Audi A3 VIN Decoder, VIN Number Location and PR Codes
Decode an Audi A3 VIN below, find the VIN on any A3, then decode the PR codes from the data sticker to get the full factory options list.
Try It Yourself. Copy/Paste This Audi A3 VIN Into Our Decoder Below: WAUGUDGY8RA012345
VIN Decoder & Build Sheet
Check VIN identity, factory spec, recalls, complaints, and ownership risks before you buy.
Pre Purchase VIN Check
Fuel Economy, Emissions & Running Cost
EPA fuel economy for the vehicle year and model profile.
Additional Vehicle Specs
Supplementary spec matching for output such as power, transmission, size, and weight.
Recalls, Complaints & Mechanical Failures
Model level safety and complaint data for the decoded year, make, and model.
Vehicle Ownership Insights
Platform specific reliability patterns, critical engine platform audits, and pre purchase inspection guidance.
Likely Factory Option Profile
Probability model for common package combinations around this production era.
The free scan verifies identity and surfaces early risk signals. The paid report goes deeper into what those signals mean for ownership, repairs, and buying confidence.
Unlock Full VIN ReportWhere Is the VIN Number on an Audi A3?
Every Audi A3 carries the same 17 character VIN, sometimes called the chassis number, in several places on the car and on its paperwork. Check that at least two of them match before you rely on it.
On the car
- Bottom of the windshield on the driver side, readable from outside
- Label on the driver door jamb or B pillar
- Vehicle data sticker in the spare wheel well, under the trunk floor
- Stamped into the body in the engine bay, which is where the chassis number lives
On the paperwork
- Title and registration in the US, or the V5C logbook in the UK
- Vehicle data sticker inside the front of the service book
- Insurance documents
- Service invoices and the original sales paperwork
If the VIN on the windshield doesn't match the door label, the paperwork or the body stamping, stop there and find out why before you go any further.
How to Read an Audi A3 VIN
European A3 VINs usually start WAUZZZ, where the three Z characters are filler. US VINs use those positions for engine, body and restraint details instead. On both, positions 7 and 8 tell you the generation and position 10 tells you the model year.
Example European format: WAUZZZ8V0HA012345
- Positions 1 to 3: Manufacturer
- WAU identifies Audi as the maker.
- Positions 4 to 8: Model
- Positions 7 and 8 are the model code, like 8V on the example above. On European cars, 4 to 6 are usually ZZZ filler.
- Position 9: Check digit
- Validates the VIN on US cars. On many European cars it doesn't follow the US formula, which is why US decoders often reject them.
- Position 10: Model year
- A single character for the model year. See the list below.
- Position 11: Plant
- The factory that built the car.
- Positions 12 to 17: Serial number
- The production number that makes this VIN unique.
Audi A3 generation codes in the VIN
| Positions 7 and 8 | Generation | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 8L | First generation A3 | 1996 to 2003 |
| 8P | Second generation A3 and S3 | 2003 to 2013 |
| 8V | Third generation A3, S3 and RS3 | 2012 to 2020 |
| GY | Fourth generation A3, S3 and RS3 (8Y) | 2020 onward |
US market VINs can use different letters for the same generation, for example FF on many US 8V sedans. If yours doesn't match the table, the model year and the data sticker will settle it.
Audi A3 model year codes
Position 10 of the VIN.
- 12001
- 22002
- 32003
- 42004
- 52005
- 62006
- 72007
- 82008
- 92009
- A2010
- B2011
- C2012
- D2013
- E2014
- F2015
- G2016
- H2017
- J2018
- K2019
- L2020
- M2021
- N2022
- P2023
- R2024
- S2025
- T2026
Generation changeover years overlap, so always check positions 7 and 8 as well.
Can You Get Audi A3 PR Codes From a VIN?
Not from the VIN itself. The 17 characters tell you the model, generation and year, but not the options.
The full option list is stored against the VIN in Audi's factory system, so any Audi dealer can pull it with your VIN. If you'd rather do it yourself, the same PR codes are printed on the car.
Spare wheel well Easiest
Lift the trunk floor. The vehicle data sticker lists the VIN, paint code and every PR code on the car.
Service book
An identical sticker sits inside the front cover. Handy if the one in the trunk is damaged or missing.
