 6 since the end of February 1996.
 
Adhesive type plates (identification plates) are also applied to vehicles destined for the Austrian market.
 
On the black sticker plates (from model year 2002) , the engine designation (engine identification letters) is above the
production identification number (PKN) on the right, towards the edge. See the silver type plate under Para 2.2.2.
  
The new type plates are inscribed by a laser machine directly on the production line. Tape is fed into the machine from a
reel, and the machine then inscribes all the data. The laser removes the black layer, revealing the white layer on the foil
underneath. The impressions made during the inscription process can be felt through the fingertips. Finally, the machine
clips the plate from the reel.
 Enlargement of the laser typeface on the sticker plates

2.2.2  The type plate for the new Audi A 3 and Audi A 4 from MY 2001 and for the Audi A2, A6 A8 and TT
from the beginning of 2003

On the silver sticker plates, the engine designation (engine identification letters) is above the production identification
number (PKN) on the right, towards the edge.
 
 2.2.3  The type plate for all Audi vehicles from May 2003

 
From May 2003 the production identification number (PKN) is no longer displayed on any type plates for Audi vehicles.
Instead, the plates contain the month and respective year of production as follows: ''MMYYYY'' (here 052003).
 

2.2.4  The most recent type plate for Audi vehicles from model year 2005

 
Audi’s latest type plates have an optical overprint showing the Audi symbol. The overprint cannot be felt, but can be
easily seen in slanting light. The introduction and use of this new sticker plate varies from model to model.
 
When introduced:
 
Type Works VIN Date
A2 Neckarsulm WAUZZZ8Z45N005875 21.09.2004
A3 Ingolstadt WAUZZZ8P05A143189 18.03.2005
A3 Brüssel WAUZZZ8P35B005558 25.11.2004
A4 Ingolstadt WAUZZZ8E25A521396 18.03.2005
A6 Neckarsulm WAUZZZ4F35N047210 21.09.2004
A8 Neckarsulm WAUZZZ4E95N007537 28.09.2004
TT Györ TRUZZZ8N851010817 15.11.2004
 
Example for Neckarsulm production   Close-up view of the A8 type plate

Example for Ingolstadt and Györ production   Close-up view of the Audi TT type plate
  

 
Optical overprints were not just put on the most recent type plate stickers, but also on other information
stickers (tyre pressure sticker, the sticker on the fuse box, etc.).

2.2.5  The type plate on the Audi Q7

 
On the far right of Q7 plates there is also a production identification number (PKN). In this example it is 0632607.
 
Exception:
 
Vehicles exported to Belgium are required to have a Belgian type plate. These type plates are two-tone (silver and black).
Some vehicles only have the Belgian type plate. Other vehicles, however, can have both a German and a Belgian type
plate affixed.
 
 2.3  Replacement type plate

 
If an original type plate or sticker has been lost or damaged, a replacement type plate can be ordered from an authorised
VAG dealer. These are centrally produced in Kassel on behalf of the entire VAG concern in the central spare parts
organisation. They are also registered there.
These replacement type plates can be recognised by the production identification number (PKN) which, in
contrast to a normal PKN, begins with the number '8'.
Enquiries concerning replacement type plates which have been produced can be made through the Bavarian LKA in
Munich, Section 544.
 
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3.  Production Identification Number (PKN):

 
The production identification number is an internal control number stamped onto the body shell before it leaves the
assembly line. 
 
It can be found in a number of different places inside the vehicle:
- the type plate (until the end of 1996 - an aluminium plate)
- on the technical service sticker
- on separate data carriers
 
The production identification numbers inside the vehicle must all be identical!
 
 

3.1  Breakdown of the Production Identification Number

 
The production identification number contains 7 characters broken down as follows:
e.g.:
 
32 - 4 - 2461
 
32      =     Week of the year
4        =     Day of the week
2461  =     Serial Number
 
Sometimes at the end of the production identification number there is an eighth digit, the so-called check number.
 
Week of the year:
 
The 1st and 2nd digits of the production identification number represent the week of the current year (not the week of the
production year). The figures will normally range form 01 to 52.
 
Exceptions:
 
Numbers higher than 52 are found on duplicate plates.
Replacement type plate stickers have a PKN beginning with 8 …
 
Day of the week:
 
1     =     Monday
2     =     Tuesday
3     =     etc.
6     =     saturday
7     =     Vehicle planned at a later stage or also Sunday
0     =     Exact production day not given
 
Important:
 
The year of construction cannot be determined from the production identification number. The year of construction
(calendar year) is required in all cases when making online enquiries about the production identification number.
 
Production identification serial number (PKN) consecutive numbering:
 
e.g.:                 43  5     .  .  .  .
                                       
                            Nr.  2000 - 4000         =  Audi 100 /  A 6 / V 8 / A 8
                            Nr.  4000 - 9000         =  Audi 80 / A 2 /  A 3 / A 4 / TT / Q7
 
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4.  Engine number:

4.1  Form and appearance of the engine number

Engine number stamped by dot-matrix

 Cold stamped engine number

Close-up view of the barcode sticker with engine number (BFB062578)

4.2  Location of the engine number

a) 4 and 5-cylinder: In the middle of the engine block (on the left, looking in the direction of travel)
b) 6-cylinder: behind the toothed belt guard, on the right
c) 8-cylinder (V8): Under the first outlet elbow, on the left (seen from the direction of travel)

 
 Engine imagery
 

4.3  Breakdown of the engine number

 
In AUDI vehicles, the engine number is an 8 or 9-character code.
 
a) 2 letters / 6 numbers e.g.: PT 021409
b) 1 letter / 1 letters / 6 number e.g.: 1 Z 594703
c) 3 letters / 6 numbers e.g.: AFB 109610
d) 3 letters / 1 letter / 5 numbers e.g.: BKC A 06928
e) 3 letters / 7 numbers z.B.: ADU 1203452
  (only on the Audi 80 Avant RS 2)    
 
The engine number sometimes has an asterisk on both ends; sometimes none at the beginning, and sometimes none at all.
There can also be spaces between individual blocks.
 
