The following are some tables of Audi model, platform, part numbering and
quattro system generations information:
These are made from my memory and from reference materials available
to me, if you notice any omissions or errors please let me know.
Audi Model Equivalencies
Prior to 1988/89, Audi models in the USA have different names than
those of its European counterparts. After that, Audi unified its model
designation. This table illustrates the pre-1988 USA model ranges
and their equivalent European model names.
These are generalizations; there are exceptions to this table and
many trim level, equipment and engine selection differences exist
between US and European models.
Model Year | USA | European |
1973-1979 | Fox | 80 |
1980-1984 | 4000 | 80 |
1985-1987 | 4000 4-cyl | 80 |
1985-1987 | 4000 5-cyl | 90 |
1977-1988 | 5000 | 100 |
1980-1988 | 5000 turbo | 200 |
Audi Platform Generation / Type Code Guide
(This section needs updating)
Audi currently has four basic "platforms" on which all models are
built. The A platform is the smallest, and shared with the
VW Golf/Jetta/New Beetle. The B platform is the medium size platform,
the C platform is the large sedan platform, and the D platform is the
top range platform. The platform code is not to be confused with the
Audi model names (e.g., The 1996 Audi A4 model is built on the B5 platform).
Each of these platforms have specific type (project)
codes that identify the basic chassis type and other specifics.
Here is a quick reference.
Model Year | Model | Platform generation | Type code |
2006-curr | A3 | A5 | type 8P |
2000-curr | TT Coupe, TT Roadster | A4 | type 8N |
1973-1979 | Fox | B1 | type 82 |
1980-1987 | 4000 sedan | B2 | type 81 |
1981-1987 | Coupe, Quattro turbo coupe, 4000 quattro | B2 | type 85 |
1988-1992 | 80, 90, Coupe | B3 | type 89 |
1993-1997 | Cabriolet | B3 | type 8G |
1993-1995 | 90 | B4 | type 8A |
1996-2001 | A4, S4 | B5 | type 8D |
2002-2005 | A4 | B6 | type 8E |
2005.5-curr | A4 | B7 | type ?? |
1969-1976 | 100LS | C1 | type F104 |
1977-1983 | 5000 | C2 | type 43 |
1984-1991 | 5000, 100, 200 | C3 | type 44 |
1992-1997 | 100, S4, A6, S6 | C4 | type 4A |
1998-2004 | A6, S6, RS6 | C5 | type 4B |
2005-curr | A6 | C6 | type ?? |
2000-2005 | Allroad | C5 | type 4Z |
1990-1994 | V8 | D1 | type 4C |
1997-2003 | A8 | D2 | type 4D |
2004-curr | A8 | D3 | type ?? |
Audi & VW Parts Numbering Guide
Audi and VW factory part numbers follow an easy-to-understand convention
that should serve as a model for other manufacturers. A part number usually
consists of nine digits divided into three groups of three digits.
It may also have an additional letter or number suffix, or a color code
suffix, or both.
Here is an example part number that has all of these part number components
(for a replacement 1984 Audi 5000S turbo USA specification front bumper
cover):
443 807 105 P GRU
- The first group of three digits denotes a vehicle type, or project number
that the part was originally designed for. In the case of a vehicle type,
the first two digit is the platform type code that is listed in the
type code table above. In our bumper cover
example, the type code is 44 which is the platform on
which the 1984 Audi 5000S Turbo is based on. Note that the platform
type is not always digits, but may also contain letters. For example,
the 1996-2001 Audi A4 has a platform type of "8D"
The third digit is a "variant" code for the
platform or project type. In this example, the variant is 3,
which signifies that the part was designed for the 4-door sedan version
of the type 44 platform (However, this does not mean that the part is
only used on this variant).
Engine, transmission and major drive train parts typically do not use
platform type codes because they are designed to be installed in many
different platforms and models, and thus have separate project codes
of their own in place of the platform code.
Part numbers for accessory items will have letters for these first
three digits, sometimes to identify a source or manufacturer.
Nuts, bolts, fasteners, washers, etc., typically have a single
letter "N" for this group rather than the three digits.
Similarly, items such as fluids, oils, pastes, adhesives, etc. have
a single letter "G" for this group.
- The center group of three digits is the primary category that the
part belongs to. Here is a description of the general breakdown:
Number Range | Category |
100-199 | Engine, cooling, clutch |
200-299 | Fuel tank |
300-399 | Transmission, transaxle |
400-499 | Front axle, suspension |
500-599 | Rear axle |
600-699 | Brakes |
700-799 | Cables |
800-899 | Body and interior |
900-999 | Electrical |
In our bumper cover example, the number 807 falls into
the "Body and Interior" category.
- The last group of three digits is the identifier of the individual part.
In our bumper cover example, it is 105.
- The letter or number suffix, when present, denote a particular
specification of a part, or a version. In our bumper cover example,
the letter suffix is P. It is not safe to assume
that a higher suffix is interchangeable with a lower one. For
example, if the part number digits are the same, but one part has the
suffix "B" and the other has "A" it is not always
true that the "B" part can be used to replace the "A"
part.
- The color code suffix is usually only present for interior or body parts
that come in different colors. Our example is GRU,
which actually stands for "primered, ready to paint"
- The factory sometimes discontinue a part and "supercedes" it
with another number. When this occurs, the new part is considered a
"plug-compatible" replacement for the original version.
The VW/Audi ETKA system (Electronic parts catalog) that the dealers'
parts department uses are updated regularly to reflect these changes.
Therefore when you order a part that has been superceded, the dealer
will obtain the new version for you.
Audi Quattro Generations
(This section needs updating)
All Audi quattros are full-time all-wheel drive except the Haldex-equipped
models. Here is a general description of the evolution of the quattro
system since its inception.
Gen | Description | Models |
I |
- Open front differential
- Open center differential, manually lockable*
- Open rear differential, manually lockable*
|
- 1981-87 Audi Quattro turbo coupe
- 1984-87 Audi 4000 quattro
- 1986-87 Audi 5000 quattro
- VW Quantum Syncro
|
II |
- Open front differential
- Torsen center differential
- Open rear differential, manually lockable**
|
- 1988-91 Audi Quattro turbo coupe
- 1989-95 Audi 80/90 quattro, Coupe quattro, S2, RS2
- 1988-95 Audi 100/200 quattro, S4, S6
|
III |
- Open front differential
- Planetary gear center with electronically-controlled
multi-plate locking clutch
(Torsen center differential with manual-transmission)
- Torsen rear differential
|
- 1990-94 Audi V8
|
IV |
- Open front differential with EDL***
- Torsen center differential
- Open rear differential with EDL***
|
- 1995.5 Audi S6
- 1996-curr Audi A4, S4, RS4, A6, S6, A8, S8
- 1998-2005 VW Passat 4Motion
|
Haldex |
- Open front differential with EDL***
- Haldex clutch center, electronically controlled
- Open rear differential with EDL***
- Normally FWD, but Haldex direct torque to the rear
when slip occurs
|
- 2000-curr Audi TT, A3, S3
- 2000-curr VW Golf/Jetta(Bora) 4Motion
|
* |
ABS disabled when locked (if equipped) |
** |
ABS disabled when locked; automatically unlocks when speed
exceeds 15mph |
*** |
Electronic Differential Lock: uses ABS to
selectively brake a slipping wheel |
|