Audi dealer
Give the service desk your VIN and ask for the vehicle data printout. It shows the original build and every factory code.
VCDS or OBD11
A scan tool reads coding from the control modules. Good for confirming lighting, assistance or infotainment equipment, but it won't give you the full PR list on its own.
Grab the codes from either sticker and paste them into the decoder below to get your full Audi A3 options list.
Audi A3 PR Code Decoder
Paste the codes from your data sticker and get a readable A3 options list, grouped by system.
Separate codes with spaces, commas or new lines.
Codes not in our list
Look up a single code
Search by code or keyword. Covers PR codes, paint, engine codes and wheels.
Type a code or keyword to see matches.
Tip: click any code to copy it. Some codes change meaning by generation and market, so check anything important against the dealer printout.
Which Audi A3 Do I Have?
Positions 7 and 8 of the VIN give you the generation. From there, the engine code and data sticker tell you if you're looking at a standard A3, an S3 or an RS3.
A3 8P (2003 to 2013)
Simpler option lists, older TFSI and TDI engines. Engine code, gearbox and service history matter far more than trim on these.
A3 8V (2012 to 2020)
Where the A3 became spec sensitive. Virtual cockpit, LED and Matrix lighting, assistance packs and the S tronic type all move the value.
A3 8Y (2020 onward)
Digital cabin, newer infotainment and assistance, plus mild hybrid petrol options. Spec can matter almost as much as the engine.
| Model | What it is | How to confirm it |
|---|---|---|
| A3 | Petrol, diesel or plug in hybrid e tron, mostly front wheel drive | Engine code on the sticker and the absence of S or RS codes |
| A3 S line | Styling and interior pack, same engines as the A3 | S line PR codes on the sticker, not the bumpers or badges |
| S3 | Higher output 2.0 TFSI with quattro | S3 engine code, the quattro code 1X1 and the dealer printout |
| RS3 | 2.5 TFSI five cylinder with quattro | 2.5 TFSI engine code and the dealer printout. Visual upgrades can't copy the engine. |
S line, Black Edition, Premium Plus or Prestige?
Trim names depend on the market. UK cars are sold as Sport, S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung. US cars are Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. They don't translate cleanly, and bumpers, wheels, black trim and badges are easy to change after the fact. The VIN alone won't confirm trim. The PR codes on the data sticker, or the dealer printout, will. If a car is priced like a higher spec A3, the codes should prove it.
Audi A3 Engine, Gearbox and Drivetrain: What to Check
The same A3 badge covers everything from a 1.0 TFSI commuter to a 400 PS RS3, and the mix changes by market. Confirm the mechanical setup before you judge the spec.
Engines
Petrol runs from 1.0 and 1.2 TFSI up through 1.4 and 1.5 TFSI to 2.0 TFSI, plus the 2.5 TFSI five cylinder in the RS3. UK and European cars were often 1.6 or 2.0 TDI diesels. The 8V e tron pairs a 1.4 TFSI with an electric motor. US cars were almost all petrol.
Gearboxes
Manuals are 5 or 6 speed. Smaller petrol engines usually get the 7 speed S tronic DQ200, a dry clutch gearbox. Higher torque cars use wet clutch S tronic units: the 6 speed DQ250, the 7 speed DQ381, and the 7 speed DQ500 in the RS3.
Front wheel drive or quattro
Most A3s are front wheel drive. quattro is standard on the S3 and RS3 and was offered on some higher output petrol and diesel cars. A quattro A3 should show the 1X1 code on its data sticker.
Why it matters
A front wheel drive 1.6 TDI, a 1.5 TFSI S tronic, an e tron and a quattro S3 share a badge but not running costs, insurance or value. Engine code, gearbox and drivetrain first, then worry about wheels and trim.
| Setup | What it is | What it means for a buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | 5 or 6 speed | Simple and cheap to maintain. Common on lower output petrol and diesel cars. |
| S tronic DQ200 | 7 speed dry clutch | Efficient and quick, but the gearbox to research hardest. Look for a clean pull away and any record of clutch or mechatronic work. |
| S tronic DQ250 and DQ381 | 6 and 7 speed wet clutch | Used on higher torque 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and S3 models. Stronger than the DQ200, and needs its fluid changed on schedule. |
| S tronic DQ500 | 7 speed wet clutch | The RS3 gearbox, built for the five cylinder's torque. |
| quattro | All wheel drive | Standard on S3 and RS3. More grip and appeal, with higher running costs to match. |
Audi A3 Common Problems by Engine and Gearbox
Known issues depend on the exact engine, gearbox and generation, which is why confirming them comes first.
