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How to find OEM part numbers for used car parts

A practical guide for wreckers and used parts sellers. Using the vehicle's VIN, you can find the exact factory part number for almost any part in a few minutes.

Why the part number matters

Buyers and mechanics often search by part number, not by description. A listing with the correct OEM number is easier to find, gives buyers confidence that the part will fit, and helps avoid returns. It also keeps your yard system accurate, so staff can match parts to enquiries quickly.

What you need

• The donor vehicle's VIN, copied from your yard system (for example Pinnacle).
• Partsouq for Japanese makes such as Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda.
• Partslink24 for European makes such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen. It requires an account.

Japanese cars: using Partsouq

Example: listing a rear view mirror from a Honda Accord.

1. Copy the VIN of the Honda Accord from your yard system.
2. Open Partsouq in your browser and paste the VIN into the search. The site shows that exact vehicle's parts, organised into groups.
3. Open the right group. For a mirror, go to Body, then rear view mirror.
4. Choose the correct side. Left and right mirrors have different part numbers, so check which one you are holding.
5. Copy the part number and paste it into the part's record in your yard system, for example in the comments field of the mirror you are listing.

European cars: using Partslink24

The process is the same: paste the VIN so you see parts for that exact vehicle, find the part, and copy the number into your yard system.

Shortcut: use the search bar

Both Partsouq and Partslink24 have a search bar. After entering the VIN, type the part name, for example "rear view mirror", and only matching parts appear. Select the right one and copy the number.

Checks before you save the number

• Left or right: confirm the side against the actual part. In right-hand-drive countries, the driver's side is the right side.
• Variants: many parts come in several versions, each with its own number. For a mirror, check the actual part and the car:
  • Blind spot or lane assist: look for the warning symbol on the mirror glass.
  • Indicator: easy to see on the mirror housing.
  • Camera: usually located on the bottom or lower part of the mirror.
  • Heated and power folding: check the mirror controls on the power window switch inside the car.
  Make sure the part number matches every feature your part has.
• Compare with the label: if the part has a printed number on it, check it against what you found.
• Note superseded numbers: some parts have newer replacement numbers. Recording both helps buyers who search by either one.

Using the number in your listing

Once the number is in your yard system, carry it into the online listing:

• Add it to the title where space allows.
• Fill in the Manufacturer Part Number item specific.
• Mention it in the description with the make, model, year range and side.