Are you looking for a spare part for your car, but don’t know its exact name or part number? Body number (or VIN code) is your main assistant. This unique identifier not only reveals the history of the car, but also allows you to select original or similar details down to the modification of the engine, gearbox and even body color. Unlike searching by make and model, where the risk of making a mistake with the year of manufacture or configuration reaches 30%, using VIN reduces the error to zero.

However, not all services are equally useful: some provide incomplete data, others require payment for access to directories. In this article we will look at free and paid search methods, learn how to decipher VIN, avoid common mistakes (for example, confusion between body number and chassis) and show you how to check the compatibility of a spare part using the part code. We will pay special attention to the nuances for cars with restyling, sports versions and machines assembled at different factories (for example, Toyota Camry for USA and Europe).

How does the body number differ from the VIN code - and what is better to use for searching?

Many car owners confuse these concepts, although they perform different functions. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-digit code that is assigned to a vehicle at the factory and contains information about the manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, engine type and even country of assembly. The body number, in turn, can be part of the VIN (usually the last 6-8 characters) or a separate identifier stamped on a plate under the hood.

To search for spare parts VIN code is more reliable, since it is standardized and universal. The body number is useful if the VIN is missing (for example, on older cars) or if you need to clarify the part for a specific instance (for example, when replacing spars after an accident). Below are the key differences:

Parameter VIN code Body number
Length 17 characters 6–12 characters
Standard ISO 3779 Depends on the manufacturer
Where to look Windshield, door pillar, under hood Plate on the body, vehicle passport
Accuracy of spare parts search 98–100% 70–90% (risk of error during restyling)

⚠️ Attention: By car Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche The body number often duplicates part of the VIN, but may contain additional characters (for example, the letter W for German assembly). When searching for parts for these brands, always use the full VIN!

Where is the body number and VIN: step-by-step instructions with photos

The location of the identifiers depends on the make and model of the car, but there are universal points where they are checked in 90% of cases. Let's start with the VIN code:

  • 🔍 Windshield (lower corner, driver's side) - the most visible place, but the code can be covered with tinting or protective film.
  • 🚪 Driver's door pillar - on a sticker with information about tire pressure and fuel type.
  • 🔧 Under the hood - on a special plate (often next to the battery or on the side member).
  • 📄 In documents: PTS (line "Identification number"), STS (field "VIN"), insurance policy.

The body number is looked for there, but it can be stamped directly on the metal (for example, on Volkswagen Passat B5 - under the rear seat, on Ford Focus 2 — on the right body pillar). If you can't find it, check:

  • 🔦 trunk - under the spare tire or on the inside of the cover.
  • 🔨 Frame — on side members (requires a lift or pit).
  • 📋 Manufacturer's plate - often contains both numbers (for example, on Mitsubishi Lancer X - under the hood on the left).
📊Where do you usually look for the VIN code?
On the windshield
On the door pillar
Under the hood
In documents
I don't know

⚠️ Attention: On cars after an accident or with broken VIN (illegal practice) the body number may not match the data in the vehicle title. In this case, before purchasing spare parts, be sure to check the data using official website of the traffic police or service Autocode.

How to decipher the VIN code for accurate selection of spare parts

The VIN code consists of three parts, each of which carries important information:

  1. WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier, characters 1–3) — manufacturer identifier. For example:
    • JT — Toyota (Japan)
    • WDB — Mercedes-Benz (Germany),
    • XTA — Hyundai (Korea, plant in Turkey).
  • VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section, characters 4–9) — description of the model, body type, engine. For example, for Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI it could be 2BEZZZ, where 2B - hatchback body, E — 1.4 l engine.
  • VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section, characters 10–17) - year of manufacture, plant, serial number. The character 10 always represents the year (for example, L — 2020, M — 2021).

    • For decryption, use free services:

    • 🌍 VinDecoderz — supports 95% of global brands, shows engine and transmission.
    • 🔧 VinFreeCheck — detailed information on American and European cars.
    • 📊 Combat VIN decoder — convenient for CIS vehicles (including Lada, Renault for the Russian market).

    Check the VIN in the title and on the body|Make sure that the car is not after restyling|Check the year of manufacture (character 10 in the VIN)|Determine the engine type (gasoline/diesel, volume)|Specify the sales market (Europe/Asia/USA)-->

    ⚠️ Attention: By car Nissan and Infiniti The 8 in the VIN may indicate the type of drive (F - full, R - rear). If you ignore this parameter, you risk buying a spare part from a version with a different drive (for example, shock absorber struts for Nissan Qashqai 4WD and 2WD not interchangeable).

    Top 5 services for searching spare parts by body number or VIN

    Not all catalogs are equally useful: some specialize in original parts, others - in non-original analogues. We tested 15 platforms and selected the best:

    Service Type of spare parts Pros Cons
    ETKA (VW Group) Original Accurate data for Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat Paid access (from 500 ₽/day)
    Partsouq Original + analogues 10 million parts, search by photo, prices from UAE dealers Delivery from Dubai (2–4 weeks)
    Autodoc Analogues Filter by brand (Bosch, Febi), reviews, fast delivery No original spare parts
    EXIST Original + analogues Warehouses in Russia, checking compatibility by VIN Prices are above average
    VinFast Original Works with official dealers, parts warranty Limited range (popular models only)

    💡 Advice: For rare cars (eg Mazda RX-8 or Subaru SVX) use RealOEM (for BMW) or Amayama (for Japanese cars). These services work directly with factories and offer parts that are not in mass catalogs.