| Engine or setup | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1.4 TFSI and older 2.0 TFSI | Oil consumption, timing chain wear, patchy servicing | Good engines when looked after. The exact engine code tells you if the car is an earlier or later, improved version. |
| 7 speed S tronic DQ200 | Hesitation, judder from standstill, mechatronic faults | Common on smaller petrol A3s. Confirm the gearbox and look for evidence of repairs or software updates. |
| 2.0 TDI | DPF, EGR and other emissions system wear | Short journeys are hard on diesel emissions systems. Common on UK and European cars. |
| A3 e tron | Battery health, charging system, hybrid servicing | A different ownership category. Check charging history and battery condition before you buy. |
| S3 and RS3 | Brakes, tyres, clutch packs and quattro components working harder | Genuine performance cars with running costs to match. Many are modified, so check for remaps and non standard parts. |
| 8Y (2020 onward) | Lower mechanical risk, wide spec differences | The bigger risk is paying top money for a low spec car dressed up to look like a higher trim. |
How to Check Audi A3 Recalls
Recall campaigns differ by market, so check through the channel that covers where the car was sold.
In the US
Run the VIN through the decoder above for NHTSA recall records, or use the NHTSA recall lookup directly.
In the UK
Use the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK with the make, model and year, then ask an Audi dealer to run the VIN.
Imported cars
A car sold new in one country may never have had recall work done in the country it's in now. An Audi dealer can check the VIN against every open campaign.
Never assume recall work was done. Ask for proof it was completed, not just booked.
Audi A3 Wheel and Tire Sizes
Wheels are easy to swap, so compare what's on the car with what it left the factory with. Wrong sizes or budget tires change how an A3 rides and handles.
| Wheel size | Common tire size | Typical on |
|---|---|---|
| 16 inch | 205/55 R16 | Entry level cars |
| 17 inch | 225/45 R17 | Mid range and Premium |
| 18 inch | 225/40 R18 | S line, Black Edition and S3 |
| 19 inch | 235/35 R19 | S3 and RS3 |
Audi A3 Option Codes List
The full list behind the decoder, grouped by system. Codes can vary by generation and market, so verify anything important against your own car.
Audi A3 engine codes
- CXSA 1.2 TFSI, 110 PS
- CAXA 1.4 TFSI, 125 PS
- CZEA 1.4 TFSI with Cylinder on Demand, 150 PS
- CCTA 2.0 TFSI, 200 hp (8P)
- DAZA 2.5 TFSI five cylinder, 400 PS (RS3)
- CAYC 1.6 TDI, 105 PS
- CLHA 1.6 TDI, 110 PS
- CRLB 2.0 TDI, 150 PS
- CUUA 2.0 TDI, 184 PS
Engine codes vary by generation, output and market. Confirm yours on the data sticker or the engine itself.
Audi A3 gearbox types
- DQ200 7 speed S tronic, dry clutch
- DQ250 6 speed S tronic, wet clutch
- DQ381 7 speed S tronic, wet clutch
- DQ500 7 speed S tronic, wet clutch (RS3)
These are gearbox families, not PR codes. The gearbox code on the data sticker is a separate three letter code.
