Whether a part is compatible with your vehicle depends on a number of factors, such as:
- the vehicle's month and year of manufacture;
- vehicle trim level (e.g. Mercedes-Benz – AMG, Avantgarde, Classic, Elegance);
- suspension type;
- engine number;
- transmission type;
- optional extras in the vehicle;
- product characteristics (size, colour, material, mounting side).
Please pay attention to the parts in the catalogue. If they have different characteristics to the ones you need, you will be able to filter the search results according to some of the factors mentioned above.
Searching by VIN is more accurate.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – is a unique 17-digit code that contains information about the vehicle manufacturer and main specifications. It may include numbers and Latin letters, apart from I, O, and Q, which are forbidden because they are easily confused with the numbers 1 and 0.
The following data is encoded in the VIN:
- country of manufacturer;
- car make and model;
- wheelbase;
- body style;
- engine displacement and power;
- trim level;
- gearbox type;
- model year;
- the factory that made the vehicle and the vehicle's serial number.
How can I find the VIN?
The VIN is usually specified in the vehicle owner’s manual. Usually, you can also find it in all the documents related to buying and registering a vehicle. You can also find the VIN on the vehicle itself, stamped on the chassis or on special plates.
Depending on the country of manufacture, you may find the VIN:
- on the windscreen;
- on the driver side door jamb;
- on door sills;
- under the bonnet;
- under the driver side floor trim;
- on the dashboard;
- on the engine block or cylinder head;
- stamped on the chassis.
The manufacturers repeat this number in several places for better fraud protection. All the VINs you find on your vehicle should be the same and should match those specified in the vehicle documentation.
How can I use the VIN to select car parts?
The VIN contains detailed information about the vehicle, allowing you to quickly find the parts you need. Car part manufacturers take this data into account when creating catalogues so that you can select parts for a particular car as accurately as possible.
Search by vehicle registration number
This type of search is only available in countries where the use of registration identifiers is regulated by law. When entering the registration number during the spare part search, the system reads the vehicle information and opens the product catalogue in the same way as it does when searching with the selector. Therefore, further clarification is required in order to select the right part. It is also necessary to read the product description carefully and compare it with the characteristics of the product already installed in the vehicle.
Searching by registration number is currently available for France, Italy, Sweden, and Norway.
What is an OEM number?
The OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer number is a unique number of the part provided by the vehicle manufacturer. If the OEM number of the part that was originally installed in your car matches the OEM number of the product you are buying - it will fit your car.
Where can I find the OEM number?
You can find the OEM number on all vehicle parts. However, keep in mind that it may be difficult to see if the part is installed in a hard-to-reach location, damaged, or dirty.
If you want to use the OEM part number when purchasing a new part, it is best to dismantle the part so that the number can be correctly identified.
Website search by OEM number
Enter the part's OEM number in the search bar and click the "Search" button.
The OEM number is also displayed under the article number and in the "Show OEM numbers of the product" tab (in the product description).
Does the search result on the website guarantee the compatibility of the part with my vehicle?
If you have followed our advice and checked the product description carefully, your part search should be successful. However, searching on the website does not guarantee absolute compatibility with your vehicle. The required part may be manufactured in several configurations, which means that there is a chance that the purchased part will differ from the one installed in your car.
For those ordering from AUTODOC for the first time via our app:
We offer you a one-off free-of-charge compatibility check to make sure the selected parts are right for your car.
How does it work?
Once you have added the items to your basket, proceed to checkout. You will see that the Expert Check service has been automatically added to your order. After paying for your order, you will see a special form to enter your vehicle’s VIN. We will check that the right parts have been selected. If necessary, our technicians will find and offer you alternative products that are compatible with your vehicle.
Please note: if you do not enter your VIN, we will not be able to check the selected parts for compatibility with your vehicle and will process your order without carrying out the check.
Universal products
Universal products include accessories, tools, and some vehicle fluids.They can be found in the Car Accessories, Tools, and Engine Oil sections of the website. Products can be filtered according to their characteristics.
Important:
- Tools. The full range of automotive tools can be found here.
- Engine Oil. It is advisable to change it at least once a year, even if the car has not been used. The right oil can be found using the selector on the website. Engine oil is delivered in a separate package. Although engine oils are not classified as Class 3 flammable liquids, they are classified as dangerous goods, and so must be shipped in separate packaging.