    💡

    If the service does not find a spare part by VIN, try entering the data manually: make, model, year, engine type (for example, 2.0 TFSI CAWA for Audi A4 B8). Sometimes the error is associated with incorrect decoding of VIN characters (for example, the letter O and number 0).

    Mistakes when searching for spare parts by VIN and how to avoid them

    Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to the purchase of incompatible parts. Here are the most common:

    1. Ignoring the sales market. The same model may have different parts for Europe, USA and Asia. For example, Toyota RAV4 for the USA it is equipped with others headlights and bumpersthan the European version (due to different safety regulations).
    2. Confusion with year of manufacture. The 10 in the VIN indicates model year, which may differ from the actual one. For example, a car manufactured in December 2019 may have a VIN with the symbol K (2019 model year), but actually refer to 2020.
    3. Not taking into account restyling. After updating the model (for example, Kia Sportage 2018 vs 2020) fastenings and shapes of parts change. Always check phase restyling.
    4. Errors in VIN. Similar symbols are often confused: 1 and I, 0 and O, B and 8. Before searching, check the code with the PTS.

    ⚠️ Attention: By car Ford and Opel The 8 in the VIN may indicate the type of transmission (M - mechanics, A - automatic). If you buy clutch or flywheel not for your gearbox, the part simply won’t fit into place!

    How to check the compatibility of a spare part without purchasing?

    Many services (for example, Autodoc or EXIST) allow you to “try on” the part virtually. To do this:

    1. Find a spare part by VIN.

    2. In the product card, select "Compatibility Check".

    3. Enter your vehicle's VIN - the system will show if the part is suitable.

    If there is no such option, ask the seller original article number and compare it with what is listed in the manufacturer's catalog (for example, Citroën Parts).

    How to buy a spare part by body number: step-by-step algorithm

    To minimize risks, follow this plan:

    1. Step 1: Read the VIN. Use a flashlight and take pictures of the code - this way you will avoid mistakes when entering it manually.
    2. Step 2. Decipher the VIN. Check the year, model, engine type via VinDecoderz.
    3. Step 3. Select a service. For original spare parts - ETKA or VinFast, for analogues - Autodoc.
    4. Step 4: Compare prices. Use PartsHub to monitor offers from different suppliers.
    5. Step 5: Check Reviews. On Drive2 or Drome look for information about the specific part and the seller.
    6. Step 6: Check your warranty. Original spare parts must have a warranty of 12 months, analogues - from 6.

    💡 Advice: Upon purchase body parts (fenders, hood) always ask the seller photo of fastenings. Even if the article number is the same, the welding points or bolted connections may differ (relevant for Volkswagen Polo before and after 2015).

    💡

    Always keep the receipt and packaging for the spare part - this will be needed for warranty service or return. If the part does not fit due to the fault of the seller (incorrect article), you have the right to an exchange within 14 days (Article 25 of the Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights”).

    Frequently asked questions and problems when searching for spare parts by VIN

    Is it possible to find a spare part if the VIN is erased or interrupted?

    Yes, but additional information will be required:

    1. Body number (if saved).
    2. Data from the vehicle title (model, year, engine number).
    3. Photo of the manufacturer's plate (usually under the hood).

    With this data, contact a specialized service, for example, Vinformer - they will help restore the VIN based on indirect evidence.

    Why do services give different results for the same VIN?

    This is due to:

    • Different databases (some services update catalogs once a year).
    • Regional characteristics (for example, Hyundai Solaris for Russia and Korea have different article numbers).
    • Errors in the VIN itself (if the code is entered incorrectly).

    Solution: check the data in at least 2-3 services and check the article numbers in the official catalogs of the manufacturer.

    How to find a spare part for a rare or old car (before 2000)?

    For a retro car use:

    • Specialized forums (for example, Oldtimer-Gallery for Soviet cars).
    • Search services by body number: ClassicCarParts.
    • Groups on social networks (for example, “Spare parts for VAZ classics” on Facebook).

    ⚠️ Attention: For Moskvich-412, Volga GAZ-24 and other Soviet models, the VIN may be missing - in this case, look for details according to engine number or body.

    What to do if the found spare part does not fit?

    Algorithm of actions:

    1. Check the article number with what is listed in the manufacturer's catalogue.
    2. Check if you have made a mistake with installation side (for example left/right mirror or headlight).
    3. Contact the seller with a photo of the discrepancy - it may be a defect or an error in the description.
    4. If the part is not original, check whether it is certified for your model (there should be a sign on the packaging ECE R90 for Europe or DOT for the USA).
    Is it possible to find out from the VIN which parts have already been changed on the car?

    No, the VIN only contains factory data. However, some services (for example, VIN.History) show the repair history if the car was officially serviced. To do this:

    1. Enter VIN on the website.
    2. Check the "Service History" section.
    3. Pay attention to the records of replacement of units (for example, turbines or gearboxes).

    ⚠️ Attention: Data may be incomplete if repairs were carried out in unofficial workshops.