Audi A3 paint codes
- LA3H Salsa Red
- LA7W Reflex Silver Metallic
- LA9V Brilliant Black
- LB5N Kingfisher Blue Metallic
- LB7Z Satin Silver Metallic
- LC5J Atlantic Blue Pearl Effect
- LC5M Moonlight Blue Pearl Effect
- LC7V Atlas Grey Metallic
- LD7Y Quartz Grey Metallic
- LF5W Misano Red Pearl Effect
- LH7W Akoya Silver Metallic
- LM7W Silver Metallic
- LN5Y Navarra Blue Metallic
- LP5X Sepang Blue Pearl Effect
- LR7L Ice Silver Metallic
- LS3T Crimson Red Pearl Effect
- LS9R Glacier White Metallic
- LX1X Manhattan Grey Metallic
- LX5Q Scuba Blue Metallic
- LX5R Moonlight Blue Metallic
- LX7R Monsoon Grey Metallic
- LX7W Ice Silver Metallic
- LX7Z Dolomite Grey Metallic
- LX8X Navarra Blue Metallic
- LX9X Mythos Black Metallic
- LY1P Dakota Grey Metallic
- LY3U Tango Red Metallic
- LY7C Nardo Grey
- LY7G Quartz Grey Metallic
- LY7H Akoya Silver Metallic
- LY7J Avus Silver Metallic
- LY9B Brilliant Black
- LY9C Ibis White
- LY9T Mythos Black Metallic
- LZ5C Mauritius Blue Pearl Effect
- LZ7H Meteor Grey Pearl Effect
- LZ7L Lava Grey Pearl Effect
- LZ7S Daytona Grey Pearl Effect
- LZ9Y Phantom Black Pearl Effect
Sorted by paint code. Colors varied by generation and market.
Audi A3 exterior trim codes
- 4ZB High gloss package, exterior moldings
- 4ZD Black styling package
- 5SJ Left exterior mirror convex
- 5RQ Right exterior mirror convex
- 5SG Left exterior mirror flat
- 6FA Exterior mirror housings in body color
- 6FJ Exterior mirror housings in black
- 3S1 Roof rails in black
- 3S2 Roof rails in silver
- 2K7 S line bumpers
- 2K8 Standard bumpers
- 2K9 S3 bumpers
- 2Z7 Model and technology badge at rear
- 2Z0 Without model badge at rear
- 4KF Privacy glass
- 4KC Heat insulating glass, side and rear windows
- 5J2 Rear spoiler in body color
- 5J4 S line rear spoiler
- 5J5 RS3 rear spoiler
Audi A3 wheel codes
- 8ZP 16 inch alloy, 10 spoke design
- C4B 17 inch alloy, 5 twin spoke design
- C6K 17 inch alloy, multi spoke design
- C7D 17 inch alloy, 5 arm kinetic design
- C7L 17 inch alloy, 5 parallel spoke design
- C7P 17 inch alloy, 5 V spoke design
- C8C 18 inch alloy, 10 spoke design
- C8G 18 inch alloy, 5 twin spoke dynamic design
- C8J 18 inch alloy, 5 arm wing design
- C8K 18 inch alloy, 5 spoke turbine design
- C8N 18 inch alloy, 5 V spoke star design
- C8Q 18 inch alloy, 10 Y spoke design
- C8R 18 inch alloy, 5 parallel spoke design
- C8S 18 inch alloy, 5 spoke blade design
- C8W 18 inch alloy, 10 spoke crystal design
- C9A 19 inch alloy, 5 arm rotor design
- C9D 19 inch alloy, 5 V spoke design
- C9L 19 inch alloy, 5 twin spoke edge design
- C9N 19 inch alloy, 5 Y spoke design
- C9P 19 inch alloy, 5 arm trapezoid design
- C9Q 19 inch alloy, 5 double spoke star design
- 1G1 Space saver spare wheel
- 1G5 Tire repair kit in place of spare wheel
Verify fitment against the VIN, brake size and market before buying wheels.
