OE number, manufacturer number, exchange number
A used part often carries several numbers. The OE number is the vehicle manufacturer's number (e.g. a VW, BMW or Mercedes number). The manufacturer number comes from the supplier who built the part (Bosch, Valeo, Garrett). Exchange numbers at Bosch, for example, begin with 0 986 and mark a reman part. For identification, the OE number and the manufacturer number matter most; if only one is legible, that is usually enough.
Where the number sits
| Part type | Position | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Steering gears | Label or stamping on the housing, often near the valve housing; for EPS also on the control unit | ZF/TRW: ZF part number plus OE number |
| Steering boxes | Type plate on the housing, stamping on the cover | ZF type and number |
| Power steering pumps | Stamping on the housing or label | Manufacturer number, often small |
| Electric power steering pumps | Label on the control unit or motor housing | OE number plus manufacturer code |
| Starters | Label or stamping on the housing shell | Bosch 0 001 …, Valeo D7R…, Denso 428000-… |
| Alternators | Label on the housing, often near the regulator | Bosch 0 124 …, Valeo TG…, Denso 104210-… |
| Brake calipers | Casting number on the housing, label on the carrier | ATE, TRW, Brembo with casting number |
| Turbochargers | Type plate on the compressor housing | Garrett 7xxxxx-5xxx, BorgWarner 5303 …, Holset HE… |
| Clutches, DMF | Stamping on the pressure plate or flywheel | LuK, Sachs, Valeo with number |
The photo for the offer
- Type plate filling the frame, sharp, without flash glare
- Second photo of the whole part so completeness can be seen
- For EPS, EHPS and VGT: control unit or actuator in the picture
- Several identical parts: one type plate photo plus quantity is enough
If the plate is missing
Clean dirty plates carefully, do not grind them off. If the number is no longer legible, the casting number on the housing or the vehicle details (make, model, engine, model year) often help. Without any details, reliable identification is not possible; then we value after inspection or not at all.
Frequently asked questions
Is the vehicle's VIN enough?
As a supplement, yes; as a substitute for the part number, no. Many vehicles have several possible variants for the same position.
Can I send the numbers as a table or Excel file?
Yes, for larger lots that is the best way. Columns: part type, number, quantity, condition.