The engine numbers of "V8" and "V6" engines are engraved in two rows.
PT
212 321.
 
!!!!The engine numbers of new models have no asterisks and no spaces!!!!!
 
N.B:
The engine number is normally stamped by needle, using an NC machine (numerically controlled machine) and the dot-
matrix process. If the needle point breaks off, the unfinished number is ground out and the number stamped by hand.
 
Since 1983 engine numbers and chassis numbers have been identical. Engine numbers form previous construction years
can only be identified by a search for which a charge will be levied.
 
Audi engines – Engine attribution lists
 
Sorted by engine identification letters:
 
1Z AAD to ADW AEB to ALZ

AMB to AZV BAD to BPY BRB to BZC

     
NG    
 
Sorted by kW:
 
29 to 89 92 to 108 110 to 120

121 to 147 150 to 353  

 
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5.  Gearbox Number:

5.1  Location of the gearbox number

 
On the bell housing (either stamped on or attached as a barcode).

 
Stamped gearbox number on the Q7
 
Close-up view of the 6-character number And of the three-
The number can be read off from the gearbox from the letter gearbox identification code (The first digit (0) is a
underside filler)
Example of a complete gearbox number KJZ 200802

5.2  Breakdown of the gearbox number

 
The gearbox number comprises the gearbox code (3 letters) and a six digit number.

Example:

GNU 008337

A = 9-digit gearbox number (the first '0' after the three gearbox letters is a filler)
B = Production date 03 = 2003; 02 = February; 26 = Day
C = 6-digit gearbox serial number with a '0' at the beginning again

In some, rare, exceptional cases, the gearbox number can consist of a 10 character alphanumeric series.

 
Example for online/FADA traces:
 
The gearbox number is sometimes recorded as a 17-character sequence. In such cases the first 10 characters are the actual
gearbox number. E.g.: JMK4193030Z060609
 
Example:
 
DMU4M0PRA3
 
Audi gearboxes – Gearbox attribution lists
 
AAT to CZZ DAA to EZY FAD to GZW
     
HAH to HZS JAE to KHV  
 
 
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6.  Technical Service Label:

 

The technical service label is printed by computer and made of adhesive paper. It contains important data for the purpose
of search and identification. One part is affixed to the vehicle while the second part is stuck into the technical service log
book.
The technical service label is often removed when a car is customised. In most cases, however, bits of it are left sticking
on the panel. If you soak these in solvent, they can be removed. The VIN or other data can often be read against a
backlight.

6.1  Location of the technical service label

 
- since Model Year 1983 / 84   - on the inner side of the boot lid
- from Model Year 1990   - in the spare wheel well or
    - in the boot, on the left or right hand of the rear side wall inner side
- on the Audi A 2   - in the boot, to the left of the battery
- on the Coupe   - on the left-hand side of the boot, behind the trim
- on the Avant   - on the right hand side of the boot behind the trim
 

6.2  What the technical service label looks like and the information it contains

 
A = Production number
B = Code for country
C = VIN
D = Model Type
 E = Fitting
 
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7.  Barcode Sticker:

7.1  Location of the barcode sticker

The barcode sticker was abolished for all models after the 1998 construction year.

7.2  Appearance and content of the barcode sticker

The barcode sticker is a long paper strip bearing a "shortened form" of the VIN.

e.g.:                              89 JA 377543                         WAUZZZ 89 ZJA 377543

                                        short form                                          long form
 
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8.  Radio Serial Number:

8.1  An example of a 14 character radio number

 
AUZ1Z3X2009968
 8.2  Location of the radio serial number

The radio serial number is on a sticker located on the side of the radio housing.

8.3  Breakdown of the radio serial number

 
AU Z1 Z3 X
Audi marking manufacturer's code Type Year of manufacture
  Z1 = Blaupunkt Z1 = alpha / Navigation Plus / X = 1999
Z2 = Grundig Navigation Low Y = 2000
Z3 = Heha Z2 = beta / Radio Chorus A = 2001
Z4 = Hitachi Z3 = gamma/c / Radio Concert B = 2002
Z5 = Panasonic Z4 = delta / Radio Symhonie C = 2003 / Aisin C = 2004
Z6 = Philips Z5 = gamma CD D = 2004 / Aisin D = 2005
Z7 = EEO Z6 = heidelberg gamma CDUS E = 2005 / Aisin E = 2006
Z8 = Alpine Z7 = heidelberg / Navigation Plus F = 2006 / Aisin F = 2007
Z9 = Clarion (Aisin) G = 2007
ZB = Aisin Z8 = CD-Wechsler
ZA = CD-Wechsler
 

8.4  Multimedia set number

 
Instead of a radio number, newer vehicles are issued with a multimedia set number. This number can only be read out
[electronically] from the set/apparatus concerned. It is no longer applied optically. Example of a serial number which has
been read off: PM6-00126.09.0507040042 It is possible to use this number for identification purposes.
 
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9.  Keys:
 
Audi vehicles are delivered with between two and four keys. Newer vehicles (those produced after 1997) normally have
four keys.
 
GDV Key catalogue
 
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