Audi A3 lighting codes
- 8EC Halogen headlights
- 8EX Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running lights
- 8IT LED headlights
- 8IU Matrix LED headlights
- 8Q1 Manual headlight range adjustment
- 8Q3 Automatic headlight range adjustment
- 8G1 High beam assist
- 8K1 Separate daytime running lights
- 8K4 LED daytime running lights in headlight
- 8Q5 Automatic headlights with coming home and leaving home
- 8X1 Headlight washers
- 8SP LED taillights
- 8SK Halogen taillights
- 8TA Rear fog light
- 8SA Without rear fog light
- 8WM All weather lights
- 8WH Static cornering light
Audi A3 interior option codes
- 4A3 Heated front seats
- 4A4 Heated front and rear seats
- 3PN Power driver seat with memory
- Q1A Standard front seats
- Q1G Sport seats
- N5F Fine Nappa leather
- N3F Alcantara and leather combination
- N0E Cloth upholstery
- 7P1 Electric lumbar support, front seats
- 1XW Leather steering wheel, 4 spoke
- 1XX Leather 3 spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
- 2PF Flat bottom sport steering wheel
- 2C7 Manually adjustable steering column
- 2ZH Heated steering wheel
- 9AK Dual zone automatic climate control
- 9AD Climatronic
- 9M9 Auxiliary heater
- 4L6 Auto dimming interior mirror
- 5MA Aluminum decorative inlays
- 6NJ Black cloth headliner
- 6E3 Front center armrest
- 7HE Extended leather package
- QE1 Storage package
Audi A3 safety and driver assistance codes
- PCF Assistance package with lane assist and adaptive cruise control
- 8T2 Cruise control
- 8T8 Adaptive cruise control
- 7Y1 Side assist
- 7Y5 Audi pre sense rear
- 7X2 Rear parking sensors
- 7X5 Park assist with steering guidance
- 7X8 Front and rear parking sensors
- KA2 Rear view camera
- UH2 Hill hold assist
- QK1 Camera based lane assist
- QR9 Traffic sign recognition
- 7L8 Start stop system
- 7W1 Audi pre sense basic
- 1AT Electronic stabilization program with traction control
- 1AS Electronic stability control
- 3B4 ISOFIX and top tether, outer rear seats
- 4UF Front airbags with passenger airbag deactivation
- 4X3 Front side airbags and curtain airbags
- 4H5 Manual child safety lock
- 1I3 Electronic differential lock
- 7K1 Tire pressure monitoring, passive
- 7K6 Tire pressure monitoring, active
- 8N6 Light and rain sensor
Audi A3 infotainment and communication codes
- 7UF MMI Radio plus
- 7UG MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch
- 9S8 Audi virtual cockpit
- 9S6 Standard driver information system
- 9ZX Bluetooth hands free
- 9ZK Audi smartphone interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 9WQ Audi phone box with wireless charging
- 9WZ WiFi hotspot and LTE
- 9ZW Audi connect with emergency call
- 9VD Audi sound system
- 9VK Bang and Olufsen sound system
- 9VC Sound package with subwoofer
- 9VH Basic 8 speaker audio
Audi A3 VIN Decoder FAQs
Where is the VIN number on an Audi A3?
At the bottom of the windshield on the driver side, on the door jamb label, on the data sticker in the spare wheel well and service book, and stamped into the body in the engine bay. It's also on the title or V5C logbook.
Where is the chassis number on an Audi A3?
The chassis number is the VIN. It's stamped into the body in the engine bay and repeated on the windshield, door jamb and data sticker.
Can I decode a UK or European Audi A3 VIN?
Only partly with most free tools, because they run on US data. You can read the generation and model year yourself using the guide above, then decode the PR codes for the full spec.
What does WAUZZZ8V mean?
WAU is Audi, ZZZ is filler used on European market VINs, and 8V is the model code for the third generation A3 built from 2012 to 2020.
How do I find out what options my Audi A3 has?
Read the PR codes from the data sticker in the spare wheel well or service book and paste them into the decoder above. An Audi dealer can also print the full factory spec from your VIN.
Can the VIN confirm S line, Premium Plus or Prestige?
Not on its own. The VIN confirms the model and year. Trim and packs show up in the PR codes and on the dealer printout.
How do I know if an Audi S3 or RS3 is genuine?
Check the engine code, the quattro code 1X1 on the data sticker and the dealer printout. Bumpers, badges and wheels prove nothing.
Does every Audi A3 have quattro?
No. Most are front wheel drive. quattro is standard on the S3 and RS3 and was offered on some higher output petrol and diesel models.
Dale Ogden
Dale has spent more than 20 years in vehicle valuations, forecasting and asset management. He was a Forecast Manager at CAP HPI, the UK's leading vehicle valuation authority and a counterpart to Kelley Blue Book.
He helped pioneer early electric vehicle depreciation models adopted by major manufacturers, and his residual value forecasts cover more than 10,000 vehicles. Today his data led insights help buyers, enthusiasts and automotive professionals around the world.
What Is Your Audi A3 Spec Worth?
Virtual cockpit, Matrix LED, Bang and Olufsen, S line. Two A3s can look the same in photos and be worth very different money. See what the options on yours are worth today.
Value my Audi optionsFree, instant valuations for your Audi's options and spec.
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